The Men We Need

Men of an amiable, yielding temper, willing to take the lowest place; to be least of all; and the servants to all…who live near God, and who are willing to suffer all things for Christ’s sake without being proud of it – these are the men we need. --Ann Judson 

So you feel God has called you to foreign missions? Then get ready...


Somebody said that war is 99% boredom and 1 percent sheer terror. Missionary life can draw some somewhat similar comparisons.

Missions life is much, much more than standing on a conference platform, having a display table, or giving a Power Point presentation; much more than having a plaque with your name on the wall of churches.

Missionary life is also filled with the agony of long and (somewhat) patient waiting...waiting for answers from God, waiting for doors to open, waiting for visas to be approved, for permissions to be granted. Missionary life is dealing with setbacks after times of deputation travel; hours of molding, crafting, shaping people. Missions life is full of gritting of teeth while giving saints and ministers in training the opportunity to fail, so that they may also have the opportunity to grow and eventually succeed for the Kingdom's sake. Missionary life is getting along with other missionaries, of fitting in your goals and projects with the overall vision and work, instead of forging ahead as a "Lone Ranger," disregarding the greater good. Missionary life is aloneness.

Missions life is putting up with culture clash or shock without feeling or acting superior. Missions life is often letting the spotlight be on others while doing the job set before. Missons life is enduring various hardships for Christ's sake "without being proud of it" (Ann Judson). Missionary life is keeping a sweet and right spirit, no matter the circumstances; it is giving God all the glory for whatever successes are granted, and quietly and matter-of-factly enduring whatever hardships are handed you, until God comes through.

Missions life is filled with frustration for unreached cities and regions, of the heartache that comes from the driving urge to move to each needy, hungry area but not having the funds or the personnel to do it all or even much of it. Times of praying and...waiting.

And then there are the "sheer terror moments"...but thank God, they are few indeed, and we work for a God Who delivers from them all.

But – saved for last, but in no wise the least – there are the moments of utter joy and fulfillment, when churches become established, workers' eyes light up as they grasp the concept of what you are teaching them, or a new area is "broken open" for the sake of the Gospel. It is moments of witnessing divine healing, people being filled with the Holy Ghost and speaking in a tongue unknown to them but very familiar to you – because it is your own! – and so much more.

The "slogging" percentage is high...but the moments of sheer joy more than even the balances.

Do you have what it takes to be a foreign missionary? If God has called you, count the cost, and please...say "Yes." You are needed.