APOSTOLIC News

Mississippi- August 4th, 2010. I am a missionary. I have felt the call since I was a small child and the day has finally arrived. I have dreamed of it and could not fully comprehend it. I felt a burden for those “poor lost souls” across the sea and yet I had no idea how to go about fulfilling this elusive calling.

There are so many ideas and misunderstandings about what a missionary is and is not. When I would confide in someone about my calling as a child, I would get a variety of responses. Some would say something meant to humor me; “that’s good son, keep the faith and God will use you.” Others would tell me how dangerous it was and try to convince why America was the place to be. Most of all, I found that there was simply a lack of understanding (through no fault of their own) about the ins and outs of missionary life.

I will soon be returning to Central America for the third time. When I tell people what I do, I still get a variety of responses. How can I explain this burden when I don’t fully understand it myself?

Invariably someone will ask the question of all questions; “aren’t there places and people in America that need the gospel? “ The answer, of course, is yes. “Can’t you do missions work here at home?” Again the answer is yes.

Just what is it that compels me to leave my friends and family to travel to a place hundreds or even thousands of miles away? A craving for adventure? No, for that would soon grow old. A desire to feel fulfilled? Although that may be noteworthy, it is not the primary motivation.

Then what is it? What makes me lie awake at night longing for a far off land? A place so real in my mind and yet so out of reach physically.

Perhaps it is a lady named Sarah whom I found in a ghetto in Honduras. Her children came to a Bible study and soon convinced her to join them. I will never forget the hopelessness that drove her to prostitution so that her children would not go hungry. But neither can I forget that radiant smile of peace when she was baptized in Jesus name.

Then there is Jonathan. He was the taxi driver who took me to church and on a thousand other errands. His marriage was on the rocks and he saw no hope for it. His wife did not understand his desire for God. I often wonder if He ever accepted my invitation to the local church.

The list of name goes on. Jose and Maria were alcoholics. Alberto loves God but needs the Holy Ghost. What makes these people any more needy than the lost of North America? Nothing. What makes me anymore special than you. Why should I go to them? I am no more special than others. But God has called and go I must.

I will not be living in a grass hut. I will have a vehicle and will shop in a “modern” grocery store. There will be challenges to overcome. My wife will struggle with the language as I once did. We will pray that we don’t make too many social blunders. It would never do to offend our new found friends.

Yes, there will be times of loneliness. Holidays are the worst. But God’s sweet spirit will be near. We will miss our friends at home. But every new soul born into God’s kingdom will be a new friend to share eternity with. I will have flat tires and power outages. I may even get sick and have to go to the doctor. But in many ways life will go on as normal as possible.

I will miss home, but I would not stay for any reason. I thank God every day for calling me to the foreign mission field. I am blessed beyond measure, for I am a missionary.

Sullivan’s Burden

I am a missionary. I was born and raised in the deep south on a country road and grew up in a “Christian” but non-church going home.

The fourth of four girls born to a military man who liked to travel, I was the daughter who was fascinated with “over there”. The daughter who could talk to anybody.

But my life was not complete. Only when Truth entered the picture was my life made whole. And only after coming to know the One True God has this life made any sense.

God works in mysterious ways. He gave me a hunger to meet people, to see places, and to go somewhere. My education was unusual. A rural boarding school with people from around the world was my norm. Most of the people were from Central and South America.

As God’s grace grew in me, my understanding increased. I realized I had a love for missions. Oh how I would cry when the missionaries came. “Follow the Lord”, they would say. But how? How could I, the fourth daughter go? I was the least of all. How could I make a difference. By being willing and taking a step of faith.

Who knew I would one day marry a man who had a love for Jesus at a young age? A man who felt the call to be a missionary even as a child.

I weep for a place I have never seen. I pray for people I have never met. I am constantly thinking of a country that can not compare to the U.S.

“Why go?”, you ask. Because I see faces of people in my dreams I need to meet. There is work that must be done and God has put if before me to do with his help.

Will it be easy? No, I have a lot to learn. But learn I will. Will it be fun? Life is fun. Living for God is never dull. Will I be lonely? At times, But God is my friend who never leaves. Again you ask, “why go?” Because I am a Missionary.

Gail’s Burden

Sullivan and Gail Jones Are Associates in Missions with the UPCI. They will be leaving shortly to the country of Guatemala as soon as their financial goal is met. If you would like to contribute to the Jones’ Associate in Missions fund they can be reached at : 601-928-8502, sullivanjones@gmail.com, or 105 Jerusalem Dr. Raymond, MS 39154

MS Torch