Missions Isn't Safe

MISSIONS ISN'T SAFE

Let's not learn the wrong lessons from the South Korean kidnappings.
A Christianity Today editorial. | posted 11/07/2007 09:26AM

[EXCERPT]

Dangerous Calling

On the other hand, we can learn much about missionary passion, among many other things, from believers in Asia, Africa, and Latin America. And one lesson they teach is this: We cannot allow bad publicity or remorse over ill-considered missionary methods to suck the life out of our missionary risk-taking. We do well to remember that missions will never be popular in the world's eyes, even in a great missionary-sending country such as South Korea.

As Jesus said, "Blessed are you when people insult you, persecute you and falsely say all kinds of evil against you because of me. Rejoice and be glad, because great is your reward in heaven, for in the same way they persecuted the prophets who were before you."

Reuters/Han Jae-Ho

Further, let us not forget the common paraphrase of a Tertullian quote: "The blood of the martyrs is the seed of the church." We pray that the blood shed by the Korean Christians will work a similar miracle in Afghanistan. Whoever thinks we can practice a safe and moderate Christianity is a fool. That's not the faith that has been delivered to us. Peter said: "Dear friends, do not be surprised at the painful trial you are suffering, as though something strange were happening to you."

The areas where the spiritual and physical needs are greatest are often the most dangerous. The easy pioneer missions fields are gone. We might as well get used to it—and press on.