“Hhmmm … REAL missionaries don’t go out for KFC!” I laughed at this comment to a photo posted yesterday on FACEBOOK. The writer, an adult MK (missionary kid), was probably in shock and a bit jealous as things like this were not available when he was growing up in Africa! And what elicited this response? A photo of the first-ever solar-powered rotating KFC bucket erected at a Nairobi shopping mall advertising that after an absence of decades, KFC is re-opening in Kenya! I also laughed at his adding a definition of REAL before our profession and the comments made by missionary co-workers who proved the truth of a note I added to the photo: “Sorry, this is not today’s Prayer Nudge … but it is definitely an answer to prayer for many missionaries!”
I’m not meandering as I write – there is a reason I am opening with this story: To lead you to prayer for physical, mental, emotional and spiritual strength for REAL missionaries, those of us who are in it for the long-haul and for short-termers. Most of us, most of the time, love what we do! There are many joys and blessings in our lives such as holding little ones, especially sick babies as they receive medical help from your volunteer team (top photo is a member of the FBC Amarillo, TX team ministering last week at the Baptist Children’s Centre in Nairobi). Our daughter and her friend experienced joy a few days before returning safely (thanks for your prayers) to their studies in the States. The remaining photos in this note shares the progression of Jessie’s and Amy’s followers at the Children’s Centre!
BUT missionaries also get stressed, strained and stretched as we seek to respond to the needs in our part of the world. I felt this way on Monday as I prepared the day’s Prayer Nudge from East Africa (also appears at Praying for Others) – “After reading the morning news, I decided that today's photo should be one that leads to a smile as we pray together! Today's Kenyan newspaper is filled with the usual politics, information on the suffering from the famine in our part of the world, and many greetings/ sales promotions related to Ramadan. Pray with me for wisdom…” Frustration comes from wanting to be strong workers for our Father, but knowing the best way to respond is too often complicated and time consuming – which is not your heart’s desire when you want to get to work! Sorrow comes from knowing that we can respond to only a few of the many needs we encounter!
Distress also comes as we do the needed ‘research’ to minister. An example is the pain that comes with learning the depths of the suffering of those facing famine in the Horn of Africa. It is also painful to learn about the beliefs of those of no faith or other faiths and realize what burdens and bondage they carry. I shared an example of this in yesterday’s prayer nudge – of people striving to please God, but following rules and regulations that do not lead to their knowing and claiming our Savior’s peace, love and joy.
Another frustration while I’m sharing – the definition of a REAL missionary! I know my friend who jokingly used this adjective shares my belief that every Christian is a MISSIONARY – all followers of Christ are to be on mission with our Father – we are to all to do His work. AND if every Christian does what God has prepared him/her to do, I believe without a doubt it will result in the day when a “multitude … from EVERY nation, tribe, people and language (is) standing before the throne” crying “Salvation belong to our God” (Rev 7:9,10).
Thank you for the chance to ‘vent’ and thank you also for being a part of our being ‘professional’ missionaries – thanks to the prayer, personnel, and financial support we receive from Southern Baptists and others. I am also thankful, very thankful for the many others who are our REAL missionary co-workers for long periods and short ones! BERT YATES
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