"M-slapped"
writing in honour of all the M’s I have met this year, you never asked for this, but you are worthy of this, and so much more...thank you for showing me a glimpse of your life
During our travels this year, I have met many missionaries (let’s call them M’s), some inspiring, some grey with age, speaking words of wisdom, some frustrated, some rejected, some exhausted. My heart goes out to each and every one of these, who have left their kids, their family, their grandchildren, and their culture behind for one purpose only...to proclaim the gospel that JESUS LIVES, JESUS SAVES, JESUS CONQUERED THE GRAVE.
Yet, these are the people often said to have lost touch with reality, these are the people said to have not made it in the real life. In a way my heart is saddened by the church of today, (of course I am not talking here of a denomination, I am talking of the body of Christ as the church), and the lack of support we give to the M’s. A lack of support I guess mainly due to a lack of knowledge accompanied by a lack of understanding. For me it feels like we are all watching a boat out in a stormy sea. From the coastline we are more than willing to shout, to direct, correct, even criticise (what is the boat doing out in the raging storm in the first place?). But to get into our own boat and join in the storm, oh NO! That would be irresponsible.
While some of my team members got badly Africa-slapped this year (meaning being fed-up, frustrated and tired with Africa and her ways) I think I got M-slapped. Slapped with missionary life in all its forms, not really even living the life myself, but only glancing at it.
I look at the M-crowed and stand in awe. For if I were to ask whether life is hard, they would answer me YES, do you miss your home, your braaivleis (if your South-African), koeksusters, Virgin Active Gym, Ms Balls chutney and the Pick n Pay around the corner, they would say YES. Is it difficult raising children in rural Africa, a definite YES. This left me puzzled. It made me wonder about the M-life. I think the thing that keeps the M’s going, is not the rewarding financial implications (definitely not J ) nor the understanding support received from home (because sadly, in many cases it is not there, many families actually rejects missionary workers)...it’s just Jesus. It’s their calling. It’s what gives meaning to their life, because they got a glimpse that this life is so very brief, there’s a kingdom to come, with many at this moment, not coming with us to rejoice in the celebration. And for them, this is worth it.
I am sure a blog like this will raise many emotions; maybe even anger. The last emotion I would like to inflict is guilt. I am a firm believer that you can follow Jesus no matter where you are. I also know that the real world is a battlefield of its own, a battlefield that I myself will enter soon, and for certain people with a heart beating for Jesus is needed in the workplace too. I am sure many will say, Christine, sure not all can just pack up and go, and to some extend I might even agree. This however doesn’t seem to be the problem, churches are still very full with many countries remaining unreached.
But I have seen the difference between a missionary cared for, and those standing alone. Unfortunately I have also seen people feeling forgotten, rejected and judged. I have seen the joy in receiving a package from home. I have seen the appreciation of newsletters read and replied on. I have seen the worth of support in prayer.
In conclusion, I think back at an old song we sang at varsity from casting crowns...saying...if we are the body, why is his arms not reaching, his hands not healing. You and me, we are the church, the body of Christ. The love of Christ should then start within the church. For we are the body of Christ, lets live it to the full! Lets finish of not knowing, not understanding and not loving! Lets be the church Christ intended us to be!