Highlight

Gail and I have been asked often, upon our return from Africa and Europe, what was the highlight of our trip. We saw many wonderful things: from African sunrises and worship services to Luther’s cell at Wartburg and St. Thomas Cathedral in Strasburg. We saw horrific contrasts between the holocaust museum at Dachau and medieval masterpieces at the Louvre. We couldn’t helped be profoundly moved as we observed pervasive third world conditions coupled with the optimistic spirit of young (and old) ‘bush’ pastors who have counted the costs and are making a difference with the gospel.

What was the highlight? The missionaries. The husbands and wives and children. They serve a high calling. They serve in difficult circumstances. They serve in spite of poor health. They serve, showing minimal discouragement and with a great sense of humor. They serve with acceptance and joy and hope and courage and steadfastness. They serve with competence, creativity and compassion: they don’t hurt with the help they provide.

Their children are amazing. I watched them for 10 hours in the sun and rain on the back of a truck go 130 miles. That’s a blistering 13 mph! They spent their time in various ways and positions, often in intense discussions – the little girls’ eyes locked on the older girls’ gestures and words. The young men, in the other truck, mostly slept but at each stop went through pre-assigned routines checking the vehicles and trailers as the others went to the bushes. Unusual children … normal children … full of fun and energy (water polo!) … Unusual youth: loving, adjusting, polite, responsible, energetic, serious, creative and fun … understanding the high calling their parents have answered, embracing it and their part of it for themselves.

The wives – they make it happen. With grace and hospitality. and hospitality and HOSPITALITY. Companions and helpers. Managers, communicators, “Doctors”, listeners, teachers, workers, lovers, encouragers, friends.

TMM missionary families were the highlight of our trip. Are they perfect? Certainly not. Amazing? Each one! Should we exalt them so? The Scripture tells us to hold such in esteem who for the work of Christ don’t regard their lives dear to themselves but supply what is lacking in missionary endeavor! (Phil. 2:29-30). And don’t worry that they will get inflated, they live the principle “Not that we are sufficient of ourselves … our sufficiency is from God” (2 Cor. 3:5-6).

I hope one day you will have the privilege of seeing them function in “their” setting – it was the highlight for us. For most that won’t happen – that is the nature of sending them ‘out’. I am thankful for those whose financial support and prayers for each of them is supplying what is lacking to a world lost without the Gospel!