Do you remember hearing mission stories when you were a child? For me, mission stories conjure up memories of neat, tidy little rows of wooden Sabbath School chairs, colorful felt boards, or sitting on my parents’ warm laps. The stories themselves were likewise neat, tidy, colorful and warming. Miracle followed prayer, and conversion followed conviction in rapid tempo.
I have been blessed to read a lot of mission stories since then, and most of them bear little resemblance to the mission confections of my youth. Now I read about missionaries locked in grinding spiritual warfare (p. 20) and suffering real casualties. Some go so far as to admit in print that they don’t know why God seems to be holding back His miraculous power (p. 22). Stories of faith often end in the middle with a lurch—no miracle to be found, just exhausted people gripping their silent Savior with both hands.
Please pray for our missionaries as you read this magazine. Many of them are far more tired and sad then they will readily admit. The river of God’s providence never dries up, and final victory is sure, but it’s hard to see past the blood, sweat and tears of today. Please hold up the arms of these dogged, battle-weary people and strengthen them in whatever way the Lord impresses you.

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