I’ve often wondered what went through the Apostle Paul’s mind near the end of his life and ministry. As he approached Rome and his eventual death for the cause of Christ, what was he feeling and what was he thinking? We know from Scripture in the letters which Paul wrote that he was not afraid of death. In Phil. 1:21, Paul wrote to the Philippians that “to die is gain.” The Apostle Paul lived out his life as a good and faithful servant. He did not become the “castaway” that he feared becoming, instead he remained faithful to the calling which God had placed upon him. Paul became the example of what it looks like to be a missionary. He planted many churches and reached countless souls with the Good News of Jesus Christ.

Paul was the greatest missionary of his day, but did he ever wonder who would take his place? Would it be Timothy? Would Apollos and Cephas carry on? Perhaps John Mark? There were still so many places, cities, towns, villages, and people who needed to hear the Gospel. As Jesus told his disciples; “The harvest truly is plenteous”.

“But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” – Matthew 9:36-38

I recently had the privilege of visiting one of our veteran BBFI missionaries on the field. At the age of 83, his health is declining and he has become much more limited in what he can do in the ministry. I sat beside him listening to stories of the many years of his ministry. Although his body has grown weak, his heart for God still beats strong. He and his wife have served the Lord faithfully for nearly 60 years as missionaries.

Like Paul, he has committed his life to obeying the Great Commission and reaching the lost with the Gospel. God has blessed his ministry for many decades, but now his time is coming to a close. I sat across from this dear servant and observed him as he read his Bible with trembling hands. I visited one of the many churches that he has planted and met many of the believers there who have accepted the Gospel as a result of this faithful servant’s labors.

I heard them sing praises to God in their native tongue and watched them diligently listen to the preaching, eager to learn from God’s Word. I met countless individuals throughout the surrounding community who knew the missionaries and dearly loved them. The impact of just one missionary couple has had such a profound impact on this community. For nearly 60 years the Gospel has been taken to the ends of the earth here in this mission field. The harvest is truly plenteous…but there is still much work to be done.

I found myself asking, “But who will take his place?” Just as I contemplated the life of Paul and his vision and hope for the ministry that would continue long after he was gone, I wondered the same about our missionaries today. Many faithful servants are passing off the scene. Having completed the race that was set before them I wonder, who will pick up the baton and carry it forward? Who will go in their stead? Who will return to the next generation of lost souls?

Who will go into the deeper places, reach further into the unknown, or return to the metropolises to reach the multitudes who are content in their materialism?

There is still work to be done! Please continue to give faithfully to missions. Please remain faithful in prayer for our missionaries and their labors. Please pray for more servants to be called to take the Gospel to the ends of the earth. And please pray, asking God if it would be His will to send you to continue the work of a missionary.

Also I heard the voice of the Lord, saying, Whom shall I send, and who will go for us? Then said I, Here am I; send me. Isaiah 6:8

-by Joshua Hale, BBFI Recruiting Office