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The Father, The Lord Jesus Christ & and The Holy Spirit -
MISSIONARIES -
By Julie A. Dawes
Whenever our church is visited by missionaries, I am reminded of one day in church when I was a little girl. I was listening to stories about missionaries, and I thought that I would like to be one some day.
I considered all the sacrifices I would have to make. I would have to leave my family, go to a strange place where no one would understand me, and learn a new way of life -
As I recalled those thoughts, it occurred to me that this was exactly what Jesus did -
When I thought of the sacrifices Jesus made, I usually thought of the main two: Leaving Heaven (initially) and dying for us on the cross (in the end). I then felt ashamed for not acknowledging all the sacrifices He made in between.
Jesus left His home in Heaven and on earth to travel to foreign lands to preach the Word. He had to learn a new life-
He was always alone, for even when He was with His disciples, no one understood Him.
He willingly subjected Himself to hunger, the temptations of Satan, the wrath of men, and the mockery of life as a whole.
Every single day held sacrifices for Jesus. There was nothing He did that was for Himself, even unto the end.
I have a deep respect for missionaries today who are willing to follow in Jesus' footsteps.
What courage they have to leave their comfort zone to face the unknown! What joy they must have to know that they are doing the same thing for Jesus that He did for them!
May they always find strength in their weaknesses, serenity in their persecutions, and riches in their poverty.
THE MISSIONARY
By Julie A. Dawes
A Missionary was He,
Who pledged a life to roam;
His services were free,
So others could have a home.
Rich He could have been,
Yet He chose to stay poor;
He was on a selfless mission,
Giving to others riches galore.
He had nothing to call His own,
And a lonely Man was He.
He chose to travel alone,
So others could have family.
When hungry, He'd go without,
And offer His loaf of bread,
To people scattered about,
So multitudes could be fed.
No fancy clothes had He,
But to others He'd provide,
Robes of purest white and glory,
Fit for a Heavenly Bride.
Mocking and hatred He withstood,
But still His love shone through;
He showed us what was good,
So we could learn to love anew.
The Missionary was Jesus,
With so much love to give;
That He sacrificed for all of us,
And died, that we might live!