I Question The Wisdom by Trevor Christian Johnson
Missionaries we respect in the future have often been viewed as foolish in the present.
Didn’t Carey have too many marriage struggles to go? I question the wisdom.
Hudson Taylor had weird views on support and funds. I question the wisdom.
David Brainerd was an emotional mess most of the time and drove himself to an early grave. I question the wisdom.
David Livingstone was reckless and drove his men to dangerous lengths. I question the wisdom.
George Stott had one leg and wanted to go to China. What org in their right mind would allow that. I question the wisdom.
“When James Calvert went out as a missionary to the cannibals of the Fiji Islands, the ship captain tried to turn him back, saying, “You will lose your life and the lives of those with you if you go among such savages.” To that, Calvert replied, “We died before we came here.”” I question the wisdom.
Those foolish missionaries in Ecuador. A frail lady with polio in the mountains of Irian Jaya among the Kimyal who couldn’t even walk right. And now a young man who was an experienced wilderness EMT who was trying to reach tribal peoples in North Sentinel island.
All of these fools. I question the wisdom!
Over and over this week all over the internet, even American Christians degrading this young man who was killed in a good cause, “I question the wisdom,” “I question the wisdom,” “I question the wisdom.”
-—1 Corinthians 4:10: We are fools for the sake of Christ, but you are wise in Christ. We are weak, but you are strong. You are held in honor, but we in disrepute.”
-—II Corinthians 12:2, “ For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities....”
——”I am a fool for Christ...whose fool are you?” (Brother Andrew).
From me: Trevor is a missionary sent to the [formerly, I hope] cannibals of Papua, Indonesia. He is well-known for his stance in both spiritual matters and for political issues affecting the Korowai. Trevor has suffered greatly, especially physical illness, in his service. At this moment, he is away from his people recovering from chronic malaria. He longs to return to the work.
Full disclosure: I, also, work on the same island Trevor does. My husband in the early 90s quit his tenured position as a band director. We, along with our 3 children, the youngest was 5 and the oldest 11, went overseas. We have suffered a small amount for the work, including bouts of malaria and dengue fever. I had to med-evac this spring with severe anemia. I went from the plane to the doctor’s office to the hospital. It is worth it all. We can’t wait to return in August 2019.
Thank-you God’s ways are not ours and even over his dead body something very good may come for these people. If it is arrogance to follow the leading of God then I too am arrogant and if we measure success in a worldly fashion then people would have never ventured to foreign lands to preach Christ. God’s wisdom looks like foolishness to those who are perishing!
“The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.” Proverbs 11:30.
How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? and how shall they hear without a preacher? and how shall they preach, except they be sent? as it is written, How beautiful are the feet of them that preach the gospel of peace, and bring glad tidings of good things!” Romans 10:14-15
“For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?” 1 Thessalonians 2:19
Thank you, you eloquently stated what drives those who love Christ more than life itself. Bless you for your service. The tribe in Ecuador that killed those five missionaries in the 50’s is today very grateful for their sacrifice. Someday this latest tribe WILL be reached with the gospel.
Whether or not this young man was arrogant, I do not know. I was when I was young. But criticism is coming from those who do not understand.
Beautiful post Jemian. Bless you.