04.12.08
Missionaries tell the best stories
We just had the pleasure of hosting two missionary friends of our who have been serving in Germany for over 30 years. As we talked over coffee and meal times, I was struck with the number of amazing stories that they had to tell us. Crazy things like almost getting arrested in Naples. And great things like finally seeing fruit after many years of labor.
It got me to thinking. Why does any missionary go through these crazy things? We’ve only been here just under three years, so our supply of stories isn’t near what these veterans had to tell. But we’ve had our share of times when we look back and wonder what on earth just happened, and how God got us out of it!
A lot of missionaries have an adventurous spirit, and so they stay on the field just for the love of new experiences. I think some like to create things and see them grow. But I don’t know if those things are enough. Every missionary I know (that has made it for the long haul) feels a strong sense of calling. That God has asked them to be where they are. And it’s funny what you’ll endure when you know you’re where you’re supposed to be.
But calling isn’t reserved just for missionaries. I think He calls all of us to be somewhere or do something. There’s lots of contentment that can be found when you’ve wrestled with the call in your life and planted yourself where you’re supposed to be.
So where are you called to be?
Diana said,
04.12.08 at 11:35 pm
I’m thinking it’s Kazakhstan. To give one little boy an opportunity of a lifetime. With all of the setbacks, road blocks and red tape we have encountered I remain cheerful and optimistic. In an unexplained way I am driven to do this. It’s spooky at times. I don’t profess to understand the hand that is guiding me but I most definitely feel it’s presence!
April said,
04.16.08 at 10:17 pm
Great post, Brian.I like what you wrote about God’s call not just being for missionaries. Good stuff!