THE WORLD OWES A LOT TO WESTERN CHRISTIAN MISSIONARIES

For many in this world, Jesus’ call of the Great Commission is confusing, and to others, it is offensive. It is confusing because they don’t see the need for it. It is offensive because, it claims exclusivity, and thereby excludes, other means of salvation, as perceived and practiced by them. How are we, who claim ourselves to be Christians, see it? Most Christians are indifferent to the call of our LORD Jesus. We respond to it in a cold and callous manner. Simply put, the Great Commission really doesn’t matter to us.
– “18 And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. 19 Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: 20 Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” – Matthew 28:18-20

Not all Christians think indifferently. There are many in the past, and quite a few in the present, who do care for the call of our Master.
– “How could I spend the best years of my life in living for the honours of this world, when thousands of souls are perishing every day?” – C. T. Studd

Robert Moffat, a missionary from Scotland, thought different from others of his age. On 13th September, in 1816, exactly 209 years, to date, Robert was ordained and set apart, by London Missionary Society, to be a missionary in southern Africa, along with eight other missionaries. He becomes a notable translator. Robert was instrumental in paving the way for great work of the LORD in the continent of Africa. He is also the father-in-law of David Livingstone.

Hundreds of men and women, just like Robert Moffat, heeded to the call of the LORD Jesus Christ, and willingly, and joyfully, gave their lives, and their future, for Christian missionary work, in many different, and remote parts of the world. What is clearly visible, when we see the missionaries of old is, their heart, their love, their passion, their zeal, their commitment, their suffering, and their sacrifice, for the LORD, whom they loved more than themselves, and their future.
– “Let us not glide through this world and then slip quietly into heaven, without having blown the trumpet loud and long for our Redeemer, Jesus Christ. Let us see to it that the devil will hold a thanksgiving service in hell, when he gets the news of our departure from the field of battle.” – C. T. Studd

When they could enjoy a comfortable life, a bright future, and the love of their families, they chose the exact opposite, in obedience to the call of God. They knowingly embraced a life of sacrifice, suffering and death. We can’t but be amazed, at their clarity, their discipline, their dedication, their focus, their single-mindedness, and their determination, in following their LORD.
– “The missionary heart: Care more than some think is wise. Risk more than some think is safe. Dream more than some think is practical. Expect more than some think is possible. I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience… There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving him.” – Karen Watson

After the apostles, and the Christians of the early Church, we haven’t seen anything like this, untill the Protestant missionaries from the West, heeding to the call of God, to go preach the gospel, to the ends of the world. Christianity was planted in many parts of the world, in the first century itself. However, we were content with keeping it to ourselves, and our clans. Indian Christians from the first century, are a very fine example of greed and selfishness. Thomas the apostle, came to India, in 52 AD, bringing this precious and priceless good news of great joy to us. Yet, the same gospel message, was brought to the very neighbouring villages, not by the natives, but by the Western Christian missionaries, travelling thousands of miles, crossing oceans and deserts. What a pitiful reflection of our hearts. Wonder how the LORD would see it?

We own a great debt to these dear brothers and sisters from the West, which I am sure, we can never ever repay. However, we can, and we should, thank God for these amazing men and women, who gave so much to us, by emptying themselves for the sake of the LORD. To name a few…
– David Livingston, whose heart was literally buried in Africa, in the place and among the people whom he loved; but his body in Westminster Abbey.
– William Carey, the English cobbler, who became the “Father of Protestant Missions.” This Baptist missionary never returned home. 
– “Send me anywhere, only go with me. Lay any burden on me, only sustain me. Sever any tie, but the ties that bind me to your service and to your heart.” – David Livingstone

Sadly, the church today, has blissfully forgotten its primary responsibility, entrusted to her, by the One who paid for our redemption, by His own blood. We are today, poor in our understanding of God and His heart; and beggarly in our living for God. We seem to be concerned only about ourselves, and content being blessed with every material benefit. What life is it, that we are living? Can we see beyond ourselves?
– “We’ve strayed from being fishers of men to being keepers of the aquarium.” – Paul Harvey

How about you and me, dear brothers and sisters? Do our hearts burn for the preaching of the gospel? Do our hearts ache for those who haven’t heard the gospel? Do our lives preach the risen LORD, who was crucified for the sins of the world – you and me? Think about it. Let us seek the LORD, as we ask Him to help us, to be His witnesses, disregarding the price, that we have to pay. Even so, the LORD help us.