7 Reasons This Is One Of My Favorite Mission Pictures
Photo taken in Boca Del Toro, Panama, among the isolated and indigenous Gnabe-Bugle people. My Christian friend took it with his cell phone. He was a local man, not a preacher or missionary. He introduced us to the people in the Gnabe-Bugle language and told the people we would like to talk to them about God. Then we conversed in our second language, Spanish.
I was not aware that my friend was taking pictures with his phone. Later, he texted this photo to me. I was glad he took it. Here are seven reasons why, with details below.
- She is high, I am low.
- She is a welcoming host.
- She is giving her time and attention to God’s Word.
- She is kind and patient to listen.
- She is gracious in considering what I have to say.
- She is putting her other chores on hold.
- She is a precious creation of God.
1. She is high. I am low.
When sharing the gospel, it is always a good reminder for us to stay low. God honors humility. He never blesses pride. God never builds His goodness on human arrogance.
I learned this when I was a missionary in Bolivia. At first, I had to learn the language. The first phrase I memorized in Spanish was, “I would love to speak your language perfectly, but I can’t yet. Please forgive me.” This little phrase opened so many doors! Why? Because the person I was speaking to would always say something like, “Don’t worry, I can help you,” or something similar. I always ended up coming into the conversation lower than the other person. I resolved to use that phrase even when I became fluent.
“When thou art bidden of any man to a wedding, sit not down in the highest room; lest a more honourable man than thou be bidden of him; And he that bade thee and him come and say to thee, Give this man place; and thou begin with shame to take the lowest room. But when thou art bidden, go and sit down in the lowest room; that when he that bade thee cometh, he may say unto thee, Friend, go up higher: then shalt thou have worship in the presence of them that sit at meat with thee. For whosoever exalteth himself shall be abased; and he that humbleth himself shall be exalted.” (Luke 14:8-11)
Guess what…I still use that phrase whenever I am in a Spanish speaking country. I realize it is a God-blessed attitude and wise way to carry oneself when bringing the gospel to those who have never heard.
2. She is a welcoming host.
She treats me like an honored guest. She looks over the rail with calmness and sincerity. She is really listening.
3. She is giving her time and attention to God’s Word.
She did not accept Christ, that I know of, but she did listen. She allowed us to talk to her children and grandchildren. We left gospel tracts. Hopefully, I believe we left one of the most important things a missionary evangelist can leave: an open door for others to come behind us.
4. She is kind and patient to listen.
I remember one time going door-to-door in a nice neighborhood in San Diego, California. We were inviting people to church. We came to one man who was putting golf clubs in his trunk. He introduced us to his caddy, not yet knowing who we were or what we were doing in his subdivision. When we introduced our selves to him and his golf caddy, he began to get upset, and in a furious tone said, “Please get out of here. You’re ruining our Saturday!”
“And whosoever will not receive you, when ye go out of that city, shake off the very dust from your feet for a testimony against them.” (Luke 9:5)
It is an amazing thing when people listen to the gospel. We should thank God for these precious opportunities.
5. She is gracious in considering what I have to say.
Again, this is precious and rare.
6. She is putting her other chores on hold.
This woman had many children and grandchildren. Certainly they all had needs. No doubt this woman had lots of clothes to wash, and meals to prepare. She put down the laundry she was doing to take the time to listen. We were given a great honor to be able to speak to here.
7. She is a precious creation of God.
“Then Peter opened his mouth, and said, Of a truth I perceive that God is no respecter of persons:” (Acts 10:34)
I love all my children and grandchildren. I love them a deep love. God’s love is more genuine, and deeper for an indigenous Gnabe-Bugle grandmother than we could ever imagine. And His love is the same for all people, everywhere. What a blessing and privilege to seek out people who may have never heard the gospel and share it with them.
“And he said unto them, Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” (Mark 16:15)
I am not the hero of that picture, Jesus is. But I am glad I am in that picture. Why? Because it proves I am guilty of attempting to reach the unreached for Christ. My prayer is this:
O God, may we always be caught doing good and spreading your glorious gospel until the day that we die. Amen.