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" I have many things to write
to you, but I prefer not to do so with pen and ink; I hope to
see you and talk with you face to face, so that our joy may be
complete." II John 12 I have always enjoyed this verse ( and the other verse almost exactly like it) because it expresses my heart for going through what it takes to visit missionaries. Missionaries in other countries get lots of visitors, usually because the Americans want to see the land, and it seems slightly exotic to be doing that under the missionary flag. These visitors are usually exhausting to the Lord's servants, and much time is consumed by sights that must be shown and shopping that must be done. One completely spent missionary wife in Nepal told me that the weeks of the summer had been filled with visitor after visitor who absolutely had to see one Hindu temple after another. I love this passage of John's because his longing to see Cyria is personal and with the intent of eager sharing. He would rather visit than write because he has something to enjoy with her and her children - fellowship. His whole letter reflects that when they talk in person, they will both be exchanging the wonder of knowing and enjoying Jesus. There is a call today for those who would support missionaries with money, physical efforts and prayer. These need to be people of God who don't have to wear a label, and are willing to rank sitting for hours in smelly bus station along with and equal to seeing the most beautiful galloping giraffe. We do what we do because we have seen the lonely eyes light up, because we have joined in shedding tears over dying children, and because when we are face to face, our mutual joy is complete. |
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