When you think about the life of a missionary, what strikes you as being the most difficult part? Moving far away from everything familiar is not a decision to take lightly, learning a new language sounds scary, and fundraising is not exactly a piece of cake. But if I had to name the one thing that is most difficult for me, it would be loving some people. Yes, this is my confession: love doesn’t come naturally most of the time.

During our eight years of service in our previous mission, I struggled with this on a daily basis. The challenges never stopped coming: The lady in the apartment above us who swept her dust, bread crumbs and dog hair onto our balcony and beautiful flowers every single morning. People throwing garbage and unwanted pets out their car windows. People cutting in front of us in line. Angry drivers almost causing accidents and then cursing others as if it was their fault. People asking for bribes before they would perform their duties. The friend who only calls you when he’s drunk. Parents mistreating their little ones. Other people making your life miserable just because they can. I could go on and on, but you get the point. Many times I prayed, “God, how am I supposed to love these people? I can’t even stand their presence sometimes, and You’re asking me to love them?”
Sometimes my heart will not comply with what my mind already knows: that God truly loves each one of His children and wants them all to be saved. Having a child of my own now, I’ve found out what unconditional love feels like. And though I often don’t understand these seemingly unlovable people, I do understand why God loves them.

I was amazed to discover that, after all these years of mission work, I’m finally starting to soften towards people, act less judgmental and give them the benefit of the doubt. That’s how my biggest challenge in the field brings me the greatest reward. It’s not me being able to change others; it is God changing me in the process.

What is your missionary challenge today?

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