I closed my eyes to recall the picturesque scene of a village made up of thatched roof huts. Outside one of them, a group of people had gathered around a missionary who wore a big smile, and carried a large black Bible. The faces of each of the observers were intent, drinking in every word that the missionary had to say. The next scene unfolds, as the missionary’s wife, who also wore a big smile, was handing out food and articles of clothing to the grateful villagers. Most of the village came to know the Lord, and the missionaries were great hero’s of the faith, who lived in harmony with all men...
To a large degree, this was how I use to envision foreign missions. The biographies I read were usually stories that had a brilliant ending. And the sunday school pictures of mud huts somehow made them seem quaint.
Instead, I’ve discovered the mission field is like any other place: a place of reality. The missionary doesn’t escape the things that he struggled with in his homeland. Nor does sharing the love of Jesus become suddenly easier when entering a foreign mission field. And just like at home, people are not always receptive to the Word. The idea of “giving to the needy” becomes less appealing when the gifts become expected. We are all alike, in the sense that our flesh is never satisfied.
The nostalgic picture I once carried in my mind doesn’t allow for the reality of a missionary who is burnt out, or who struggles with language barrier. Or perhaps the difficulties of living on a mission compound, where certain characters are forced to constantly live and work together. Culture clashes will never become extinct, and continue to create questions, misunderstandings and frustration for both parties involved.
When it comes to foreign missions, I still feel I have much to learn and understand. Yet, the little I have had the privilege to observe, has given me a new and greater appreciation for those involved. For beyond the painted version of a missionary is a man or woman who struggles just like anyone else. But who is willing to answer the call to leave it all behind. To forever give up the comfort of knowing where “home” is, and face the unknown. They are the hero on furlough, but have learned what it means to be lonely and the forgotten one at home.
So most missionaries don’t lead the heroic lifestyle many may think. Their everyday work involves the nitty gritty, boring, dirty stuff as well. But for those who simply go in Jesus name, their work of sacrifice will not go unnoticed by Him. For it’s not the glamorous work we often think He’s most impressed by. It’s the cup of cold water given in His name...
“Then the King will say to those on his right, ‘Come, you who are blessed by my Father; take your inheritance, the kingdom prepared for you since the creation of the world. For I was hungry and you gave me something to eat, I was thirsty and you gave me something to drink, I was a stranger and you invited me in, I needed clothes and you clothed me, I was sick and you looked after me, I was in prison and you came to visit me.’ “Then the righteous will answer him, ‘Lord, when did we see you hungry and feed you, or thirsty and give you something to drink? When did we see you a stranger and invite you in, or needing clothes and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and go to visit you?’ “The King will reply, ‘I tell you the truth, whatever you did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me.’ - Matthew 25: 34-40
