Gratitude for Unsung Heroes
by David Allen
MRN Bengal Initiative Director
During the summer of 2014, the news of an Ebola virus outbreak, discovered in Liberia, spread quickly around the world. While most people fled for their lives, one medical missionary went straight to the epicenter of the outbreak to care for infected patients.
On July 26, Dr. Kent Brantly was informed that he had contracted the virus and had little chance of survival. The story of this missionary’s bravery and selflessness captivated headline news for weeks. Millions of Christians prayed for his recovery – which amazingly occurred! Time Magazine later chose Dr. Brantly and the other medical staff who risked their lives as the “Time Person of the Year.”
It’s conceivable that Dr. Brantly may have received more prayers than any other missionary in the past century. Not surprisingly, few missionaries receive this level of concern and prayer. Even though there are many others who are clearly brave and selfless, they know their sacrifice will never be seen or appreciated by others. And still they go.
What if we were to make more of a concerted effort to pray for these relatively unknown and unsung heroes of faith? We should not discount the importance of our prayers in their work! Paul credits the prayers of many Christians for his deliverance from trials,
“On him we have set our hope that he will continue to deliver us, as you help us by your prayers.” 2 Cor. 1:10
How can we pray for these missionaries? During the Thanksgiving season, it is a good time for us to count our blessings and be grateful. Let us start by just being grateful for missionaries who are faithful to the call to proclaim the name of God,
“Give praise to the Lord, proclaim his name; make known among the nations what He has done.” 1 Chronicles 16:8
A next step to take is to pray for the missionaries we personally know. Start with your own church: do you know the names and locations of missionaries being supported? If not, find out who they are and any information that will help you know how to pray for them. If your home congregation doesn’t support any missions, you can widen the circle to include other churches and mission programs in which you already have an interest.
As you remember missionaries you know by name, lift them up in prayer and be grateful for them. Write down their names so that you can remember to pray for them on a regular basis. There is great personal reward in praying for missionaries; as God hears our prayers and grants favor on those who are proclaiming His name, we are filled with joy and thanksgiving from our partnership with them in the mission of God.
As the prayers for Paul were answered, thanksgiving broke out among those who prayed:
“Then many will give thanks on our behalf for the gracious favor granted us in answer to the prayers of many.” 2 Cor. 1:11