Missionary wisdom

Jake and Shelley Hendrix, missionaries supported by the Hixson church in Chattanooga, are back home for a short visit, and we were able to spend Sunday afternoon with them.

Jake spoke of the first year on the field as initiation into a select club—after a few months, the romantic adventure of mission work fades away, and the missionary is overwhelmed by the reality that they are a foreigner in a strange land. It is only those who have done the same who can fully understand the missionary’s experiences.

I wonder if this provides us with a glimpse of Jesus’ struggles; at times, Jesus was engrossed with his friends and followers, enjoying weddings and other celebrations, and seeing people’s heart turn toward his father. But other times Jesus groans “how long will I have to put up with these people?” For he was a foreigner in the world that he created, an outcast with no where to lay his head, born as a refugee, convicted and executed unjustly.

Sometimes it can be hard to relate to people so focused on their American lifestyle, but we can’t fully appreciate the experiences of veteran missionaries yet. People like Jake and Shelley help us to know what the road ahead is like: the uncertain, exciting, difficult world of mission work.

We will also learn from Brian and Sondra Davis, missionaries in South Africa, as we meet with them and the Brainerd church tomorrow. We will formally present before the mission committee and eldership, and try to use powerpoint…we will keep you posted.