For several years while I was in Bible College, I had hoped to be a part of Wycliffe Bible Translators when I graduated. Wycliffe's goal is to provide scriptures to every tribe and tongue on the earth. Many such peoples have no written languages, so the translator's first task is to learn the language and then put that language into writing. One time I saw a demonstration in chapel of the process of reducing a language to writing. Also, in the college corridor I came face-to-face with Dayuma (See Amazon.com), the first Auca indian in Ecuador to be saved though the efforts of 5 men, their wives, and Rachel Saint, sister to one of the men. In 1956 those 5 men were martyred by the same Indians whom they had been trying to reach with the gospel.These men and women were involved in the translation process for these indians.
During my junior year God made it clear to me that Wycliffe and Bible translation was not where He was directing me. However about a year ago I started receiving literature from Wycliffe and requests for support. I wrote to them about how I had been interested in becoming a translator when I was in college, but that God had redirected me. They began emailing me a weekly list of prayer requests and praise reports. I committed myself to praying for these requests for the missionaries, their families, and the many Wycliffe projects. I don't find it easy (never have!) to pray for requests on a list without knowing the people. Many times I have to force myself. After I "get going", however, my heart softens, and prayer flows more freely.
Today I was touched as to how "human" each missionary is. There were requests for one who just learned that she has cancer, and another whose newborn died after living only two days. Others live and work in dangerous countries where there is hostility to their presence and their work. Then I was amazed by how many support personnel it takes to keep all of this going--housing, managing, business, computers, pilots, etc.--and how many people have been willing to give of their time and finances as volunteer support personnel.
Today I was touched as to how "human" each missionary is. There were requests for one who just learned that she has cancer, and another whose newborn died after living only two days. Others live and work in dangerous countries where there is hostility to their presence and their work. Then I was amazed by how many support personnel it takes to keep all of this going--housing, managing, business, computers, pilots, etc.--and how many people have been willing to give of their time and finances as volunteer support personnel.
I am impressed. Impressed with God's people who are so willing to lay down their lives for Him in order to bring the Word of God to even small groups of people in backward and dangerous places. I am impressed by their "secret" lives in which they experience fatigue, illness, fear, stress, joy, sorrow, environmental irritations, family--and life. I am impressed by their patience and persistence. By their focus on the King and on the King's business.
I remember once going into a Christian bookstore just to browse--or "graze", as a friend described it. As I went down the rows of books, I stopped briefly at the section which contained biographies including missionary biographies. The Holy Spirit spoke to my heart: "These folks are a blessing to Me!" He said. My spirit was very touched by His comment. Why do I think He put it that way? Because I believe that He was expressing that these folks were those whose hearts beat with His heart; who shared His vision for the Kingdom of God. I am reminded, however, that we don't have to be missionaries or Christian leaders in order to lay down our lives and bless God. Just be sold-out Christians who obey, "follow the Lamb wherever He goes" and place God and His Kingdom first!! (Revelation 14:4)
