Mission field.

This one brings a smile wherever he goes

Our pastor shared recently of meeting with the head of a missions board, who told the story of a 16 year old, orphaned, Sudanese refugee who had fled into Uganda after leading his four younger siblings to a refugee camp there. They had absolutely nothing but the clothes on their backs.
This particular missionary group had built a two room shelter for these children. No kitchen or bathroom, but two rooms to keep them safe at night.

As heart wrenching as the previous week had been concerning sweet friends/church members with very serious health issues, there was a stark difference.  These people have so much.  Brilliant medical staffs attending to them. Families and friends surrounding their beds.  Coffees, food and gifts abounding and most of all the knowledge that God's mercies are new every morning and the confidence that they have a heavenly home.

There is another common denominator with the US citizens we visited. They all have loved ones they want to know Jesus, therefore they recognize in their present situations they are on the mission field.

"I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings."  1 Corinthians 9:23

"So, being affectionately desirous of you, we were ready to share with you not only the gospel of God, but also in our own selves, because you had become very dear to us."  1 Thessalonians 2:8

"Therefore do not be ashamed of the testimony about our Lord, nor of me  his prisoner, but share in suffering for the gospel by the power of God."   2 Timothy 1:8