A Study of the Experiences of Missionaries Reassigned to A New Mission Field After Involuntary Withdrawal

This study explores the experiences of missionaries reassigned to a new mission field after involuntary withdrawal and the meaning of this transition. Six missionaries who had served over five years in their initial field and two to four years in the reassigned field participated. Colaizzi's phenomenological method was used to analyze their experiences, yielding 137 meaning units, 42 themes, 18 theme clusters, and 7 categories: (1) insufficient transition periods, (2) the need for therapy and debriefing, (3) the importance of transitional period, (4) impatience to establish family stability and begin ministry, (5) practical benefits from previous ministry experience, (6) psychological difficulties in adjustment, and (7) experiencing God's sovereignty and guidance. Their perceived meaning of the transition revealed two categories: an expanded understanding of mission and a paradigm shift fostering personal and spiritual growth. The findings highlight seven discussion points and provide recommendations for supporting missionaries during involuntary transitions.