Student Missionary—isn’t that an oxymoron? After all, student missionaries (SMs) typically suspend their university studies to serve abroad. And isn’t it rather irresponsible of them to sidetrack their educations and delay the launch of their careers by a year or more to run off and play the humanitarian tourist? And what of the cost?

Bottom line: what’s more important—education or mission service? The answer, of course, is yes.

If you have never served as an SM, the thing you need to fully understand about student mission service is that you cannot fully understand student mission service. I can say this with authority because I never served as an SM (to my regret), and I freely admit that I don’t understand the full depth of life transformation our intrepid SMs undergo. But every year I see the results.

What results? This issue of Adventist Frontiers is loaded with articles by and about our student missionaries, so turn the pages and see for yourself. As you read their articles, watch for hints at the profound education these young people are receiving in the school of reliance, faith and grace.

And what of the cost? At this crucial time when our SMs stand at the defining crossroads of their lives, they are choosing to set theory aside and engage body and soul in the cutting edge of the conflict of the ages, saving lives now and touching hearts for the life to come. What would it cost if they didn’t go?

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