Imperfect People Serving an Imperfect World

     The March 1970 issue of the Other Sheep was by far my favorite to read! It was not only because it now had color photos or an updated format, but it was because the writing style and themes were different too! When reading all of the other issues, I got the impression that the missionaries were talking about what they did for the people in the country they were serving, but not what they people did for them or taught them. I think that learning from the people you serve is so important; it cannot be just a one way relationship. One article I particularly like was called "What Africa has done for me" and it went as follows:

   

                  I came to Africa to teach, but I have been taught in return. I came

                  to lead, but I have been led. I came to Africa to show, but I have 

                  been shown. I came to Africa to give, but I have been given to. Africa

                  has given me a greater appreciation for my Church heritage. Africa has             

                  taught me that life is more than "meat and drink". Africa has shown me the 

                  resilience of human spirit. Africa has shown me that the church is more 

                  than brick and mortar.  Africa has illustrated to me that the Christian faith is  

                  related to every aspect of life. Africa has proven the power of simple faith.

                  Africa has shown me the real meaning of self-sacrifice. 

     I really liked this part because if a missionary does not learn just as much, if not more, from the people they are serving than they are teaching the people, something is wrong. The second part of this article I thought was very interesting was a section called "Missionaries are Fools".  This article was about a conversation between a missionary and a person from area where the missionary was trying to witness. All I have to say is that this guy had a lot of courage to say this to the missionary's face. I think they the man actually made a valid point. The man called the missionaries fools because they go in and try to teach these people who have never even heard about Jesus before, and after the service expect them to remember and understand everything they said. He said "You are fools because you gave them no literature to explain your religion, to help them understand what you are talking about." He went on to say that "you Christians" have been there for 100 years and have converted very few people to "your Christ". He said that "we Communists" referring to himself I am assuming have been there for only 10 years and yet there is not one person in that country that had not heard of Communism. When I was reading this I was like, "Wow this guy really let this missionary told him how he thought it was". I am not fully agreeing with this man, but I think he did raise important issues. Missionaries, though they will never be perfect, must be aware of the need of the people around them. Making sure that when they preach the Gospel, they have hand outs as well for them to look at on their own. 

     As I conclude my last blog post, I just wanted to say that I have learned that missionaries no matter how much they prepare, will never be perfect. They will not always say the right things, make the right choices, or preach so that thousands receive salvation. I have learned that being a missionary takes patience and a humble heart. One must able to be flexible and willing to learn from their mistakes. Though we are imperfect people serving an imperfect world, if we trust in God to lead us and guide us, we will become better Christians and servants of God and others.