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Have you heard the expression “Boots on the Ground?” Well our Live Dead Missionaries are the boots on the Silk Road. Here we’d like to take a moment and allow one of them to share a snapshot of their life with you. Some names and details have been changed, but this is a true story from this colorful, vibrant, and sometimes surprising region.

I did a happy dance in my room last night because my door closed. I never thought I’d be jumping around praising God for something so simple, but for three months I’ve either had no door on my room or shared a room. Then we finally moved into our apartment and I find out my bedroom door won’t shut. Last night I gave it one more try, and suddenly I heard the most satisfying click I think I’ve ever heard.

I share this moment to show how God cares about the little things, but mostly to share about His grace He’s extended to me when lately, I’ve been cranky about the disruption of my personal comforts.

Selfish Sighs

I came to the field with my fists up ready for some big obvious spiritual fight, but when everything seemed to go so smoothly and culture shock didn’t phase me, little by little I let my guard down. Before I knew it, I ended up sitting on the floor feeling sorry for myself because I hadn’t had coffee in two days, or didn’t have the personal space I wanted, and so on.

I sat before God and let out selfish sighs that if put into words would go something like this: “If only everything could go just how I’d like it to go, then I could focus on praying for the lost. Then my passion will come back.”

How easily I let such trivial things become a wall between me and the work that Jesus has called me here to do.

“Live in harmony with one another; do not be haughty, snobbish, high-minded, or exclusive, but readily adjust yourself to people and things and give yourselves to humble tasks. Never overestimate yourself or be wise in your own conceit.”  Romans 12:16

Readily adjust yourself to people and things. I realize now that I wasn’t so ready to do that, and I also see how necessary it is if I want to have a fruitful experience here.

I can carry on sighing and wishing that personal preferences were guaranteed, or I can embrace the inconveniences and discomforts that will surely come. If I want to seek first His kingdom, I need to do the latter.

Now as I sit and wait for our Internet to get fixed, I’ll get some practice humbly and readily adjusting myself.

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