In Hebrews
11 we have a list of the Old Testament heroes of faith. They all have their story of
extraordinary challenges and how faith in God brought them victory. They are
there to inspire generations of bible reading believers to new exploits in the faith. The author finishes by
writing “ And what more shall I say? For time would fail me to tell about
…..” Behind these famed heroes are
unknown numbers of more heroes in the faith whose names are not known to us. Still their contributions live on.
Nowhere is this more true than on the missions fields throughout history. David Livingstone wrote – And although I see few results, future missionaries will see conversions following every sermon. May they not forget the pioneers who worked in the thick gloom with few rays to cheer, except such as flow from faith in the precious promises of God's Word.
Behind the towering figures of David Livingstone, William Carey and Hudson Taylour there were countless committed pioneer missionaries that worked far away from the limelight. Few know of them except the first fruits of converts that would then carry the work on. They paved the way for future generations. Even if their names are not known to us, we owe them. The truth is, we are all the result of earlier generations' prayers, tears and toils. What they sowed with tears, we have harvested with joy. Without their efforts we wouldn't be where we are today!
In many countries there are graves of an unknown soldier. No one knows his name, nor what he went through in battle. He cannot be awarded for any certain heroic feat. But it is evident to all that he paid the highest price and that his contribution helped to bring the victory. Therefore an entire nation honors him. He is not just an unknown soldier. He is an anonymous hero!
This is true today as well. On the missions fields there are anonymous heroes. Biographies has not been written about them. They might not be popular conference speakers. But they do a tremendous and important work preaching the gospel and establishing the church, for coming generations to enjoy.
A missionary cannot seek earthly glory. He will then undoubtebly be disappointed. There is an anecdote about a returning missionary. After decades on the field he arrived by boat to New York City. Eagerly he looked down at the quay as the ship was docking. Music was played by a large brassband and there was a red carpet. His heart started beating. What a welcome home! Warm surges went through his body. His was in awe. Soon his enthusiasm turned into disappointment, though. The red carpet was not for him, it was for a British Royal on a state visit to USA. The missionary started complaining to God. "Has this Royal done anything good for this world? He has lived in a palace while I was toiling in Africa. How has he earned this treatment?" His thoughts were suddenly interrupted by a voice inside his heart. "Son, you are not home, yet".
At the true homecoming, there will be a greater fanfare. There the deeds that might have looked insignificant in the eyes of the world will be rewarded. They might not have made it into the books of history, but they definitely made it in to the historic records of heaven. Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord your labor is not in vain. 1 Cor 15:58 Welcome home you faithful servant, enter in to the joy of the Lord! Matt 25:21
Here a salute to all unknown heroes! Their contributions are priceless.
