Reuben and Ana's journey to the Middle East

By SIM New Zealand

For Reuben* and Ana*, mission has never been about dramatic moments, but about steady, faithful obedience. Now raising their two young boys in New Zealand, they are preparing to serve long-term in the Middle East, with hopes of beginning a three-year term in January 2027.

Their vision is simple: to serve the local church, support refugees, and invest in maternal and infant health while learning language and culture.

Ana’s journey began in the United States, serving rough sleepers in New York before working with refugees in the Middle East. A small decision—to reply to an online message from Reuben—changed everything. That choice led to a first date in Jerusalem, a move to New Zealand, and eventually marriage.

Reuben, a missionary kid who grew up in Papua New Guinea, first sensed a call to cross-cultural ministry on a short-term trip to Thailand. His experiences have taken him across East Africa and South America, and although he now works as a lawyer, ministry remains central to his life. Reflecting on his calling, he says he has sought to live out 1 Thessalonians 2:8—sharing not only the gospel, but his life as well.

In choosing faithfulness in the small things, they’ve seen God lead in ways they couldn’t have planned.

With two young children, their spiritual rhythms require intention. Ana stays grounded through worship, Scripture, and self-awareness, while Reuben finds moments of prayer in the car and meets regularly with a spiritual director. Their journey hasn’t been without challenge. For Ana, investing deeply in relationships in the Middle East—despite language barriers and difficult conditions—led to life-changing moments, including supporting a mother through a life-threatening childbirth. This experience has since shaped her path into becoming a doula and lactation counsellor.

For both of them, obedience has often meant making difficult choices—whether leaving places they loved or staying longer than expected to strengthen their marriage and faith. Through it all, their approach to mission has remained rooted in partnership. As Ana puts it, “Some can go, some can pray, some can send—and we are all part of one body.”

Ultimately, their story is one of surrender. In choosing faithfulness in the small things, they’ve seen God lead in ways they couldn’t have planned.

“Some can go, some can pray, some can send—and we are all part of one body.”

The original version of this story was published in SIM New Zealand’s latest issue of Together magazine. You can follow the link to read the full story.

*Names have been changed.