Remembering our Missionary Heritage

The term "missionary" has become politically incorrect and is often used to denigrate Christians who gave their lives for the Gospel, as colonialists and racists. With a few exceptions this was defininately not the case.

Consider this famous missions hymn penned in1830. See how it expresses absolute sacrifice of their own lives, country and things held dear, because of their love for Jesus Christ and the souls of men. Notice how they "go to free the slaves." It was the great mission movements which brought slavery to the attention of people like William Wilberforce (read more about him here) who finally succeeded in abolishing the awful practice.

Speed thy servants, Saviour

Speed Thy servants, Savior, speed them;
Thou art Lord of winds and waves;
They were bound, but Thou hast freed them;
Now they go to free the slaves:
Be Thou with them, 'tis Thine arm alone that saves.
Be Thou with them, 'tis Thine arm alone that saves.

Friends, and home, and all forsaking,
Lord they go at Thy command,
As their stay Thy promise taking,
While they traverse sea and land:
O be with them; lead them safely by the hand.
O be with them; lead them safely by the hand.

When they reach the land of strangers,
And the prospect dark appears,
Nothing seen but toils and dangers,
Nothing felt but doubts and fears,
Be Thou with them, hear their sighs and count their tears.
Be Thou with them, hear their sighs and count their tears.

When no fruit appears to cheer them,
And they seem to toil in vain,
Then in mercy, Lord, draw near them,
Then their sinking hopes sustain:
Thus supported, let their zeal revive again.
Thus supported, let their zeal revive again.

In the midst of opposition
Let them trust, O Lord, in Thee;
When success attends their mission,
Let Thy servants humbler be:
Never leave them till Thy face in heav'n they see.
Never leave them till Thy face in heav'n they see.

There to reap in joy forever,
Fruit that grows from seed here sown;
There to be with Him, Who never
Ceases to preserve His own;
And with gladness give the praise to Him alone.
And with gladness give the praise to Him alone.

To hear the Midi tune of this song click here. (Words: Thomas Kelly, Hymns on Various Passages of Scripture, 1820 edition. Music: "Zion," Thomas Hastings, 1830)

Kwasizabantu has always functioned with full-time missionaries, in the classical sense of a calling for life. We do also accept temporary help from those who want to give a year (or some part thereof) of their lives.

Recommended Reading:
The Life Story of Alexander Mackay
Missionary Madness, by Brian Abshire (shows the difference between genuine missionary endevour and short-term missionaries)
What inspired the Greatest Century of Missionary Advance, by Dr Peter Hammond
Early Missionaries in Korea, by Jason Kim
Making Disciples of all Nations, by Dr Peter Hammond
The Greatest Century of Missions, by Dr Peter Hammond
The Challenge of Missions, by Dr P. Hammond
Livingstone, the Great Liberator, by Dr P. Hammond