When you think of the great missionaries of the Bible, who comes to mind? Paul? Daniel? Joseph? What about the little maid in 2 Kings 5? Most people are familiar with the story of Captain Naaman, who was healed of leprosy after reluctantly dipping in the Jordan River seven times. However, the young Israelite refugee, a child, is often overlooked.

We don’t often think of children as great missionaries, but we should. How many people are instrumental in bringing someone as influential as the “great and honorable” Namaan (2 Kings 5:1) to a knowledge of the God of Israel? What lessons can we learn from this little maid?

The story of the cleansing of Naaman teaches us the power of simplicity. The little maid knew that she could not heal Naaman. Yet she knew someone who could, and she was not afraid to point her heathen captors in his direction. She was faithful and courageous. Even though she had been abducted from home, she did not seem to harbor any animus toward her kidnappers; instead, she had compassion for them. Her life was characterized by the power that attends those who demonstrate biblical faith and love in everyday life.

When we look at the world around us and the challenge of reaching unreached areas, we may feel overwhelmed or completely unqualified to make a difference. You may say, “I don’t have a theology degree,” or “I am not a doctor or a teacher; what difference can I make?” When confronted with the realities of the needs of the world, we often fixate on challenges or our own perceived inadequacies. This tends to keep us from doing anything. Instead of bemoaning what we cannot do, what if we realize the things we can do, even those that seem small or insignificant? Could it be that tiny acts of compassion and mercy will melt hearts and unlock doors to unreached people groups?

Christ’s work when upon earth appeared to be confined to a narrow field, but multitudes from all lands heard His message. God often uses the simplest means to accomplish the greatest results. It is His plan that every part of His work shall depend on every other part, as a wheel within a wheel, all acting in harmony. The humblest worker, moved by the Holy Spirit, will touch invisible chords, whose vibrations will ring to the ends of the earth, and make melody through eternal ages. – Desire of Ages p. 822

As we celebrate our missionary children in this issue, may we be reminded of the many lessons we can learn from them, including the simplicity with which they view the world and reach the unreached through bold acts of love.

Do you wish to become like a child in faith and lead the unreached to Jesus, entering the kingdom of heaven together (Matthew 18:3)? If so, we can help. Please contact us today at 800-937-4236 or recruiter@afmonline.org.

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