I borrowed this blog title from a book I just finished reading called “Safely Home” by Randy Alcorn. It is a story of Christian martyrs in China. It has been an interesting parallel to my current life position. Parallel meaning going in a similar direction...I hope we all are. While my title is a missionary and I definitely know God has placed me in Peru for his purpose, to share who he is with those around me, I am acutely aware that my situation is different than many other missionaries, or Christians for that matter, across the globe. This doesn’t in any way diminish what I do, and others like me, it just keeps things in perspective and grounds me. This story reminds me of the call on every Christians’ life. The call to deny yourself, take up your cross, and follow Jesus.
From childhood I have always been curious, interested, and gripped by the stories of missionaries and believers all over the world who have sacrificed for the sake of the Gospel. It began with our Vietnamese friends who came on a boat to the US, whose homemade egg rolls I enjoyed frequently. Childhood friends who were missionaries to Honduras inspired me. Countless church workers and full-time ministers our family supported, served under, and along side have been constant reminders of God’s call to serve. Stories I’ve read or heard from the pulpit or stage have all gripped me in a way to change my course and my worldview. This book “Safely Home” has been an inspiration to me over the past few months. I encourage you to find it and read it…it’s available on Amazon for Kindle.
As I journeyed home to spend Christmas with my family and friends the words safe, home, and Christmas had new meaning. I am grateful for what God has done and the blessings he has brought to me in the past year. I hope I can rise to the challenge and serve Him well.
I leave you with several thoughts and quotes from the book that I can’t seem to get out of my mind, and hope I never do.
“He could no have it both ways, not here. No God, no good. Forever. He had wanted a world where no one else was in charge, where no order was forced upon him. He had finally gotten it.”
“Never postpone obedience to Jesus.”
“Never forget Jesus is King. Never forget your home is in another world.”
Do I know Gods word well enough that if imprisoned because of my faith I could still be encouraged by His words to me?
Is my faith and my relationship with God enough that if everything I knew was taken and knew nothing of earthly comfort I could still sing praise to my Savior? Reflections for a new year.
Blessings and Happy New Year!!
