I pondered my missionary experiences today. Missionary ministries need workers. For example, at Christ is the Answer Ministries, I did construction work like breaking up old concrete before laying new and digging a ditch for a pipeline. In Hong Kong, I carried loads of Bibles into China.
Compassion that makes a difference for harassed and helpless people involves work. Jesus worked diligently to bring help to lost and needy souls. Jesus said, “My Father is always at His work to this very day, and I too am working.” [2]
The Apostle Paul said to his Christian friends, “In everything I did, I showed you that by this kind of hard work we must help the weak, remembering the words the Lord Jesus Himself said: ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.’” [3]
William Carey’s father asked William before he left for India, “What do you have to offer?” His reply was, “I know how to plod” meaning that he was willing to work like an ox to make a difference for Christ in India.
A man once told Missionary Hudson Taylor that he had come to China to work with him. Hudson looked at him and replied, “But you only have one leg” to which the man said, “But the men with two legs are not coming.”
An older preacher urged younger preachers, “Don’t be a pretty boy.” He explained that some ministers strive to be popular but are like clouds without rain. They don’t get the job done.
“Dear Lord of harvest please give more people a mindset to work.”
[1] Matthew 9:36-38
[2] John 5:17
[3] Acts 20:35
