I normally like to always write positive and upbeat things about
missions. When I report on our own mission work I like to mention mostly the good things that happen and sometimes downplay things that might tend to be discouraging and disheartening. I guess I do that with the idea in mind that I want to always bring a good report like Joshua and Caleb did. Who wants to hear about the trials, hardships, different foods, bad water and tough living conditions? But I know we must be honest! The word of God is honest, isn’t it? When it comes to suffering, persecution, trials and hardships the Bible tells it like it is. Throughout history the blood of the martyrs has been the seed of the church. The Bible squarely reports about Barnabas and Paul that they were “Men that have hazarded their lives for the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” (Acts 15:36)

Truth be told: “There Is A
Cost For Missions!”

Some things are inconvenient! For example it can be inconvenient to live in unfamiliar and inadequate housing. It can be inconvenient to eat foods that are different and boil water and worry with amoebas and bacterias, strange bugs and pesky critters.  But the inconveniences we are able to surely endure.

  But then, some things are
beyond inconvenient!

And yes, I have been thinking of that quite a bit lately. This past week my daughter, Victoria Gillit gave birth to our second grandchild, Anna Rosalie in Fort Worth, Texas where they work on a church staff. In fact I took a break just now to hold that little bundle of joy. Thankfully, Frances and I got to take a break from our work to come out to Texas for her birth and so Frances could help for  a bit with Tori after Anna was born. What a joy! But the costly part kicks in tomorrow when Papi (that is me – my grandparent name) has to leave to get back to work miles and miles away. There is always this cost involved in our missionary work. Separation from family. Long stretches between visits and just not enough together time. My children missed out knowing and being near to  their grandparents and now we are  experiencing this cost as well.

But sometimes missions is VERY costly!

Last week in Lewisville, Texas I attended the memorial services for John and Wanda Casias. They had been working
in Mexico for nearly thirty years when their lives were abruptly and violently ended on their field of service. They were murdered in their own home. I remember visiting them in their home on several occasions some years ago. They gave up their lives serving Jesus Christ. Their missionary service was costly. True, if they could speak to us now, they would want us to know it was worth it. Instead of wanting us to be overly sad and fearful they would want their death to be a motivation for others to step into the ranks and take the place of those who have fallen.

And then today we hear as we are waking that the little life of Azlynn Cretzman was taken in a tragic car accident on an icy road in North Carolina as they traveled on their way to a mission conference on their missionary deputation. She is the daughter of missionaries Matt and Lana Cretzman to Cuba. Missions is costly! But “…

God is not unrighteous to forget your work and labour of love, which ye have shewed toward his name, in that ye have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (Hebrews 6:10)

We must pray for those who pay such costs, but we must not draw back. If we have learned anything from history it is that through these hardships, trials and tragedies God will touch the hearts of others who will gladly and bravely give themselves for the service of the King of kings and pay the cost, whatever it takes. Perhaps God is speaking to you!