Everyday Heroes

Today I watched a movie about fire fighters and was moved by the loyalty, unity, compassion, dedication and total commitment to what they are doing. It reminded me of my time in the military and how serving as a Marine we had all the same qualities. As a Marine our motto is "Semper Fideles" which means always faithful and I can tell you we live up to that motto even after our time is up and we become civilians again. Just today I was in Lowes shopping and another Marine who served from 1969-71 saw my USMC sweatshirt and said Semper Fi and I said it back and we chatted for a bit. We had never served together but we shared a bond that only a fellow Marine or service member can understand.

Not long ago we celebrated Veterans Day and we honored those who served our country. I am proud to be a veteran and to have fought for our country. I would gladly do it again because I believe in what our country stands for.

As I write this my heart aches over another group of heroes that get little or no recognition. They fight on the front lines all around the world. They do not get anywhere near enough money for what they do. In fact like the military and fire fighters and any other organization that sacrifices so others can be free and safe, these people do what they do out of a passion to see lives saved. Who are these unacknowledged heroes?

The heroes I am talking about are the missionaries who are serving everywhere around the world to bring the life changing message of Jesus Christ. They work 365 days a year, working long hours and with little help. They give until they cannot give anymore and then with the help of their Commander and Chief (Jesus Christ) they find the strength to press on and go some more.

I have served with some of the finest Marines but I can honestly say that anyone who serves as a Missionary is even more brave than the finest soldier. I say that because a Marine has someone watching his/her back. I say that because the fire fighters have someone watching their back. A missionary rarely has someone watching their back.

I have worked along side some of the bravest people I know and they are missionaries. I have seen and heard stories of what they endure and what they have seen. I have laughed, cried and at times bled with them. I am humbled to have served with them.

My wife and I have served as missionaries for over five years now and our passion is just as strong now, if not stronger, as it was the first day we heard God calling us into full time missions. We have been called to bring the life changing message of Jesus Christ to all those who have not received Him as their Lord and Savior. We will continue the mission until He, our Commander and Chief, releases us  from this duty.

Today we challenge you to ask God how He wants you to serve Him. It is not a question to ask casually because He will answer and He will challenge you. He may even call you to the front lines to serve Him. The question is will you be willing to sacrifice everything and pick up your cross to follow Him? Will you endure the ridicule from strangers, friends and family if you went where ever He asked you to go? Would you be willing to show that you truly trust Him with your actions and not just your words?

Those last three questions may have you shouting yes, they may have you shaking in fear, they may be convicting, and they may even make you angry. I know that for Catherine and I we have said yes to His call and even though it has been hard and challenging at times, we rejoice with the angels over every life that has been saved.

As this year comes to an end and you get ready to celebrate Christmas with your family and loved ones, remember that there are Missionaries serving on the front lines who will not see their family and loved ones this year. Pray for them. Send them a care package and don't whine about how much it cost to send it. Write them a personal letter to let them know they are appreciated and that someone is thinking of them. Thank them for serving on the front lines.

Remember that Jesus Christ came to earth to serve and died on a cross so that you and I would be able to have access to God. His sacrifice came at a cost. We owe our lives to Him and when we think of ourselves and what we feel we deserve we dishonor Him. Let's honor His sacrifice and be the people He created us to be. Let's all of us be His hands and feet and bring the love of Christ to our families, friends, neighbors, coworkers and who ever God brings across our path.