Ten Future Missionaries

I always use the word "missionary" with some feeling of reservation, since the word is a catholic term, and not a Bible term.  What we know as a "missionary", someone who goes into all the world to preach the gospel and make disciples of Jesus Christ is, in the Bible, called an evangelist.  And all we Christians are supposed to be evangelizing the lost.  But a man who is called an "evangelist" in our circle is a sort of traveling preacher and in many cases, a Christian entertainer. And that is not a scriptural office.  So, forgive me for splitting hairs.  Here is a cute little poem about future evangelists.

Ten Future Missionaries

Heard Godʼs call divine

One married a worldly girl

And that left only nine

 

Nine anxious missionaries

They could hardly wait

Mother thought she needed one

And that left only eight

 

Eight perspective missionaries

To point the souls to heaven

One was busy making money

And that left only seven

 

Seven devoted missionaries

Their hearts on Jesus fixed

One wanted the American dream

And that left only six

 

Six sacrificial missionaries

Ready to give their lives

One thought himself unworthy

And that left only five

 

Five prayerful missionaries

Asking God for more

One decided to stay by the stuff

And that left only four

 

Four aspiring missionaries

Waiting to cross the sea

One became a farmer

And that left only three

 

Three choice missionaries

For the great task so few

One thought he was too old

And that left only two

 

Two steadfast missionaries

Ready the race to run

One thought to wait till his children were grown

And that left only one

 

One determined missionary

Thank the Lord for him

His goals are set his purpose firm

He didnʼt let the vision dim

 

Heʼs doing his part and the Lord is well pleased

But what of the nine

Who are living in ease,

Are you one of these?