I would seriously recommend this book to anyone who wants a better understanding of the commitment required to take the Gospel to those in darkness.
Excerpts from the book:
One of the missionaries, Irene, was killed during the initial attack; these were the words spoken about her at her funeral.
"We thank God for every remembrance of our departed sister. Quiet and unobtrusive, she went her way among us. From the very first day in Brussels she joined us in our little church and helped as she could. Whether distributing tracts, washing dishes or playing her accordion, she was always serving the Lord. Missionaries are very different from one another. Some strike us by their brilliant minds and quick learning of French, others by their friendliness or spiritual experiences. Irene was just simply a mirror of Christ to us... The Lord Jesus came among us as a servant to serve. She was of the same mind, and serving Him, manifested Christ. We were all the time very conscious that it was not she but Christ. (pg. 61)"
[What an amazing thing to be said about a person! I pray that one day, these same words would be said of me. I want the world to see Christ when they see me. Nothing more. Nothing less.]
A beautiful example of the importance of unity among missionaries as well as leadership in the church.
"Like most missionaries we were individuals of strong convictions, both called of the Lord to do a definite work, and we sometimes disagreed heartily as to how it was to be done. But our differences were short lived. We both were veterans with enough experience to realize that little irritations and personality clashes, if not recognized and rectified promptly, could soon build up a wall between us, making our ministry together ineffective. 1 John 1:7 gave us our only solution. 'But if we walk in the light, as he is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus, his Son, purifies us from all sin.' (pg.69)"
After the initial attack that killed her fellow missionary Ruth had to go in hiding for a few days. After returning to her home on the missionary compound she expected everything to be destroyed. However, God had bigger plans to encourage and provide for her when she needed it most.
"As I looked farther, to my wonder and amazement I found every article of clothing I needed. Again how near and real the Lord seemed. He upholds all things by the Word of His power but He also counts the hairs on my head and knows our every need. He had preserved my glasses and a pair of shoes (things which the terrorists had never left had they seen them) and now with the dress that Rebekah returned, I was completely outfitted. As I continued to search, I found a washcloth, a comb, a cake of soap, a toothbrush and best of all a Bible. My every need for escape had been supplied...All of these were treasures straight from the hand of my Father who had foreseen and provided.(pg. 85)"
Let me hold lightly temporal things,
I who am deathless, I who have wings!
Let me hold fast, Lord, things of the skies,
Quicken my vision- open my eyes.
Show me Thy riches, glory and grace,
Boundless as time, endless as space.
Let me hold lightly things that are mine,
Lord, Thou didst give me all that is Thine. - Unknown
There is so much more in this book, it is full of examples of courage, strength, trust, and dependence on the Lord.
I am just writing my little part in God's big story for the world. But I will go in obedience, trust and totally captivated by my Savior, Jesus Christ.
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