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The tragic news smashed us like a rocket from an Iraqi ambush. One of our warriors had fallen, not in military combat, but in missionary combat on a foreign field. His wounds were so severe that he was required to relinquish his duties and return home.

The wounds in his case were not physical, but mental, emotional and spiritual. He had fallen prey to sexual temptations.

I doubt that many of us ever pray for our missionaries to be protected from these enemy missile attacks, even though they are vulnerable to the sexual temptations that are common to all of us. In some overseas situations the environments create especially severe testings.

But now that the man’s wounds—and those of his family—have been exposed, what is our duty? Who picks up our fallen soldiers? Who carries the loaded litters back from the front lines, and who nurses the wounded back to health? If the man had cancer, we would all know what to do. We would seek the best medical advice and urge prompt treatment from oncologists and surgeons. Nothing is debatable in such cases.

But Christians and churches have split over what to do about pastors and missionaries caught in sexual immorality. Some want to be gracious and forgiving, while others demand punishment and disgrace.

Of course, punishment and disgrace come with exposure, but what about future treatment and eventual restoration? Christians have long been excoriated for shooting their wounded, and sometimes we have done so.

The care of wounded missionaries is as complex as the care of a cancer patient. Who is responsible? Family? Church? Mission board? Who determines treatment? Who decides when treatment is a success or failure? Who decides when the person is fit for ministry again?

I believe our ultimate goal must be total healing and restoration, if not to ministry then at least to personal and family health and a productive role in society. Although the person’s sin may be revolting, this is no time to treat our returned missionary like a leper.

Of course, counseling must be provided and accepted by all parties, including extended family members. In some cases dedicated donors, prayer supporters and even members of church mission committees will also need professional help.

Another huge need is financial. Family counseling in residential treatment centers does not come cheaply, and insurance benefits may not be provided. In such cases I believe the missionary’s prayer and financial supporters—individuals as well as churches—must step up to the plate and be generous with their money and their prayers.

Ideally, supporting churches and the mission board should work together and with family members. This requires good communication and trust. There must be total agreement on both urgent and long-term treatment and care.

Mission agencies have stepped up their caregiving in such cases, often with professional help. God has provided many residential counseling centers for hurting families. Some churches offer counseling services as well as pastoral care. It’s just that in the case of sex offenders we have such a hard time dealing with our own emotions.

God’s stories in the Bible show that sinners can be forgiven and they can and do make fresh starts. The wounded warrior and his family must know that, despite the past, there is hope of forgiveness and healing from God and from his people. Without such hope, the future looks as bleak as a moonscape.

Jesus is strong to save, not from sin’s penalties alone, but also from sin’s power. Jesus is strong enough to overcome our repulsion and our desire for punishment. We have lost a valued servant in terms of his overseas ministry, but we must not lose the man and his wife and children. They are all too valuable to lose.