8. The Missionary Call
8. The Missionary Call
Writing to the missionary secretary in America, from Maulmein, Burma, on January 12, 1833, Adoniram Judson protested strongly, on behalf of all the missionaries then serving in Burma, against the appointment of short-term missionaries. These he regarded as mere hirelings. Referring to his own observations of such cases he wrote:
They are all good for nothing. Though brilliant in an English pulpit, they are incompetent to any real missionary work. They come out for a few years, with a view of acquiring a stock of credit on which they may vegetate the rest of their days, in the congenial climate of their native land...As to lessening the trials of the candidate for missions and making the way more smooth before him, it is just what ought not to be done. Missionaries need more trials on their first setting out, instead of less. The motto of every missionary—whether preacher, printer, or schoolmaster—ought to be “Devoted for Life.” A few days ago, Brother Kincaid was asked by a Burmese officer of government how long he intended to stay. “Until all Burma worships the eternal God,” was his prompt reply.[73]
Judson himself was devoted for life to the missionary cause. Hence he was able to lay down this stern line regarding those who, according to his mind, were prepared only to dabble in the work.
This raises the neglected subject of calling to the ministry.[74] Basically every Christian should be ready for whatever service is needed within the context of the approval and support of his church. As we will see at the conclusion, the position in Burma (Myanmar) now is totally changed. Today the only way of access is by “Christian Tentmakers,” professional workers, teachers, academics, doctors, engineers, or architects, on contract. These are highly valued by the national Christian leaders. There are about 60 nations in the world where this is the major means for gaining entry—for 33 of these, the only way.[75]
However, it cannot be stressed enough that there are many unevangelized areas of the world that still require teams of missionaries equipped with determination, dedication, and commitment for life, as exemplified by Judson. As Judson was inspired by information, so we ought to encourage missionary vision by use of excellent resources available today.[76]
Writing to the Mission Board in 1832, a joint letter of fervent appeal for more missionaries was made. “We are in distress. We see thousands perishing around us. We see mission stations opening on every side, the fields growing whiter every day, and no laborers to reap the harvest.” This was followed by details of the call for more missionaries in Burma. In this letter, a description is given of surrounding nations in need of the Gospel. The old kingdom of Arracan, then under British rule, is described. This letter, signed by five missionaries, concludes with a prayer as follows:
Have mercy on the theological seminaries, and hasten the time when one-half of all who yearly enter the ministry shall be taken by thine Holy Spirit and driven into the wilderness, feeling a sweet necessity laid on them, and the precious love of Christ and of souls constraining them. Hear, O Lord, all the prayers which are this day presented in all the monthly concerts throughout the habitable globe, and hasten the millennial glory, for which we are all longing, and praying, and labouring. Adorn thy beloved one in her bridal vestments, that she may shine forth in immaculate beauty and celestial splendour. Come, O our Bridegroom; come, Lord Jesus; come quickly. Amen and Amen.[77]
Judson, devoted for life, longed for those who were called to dedicate themselves to labor for life on the mission fields. The world has become open to us as never before. An elementary early step on the road to be a missionary is to read all the available material on specific unevangelized areas of the world. A resource like Operation World can provide adequate leads for specialized study and preparation (see endnote 71). We know well that whole nations need to be reached, just as Burma needed to be reached. The call to us is for wholehearted commitment to the Great Commission. The call is to devote ourselves to Christ’s cause as Judson devoted himself. There is no doubt that Adoniram Judson was correct in his belief that it will only be through those who are totally committed for life that the strongholds of Satanic darkness will be broken down and won for Christ. Missionary interest in the UK has waned. The British Protestant missionary force has reduced from about 7,000 in 1972 to about 5,400 in 1993. (About 16 percent of all UK missionaries are short-term workers.)[78]