What Do Christian Missionary Stories Teach Us?
Christian missionary stories convey God’s love as it penetrates through the worst human situations to offer new beginnings and healing. The consistent practice of faith, combined with sacrificial action, leads to personal changes that spread to form new beginnings in families and communities.
Kai and Eira, along with their five children, resided in a small village where they spent their days working diligently.[1] Kai maintained his role as a farmer, while Eira managed their home. The family seemed steady, but they faced severe turmoil, which stemmed mainly from the destructive behavior of their youngest son, Glin. As the years went by, Glin’s behavior became worse. It became so bad that he sold the livestock without the permission of the family and even threatened to burn the house during an argument with his brothers. This situation was almost calamitous until the neighbors intervened to stop it from happening. The father was very troubled by this and was worried about the future of his family as Glin did not show any desire to change his attitude.
Pastor Iwan, a local GFA missionary, also inadvertently added to their unease. Like all the other villagers, Kai and Eira were traditional in their religious practices, so they looked at Pastor Iwan with suspicion. The family worked against Pastor Iwan by spreading lies about him. They indeed wanted nothing to do with him. However, Pastor Iwan was patient, knowing God’s timing is always perfect.
An unexpected turn led to a breakthrough. On his way to sell pork one day, Glin suddenly showed up at Pastor Iwan’s doorstep. Pastor Iwan knew Glin and welcomed him as a friend. He asked Glin to join him for lunch and then exhorted him to change his ways. Glin showed his first signs of wanting to hear the message of Jesus.
This small act of kindness by Pastor Iwan towards Glin led to a great friendship. Glin was still a young man, and Pastor Iwan kept on advising and praying for him, even when his parents forbade him from going to the church. Over time, changes in his behavior became apparent. Glin stopped drinking, reconciled with his brothers and started positively helping his family.
Glin’s parents were no longer able to turn a blind eye to the changes in their son. They found out that their son had a connection with Pastor Iwan, and they eventually attended the church services, although they had been very hesitant to do so. Through experiencing Christ’s love, the family accepted the Good News into their hearts. Now, there is peace and unity in the home.
Learn more the work of Christian missionaries through GFA World[1] “Faithful Service Yields Fruit in a Family.” GFA World. November 2024. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/faithful-service-yields-fruit-in-a-family.