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With his joyful attitude and humor, Dave is an encouragement to most anyone he meets. He is an aspiring writer of fiction who currently resides in Maryland, where he works for a background screening company. He can also be found teaching elementary students at his local church.

Thomas Gray once wrote, “Ignorance is bliss,” a truth easily injected into every aspect of life. With such bliss comes a sense of assumed safety and partial freedom of thought. Also attached is fear of what we don’t know, and don’t want to know.

This is where I found myself only a few years ago, placing my state of mind away from anything that could challenge my way of thinking.   Missions in particular was all but ignored, and the call to seek the lost fell on deaf ears.

All that changed, though, when God brought one of his soldiers into my life.

I was, and in many ways still am, overcome and oversaturated by the grind of American life. The absurdities of first world living, and the hunt to quench a growing need were never fulfilled. Finding a Monday through Friday work schedule seemed as treasured as gold. Having a gym on the commute home like cake, and a church that produced little complaints the icing. Routines proceeded, little risk and little annoyance, seeking the next pleasure while attempting to live a godly life. Witnessing was playing a game of rare opportunity, and being involved in missions was an abstract thought. I never contemplated being a missionary, or involving myself in any way. There was no grand goal, no drive to save the lost, no plan to bring light into the darkness. Life went on, unbeknownst to the suffering happening within my own community and the billions across the oceans.

The View of a Civilian

Was I ignorant? Thousands die each day, never hearing the word of hope, never tasting grace. I have love everlasting, a hope that can’t be stolen, and a God who will never forsake me. A Savior who will give me rest and comfort, and calls me his son.  We as Christians have learned that even through the darkest pain, we can proclaim, “God is enough.” Knowing these truths, was the suffering of people far away completely invisible to my sight? Perhaps, but where was my heart? Was I seeking the lost, or seeking a raise?

Too many times I’ve said, “I can’t do that.”

Too many times I’ve said, “That’s not me.”

Too many times I’ve said, “That’s not my calling.”

Within the blinding fog of ignorance, there existed an echo chanting, “I can’t. Only by God’s good grace, and the unwavering commitment to one selfless missionary, did I finally ask myself, “What can I do?”

In these past many months, God has shown me that ignorance is not a condition of the heart; it’s a choice.

It’s only been in the last few years, when the Lord has teased at my heart, daring me to stretch my sight from near to far. Jesus has reminded me of His last and greatest commandment. Every missionary has His holy edict stamped on their hearts, often living in desolate valleys and poisonous cities. Many churches have done a poor job of pushing this need, focusing their efforts instead on potlucks and softball games. Now I look around and wonder, why isn’t more done? Where is the sense of emergency?

People are dying every second, a permanent death and without grace, because the sweet Word has never reached their ears.

It’s only an idea, but missions needs to stop being treated as a project, and more as a war effort.

The War

Every human has felt the effects of war, though none more than those fighting on the front line. Those who have sacrificed the most, whose hands are blistered and feet sore from walking. Those at home kiss them goodbye with sodden eyes, and cherish every letter and every call. War, when a necessity, is a sacrifice for the greater good. We’re not striving for fertile lands, tyranny or oppression, but the souls of every man, women and child.

War is never easy. There will always be loneliness, loss, empty houses, and empty dinner tables. While there are surely battles at home, the fight must be taken to distance lands when the battle rages.  Armed with the Word of truth, and the greatest and purest news the world has ever heard.

I’ve come to realize, war is fought by the nation, not only by the soldiers.

While I may not be called to the front line, I’ll do whatever is in my power so the Word of the Lord presses on.

After so much confusion and lethargy, God has shown me where my passion must lie. I can work hard and strive to support and to be a source of encouragement for those on the front line. Who would I be to stand back while the battle for souls rages, without a care of the outcome?

The Hope

It is not that we have lived “good lives” but because we sacrificed so much, because we gave everything we had; our time, our money, our homes, our relationships. If it were for nothing, then we should be pitied among all men. If we’re to struggle at home, then let’s push ourselves into giving all we have. To be supportive, not just with our tithe, but with our hearts, our prayers, pouring ourselves out to any Christian soldier.

If our gift is generosity, then let us support the effort with open hands. If our gift is encouragement, let’s never miss a day to speak truth into their lives.

Let us never sit back and only wish the others well, but let us unite as a nation of Christians fighting this battle. Praise be to God for His grace. Praise be to God for what He has shown us, revealing the path He has set, not just for some, but for all.

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