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The Missionary Heart


I've said it many times that I have a heart for missions and I know that it is a God's gift. It's been some time since I participated in one and so when I was invited to join Cornerstone's Stepping Out last Saturday in San Jose Del Monte, Bulacan, I just had to be there despite of...

It was a church planting activity and I was really blessed to see that the number of workers were as much or probably more than the number of patients seen! Everyone had their own role and it was really amazing to see how organized and how sincere each one of them as they carried out their own roles. Not all of them may have realized but they showcased 'the missionary heart' even for just a day.

I heard about the story of a missionary named Karen Watson. She was a Southern Baptist missionary to Iraq and was killed by unknown assailants March 15, 2004. In the book Lives Given, Not Taken: 21st Century Southern Baptist Martyrs, by Erich Bridges and Jerry Rankin, a letter written by Karen and left behind in an envelope that said "Open in case of death" was included. It said in part:
Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger,


You should only be opening this in the event of death. When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations.

I wasn't called to a place; I was called to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward, His glory my reward . . .

 The missionary heart:
Cares more than some think is wise
Risks more that some think is safe
Dreams more than some think is practical
Expects more than some think is possible.

I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience. . .There is no Joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you two and my church family.

In His care,

Salaam, Karen
This is what a true missionary heart is all about. I pray continuously that the Lord will open new opportunities for me to be part of His vineyard.


 http://www.desiringgod.org/Blog/597_the_missionary_heart/
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