Missionary Monday - Continue On

My friend Angela, also a missionary's wife, sent me this beautiful encouragement today called "Continue On:"

A woman once fretted over the usefulness of her life. She feared she was wasting her potential being a devoted wife and mother. She wondered if the time and energy she invested in her husband and children would make a difference.

At times she got discouraged because so much of what she did seemed to go unnoticed and unappreciated. "Is it worth it?" she often wondered. "Is there something better that I could be doing with my time?"

It was during one of these moments of questioning that she heard the still small voice of her heavenly Father speak to her heart. "You are a wife and mother because that is what I have called you to be. Much of what you do is hidden from the public eye. But I notice. Most of what you give is done without remuneration. But I am your reward. Your husband cannot be the man I have called him to be without your support. Your influence upon him is greater than you think and more powerful than you will ever know. I bless him through your service and honor him through your love. Your children are precious to Me. Even more precious than they are to you. I have entrusted them to your care to raise them for Me. What you invest in them is an offering to Me.

You may never be in the public spotlight. But your obedience shines as a bright light before Me. Continue on. Remember that you are My servant. Do all to please Me."
-Roy Lessin

These words were timely. As a young missionary wife who is expecting her fourth child, most of what I do on the mission field is rather mundane. I am afraid you might be rather unimpressed. I do not go out and knock doors from morning to evening, seeking to bring the lost to Him (though I DO get to go on regular visitation as well as serve in the orphanage ministry). I do not prepare beautiful lessons to teach women and children on a regular basis. Even though I get to enjoy taking part in these exciting ministries from time to time, these are not part of my main work. My normal routine actually looks more like this:

Cooking (mostly from scratch).

Washing dishes.

Hanging laundry outside to dry.

Homeschooling.

Washing little hands and faces.

Putting band-aids on "owies."

etc., etc., etc....

Not too impressive, right? However, to reach a world for Christ, I have to start right here in my own home. What good can I do in the world if my own children are neglected and do not know and understand Christ's love? So, while Mr. Missionary (hubby) is out winning the world or preparing another fine sermon, I am contentedly working at home to teach and prepare my own little flock of sheep. And, one day, when the little sheep are a little more grown and less feeble, we will be a much stronger and more effective witness out in the world as a family... a prepared family.

So, little Missionary Mommy, do not be discouraged when you are mopping sticky floors again and hubby is out visiting the lost more often than you get to. Pray for your man, pull your hair back, put on some Christ-honoring music, and enjoy teaching those little ones whom you have been left to care for. Enjoy these moments at home because your time will come soon. Faithfully Continue on in the task God has given you today. Your reward will come when you stand back one day and watch your little sheep following in their daddy's and mommy's footsteps... when you watch your child pray for God to lead them to a lost soul that needs Him. That is the reward I am looking forward to!