I have a heritage in the Lord that I hold very dear. My grandparents and parents both made the decision, years and years ago to follow the Lord halfway around the globe, for the sake of the cross, and to make His Name known.
While visiting my 86-year-old grandma, Elsie Hunter, last month, she gave me a copy of a short article she had written about 45 years ago. She was then a missionary in South Africa, caring for missionary kids of parents who worked in the bush. She had 6 kids of her own, and felt a ton of heartache for and with her children as she fulfilled God's call on her own life. She poses the question, "is it really worth it?" I was encouraged by her words below, and think you may be also.
"On Blessings and Sacrifices"
Little did we think nineteen years ago that the big, healthy, baby son, that the Lord had loaned to us, would be boarding a South African Airways plane to soar thousands of miles away from us to go to Bible School in America. As I thought upon this, my mind also returned to the time when we had to part from Joyce and Janice nearly three years ago at Kennedy Airport, and with broken hearts, come thousands of miles over here. And then Janice came over to see us for nearly five weeks and we had to part with her again about three weeks ago. There is so much to do that I don't usually allow myself the luxury of meditating long on these things but, with this one that is so close to our hearts, I asked myself the age-old question, "Is it really worth it?"
Is it worth leaving those whom the Lord entrusted in your care for a time that is seemingly much too short in retrospection, and go out where, many, many times you are misunderstood, distrusted, unloved, and perhaps unrewarded, humanly speaking? This is the question that haunts the minds and hearts of many and is the greatest problem ever faced by a missionary couple. Can we really lay all on the altar when the "ALL" includes our own flesh and blood? Many must "count the cost" over and over before sending their own dear children to us, whether they be six years old or sixteen. Then, having "counted the cost" they bring all the children they have and, with breaking hearts, drive off and leave them here with us. As the Lord has seen fit for us to experience the same thing many times, we mingle our tears with theirs, and learn to love them and feel with them, making a bond that draws us close to the Lord for His grace and comfort.
As I thought on these things, I came to a conclusion. If I am here on a perpetual holiday; if I am here to take rather than to give; if I am here for any selfish, self-centered reason at all; and if I have not done my very best in the task that Lord called me to do, then I am come in vain. I have not only betrayed the Lord and those who pray and gave to send us to the field, but I have betrayed my own dear children, who must turn to others for love, guidance, and comfort. We are very much averse to tear-jerkers in messages and letters, but felt that we should share our griefs with you at times, as well as our joys. In the midst of the grief at parting with Jim, is the joy that he loves the Lord and wishes to honor His Word and serve Him too. Many missionary parents have had grief upon grief when their children turned from the Lord and went their own way. We've also had the joy of seeing Joyce and Janice train for Christian service and wait upon the Lord for His direction and guidance. his blessings always outweigh the sacrifices.
Elsie Hunter
Fairfield Children's Home, South Africa
My husband, child, and I are currently in the throws of departing to serve God in a far away land. When I read my grandmother's word, I take courage. There are some really tough good-byes ahead, and yet, I believe with my grandma, "his blessings always outweigh the sacrifices." And we are seeing the blessings every day! Thank you, Jesus!
