When it comes to missions, you’ve probably heard that the person you marry can make or break you. Sounds a little dramatic, right? But what if someone told the other side of the story? Hear the story of Valerie and her advice to young people today.
After nearly 40 years in Africa, Mary Slessor became an inspiration to all who hear her story. She was not only a pioneer missionary, but also a pioneer for women in missions.
“I’ve never quite figured out how to bring God glory. But I have learned to surrender my dreams to Him. And he has made the reality of living according to His plan even better than my greatest dreams.”
Isobel’s life is a reminder that God has proven Himself sufficient for those who have gone before us in reaching the nations with the Gospel of Christ. Isobel was used by the Lord not because she was or flawless or better trained or less apt to selfishness, but because she considered Him worthy of her life and responded in precious obedience.
Ann also paved the way for women in missions, providing an example of a female mission pioneer. Her faithful devotion to God and her sacrificial service inspires young women to this day.
Spurred on by the death of their husband and brother, Elisabeth Elliot and Rachel Saint, quickly established a home among the Auca Indians. Rachel Saint, who worked for Wycliffe Bible Translators, was the older sister of Nate. Rachel and Elisabeth have become some of Christendom’s most beloved and well-known women missionaries. They have been an encouragement and challenge to woman in godliness, faithfulness and God’s purpose in world missions.
Gladys once made this comment to a friend, “I wasn’t God’s first choice for what I’ve done for China. There was somebody else. I don’t know who it was — God’s first choice. It must have been a man — a wonderful man, a well-educated man. I don’t know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn’t willing. And God looked down and saw Gladys Aylward.”
Annie rallied churches to give more, pray more, and do more for reaching people for Christ. In 1934, in recognition of Annie’s pioneering efforts to raise support for missionaries as well as her lifelong passion for God’s work, Southern Baptists began an Easter offering for Mission that has supported thousands of missionaries who evangelized the lost and ministered to the needs of millions of people around the world.
Who you date will either make you or break you. Don't get hitched until you have considered this advice.