September 15, 2006

• Without protocol and all

  But many times as I studied in the library I felt God nudging me, "Bruce, I want you in South America."
  
  "But, Lord, I tried that.  Don't you remember?  I was turned down."
  
  "Turned down by whom?"

  "Why, by the mission board, of course."

  It was as though God were smiling at me, amused and tolerant.  "Bruce, I didn't turn you down.  I want you in South America.  Follow me."

  "God, this is ridiculous.  How can I go down there without a mission board?  You want me to go down there without anyone to take care of me?  I mean -- without protocol and all?"

  "Bruce, I'm in South America too."

  And then...I began to see what God had been trying to teach me.  He hadn't called me, really, to be a missionary like Mr. Rayburn.  He had called me to Himself, to be like His Son, Jesus Christ.  And He wanted me to follow Him to South America.  Now. 

  So...I went...to get my passport and visa...

      Immediately.  He went. 
      And it was hard.  Arrows were shot at him, he was captured, he was tortured -- 
      but it was completely worth it.
      God used him to bring a whole people-group to know Jesus. 
  
      This was the first missionary biography I ever read.  Totally changed my life.  I want to follow God -- just as Bruce Olson did -- even if it means on paths without protocols and precedence...

  • 4:22 pm
  • 1 Comment