Mark 16:15 ESV
And he said to them, “Go into all the world and proclaim the
gospel to the whole creation.
There is a story of a missionary who went to Africa when he was
eighteen years old. Upon his arrival he was told that his sleeping quarters were in the church, so he went into the church and placed his cot in front of the
pulpit and went to sleep for the night.
Within minutes, several people had slipped into church. The
missionary lay motionless on his cot, only able to stare straight up. Could it
be? Yes, there was a service that night and the church was packed.
Finally, the pastor arrived, went behind the pulpit, and started
the service, graciously ignoring the missionary. The youth ensemble came
forward, formed a half circle in front of the missionary, and began to sing.
Soon the service ended. The missionary realized there was nothing
that he could do, so he sat up wearing only his pajamas and greeted and shook
the people hands as they departed the church.
Beloved as I speak of having the heart of a missionary this day,
understand that God often puts his people in positions that are uncomfortable.
Through this discomfort and unpreparedness God truly touches the heart(s) of
those in ministry and mission, and is where the strongest of relationships are forged.
My prayer for you this day is that you will seek out your areas of
discomfort and make them your place to have the heart of a missionary. Through
your discomfort, the bonds of Christ centered relationship will truly be born.
