Being a “Whatsoever Christian” in a “So What?” World

by Mary Herman, BBFI Missionary Teacher

In observing people around the world, most fall into two general categories – So What? and Whatsoever. “So What?” people are self-absorbed choosing to ignore the struggles and needs of those around them in order to focus on personal comfort, entertainment and self-promotion. In contrast, “Whatsoever” people focus on observing and expending time and energy to meet other’s needs and attempt to change the world in significant ways.

The missionaries I work alongside with fit the description of “Whatsoever Christians” who recognize:

“…Whatsoever God doeth, it shall be forever…” (Eccl 3:14) A forever work requires faithfulness, steadfastness and long-term commitment – nothing will be accomplished apart from the Lord.

“Whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.” (Ps 1:3) They must trust the Lord for fruit, buildings, health, and godly wisdom.Some mission fields are physically and emotionally difficult but the fruit comes easily, whereas others are easy as far as living goes but the visible result of the work is slow and very hard. Scotland and Yorkshire are areas that fall into the second category; however, the ministry of two missionary families is prospering. Because they have become involved and formed relationships, when a problem crashes into the world of their people they call on the missionary.

“Whatsoever thy hand findeth to do, do it with thy might…” (Eccl 9:10-11) The work requires maximum effort. Think of “Whatsoever Christians” like the Dimakos’ family in Greece who are reaching refugees by the dozens as they serve tirelessly in a difficult place, or Paul Byars in the Philippines. This remarkable man serves as a pastor of a large church and shepherds missionaries around the globe as Director of Asian Baptist Clearinghouse even though he is blind! Consider too, to Joanne Foltz in Tanzania delivering provisions to a pastor’s family whom she discovered was boiling dirt because they had no food. These are “Whatsoever Christians!”

“Whatsoever things are …” (Phil 4:8-9) The key to maintaining a right spirit and a joy-filled life is choosing to think on the right things. Missionaries are faced with loneliness and separation from family, but an even greater struggle may be demonic attacks or poverty Americans cannot understand. “Whatsoever Christians” serving “Whomsoever” in a “Where-so-ever” place need our encouragement and support through communication and prayers.

You can find this article and many more in the latest edition of Global Partners available in the BBFI Store as a single download or a pack of 50.