One of the dominating stories of the last year has been the rise of ebola in Africa. In the past few months, thousands have gotten infected and died, with some of the most notable cases being those of missionaries who went to the field to minister. Even surrounded by death and infectious diseases, these individuals have not abandoned their faith or the people they chose to minister to.
The obvious question is why. Why would somebody risk his or her life for a people group different from their own? Why would they stay in obvious danger, even with the possibility of leaving? A missionary friend, living in Africa, wanted to respond to some of those questions. Her answer is quoted below.
The obvious question is why. Why would somebody risk his or her life for a people group different from their own? Why would they stay in obvious danger, even with the possibility of leaving? A missionary friend, living in Africa, wanted to respond to some of those questions. Her answer is quoted below.
To those preparing for the field:
This is not the first time that those called to serve God have suffered.
We have buried our own children.
We have lost friends and coworkers to violence.
We have faced death, all around us, on a daily basis.
We have wept with those who weep, prayed, and wept again. We have struggled. We have burned out.
This is not a Mary Poppins life you have chosen.
But we want you to know that we would choose this life again. We would choose obedience to Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us, over a life of money, of family, of Western medicine. We would choose to see Christ’s power made perfect in our weakness rather than be known for our own wisdom.
You see, the person of Jesus Christ and the abiding presence of the Holy Spirit are worth more than anything or anyone we have lost. And there is nothing – NOTHING – that can separate us from HIs love; in all these things we are more than conquerors through Him who loved us.
He is this:
The Beginning and the End.
The Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.
There is no price that is too high.
Welcome to the fellowship of suffering.
He is worth it.
I want to know Christ and the power of his resurrection and the fellowship of his sufferings, and so, somehow, to attain the resurrection of the dead. (Philippians 3:10)
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