I love to sing old hymns. They were part of my life for so long. So when I hear a hymn from my past, I’m always taken back to the moments of my youth. This is one of those hymns.

I grew up in a minister’s home. We lived in the Bible belt and all seemed to be going well. I had friends. The church was growing (as far as this 7 year-old could tell). I was happy in my little, rural world.

Until my Dad and Mom said, “we’re moving.” We packed up our belongings, moved in with my grandparents for six months and my Dad and Mom raised financial support to go to Upstate New York and start a new church.

At the time, there were very few Christian Church/Church of Christ churches in Upstate New York. My Dad heard the call and we were on the mission field.

I have admired people through the years who have joined my parents on the mission field. Whether it was in the continental United States or across the world, the people I’ve come to know and love that have chosen to live in an area outside their norm is admirable. And I believe, God notices as well.

Jesus’ last words to His disciples and to us are found in Matthew 28:18-20 (NIV). Jesus asks that we “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you.”

Until two years ago, I had believed that God’s use for me in this area was through my local church and my home. Teaching those who would listen. Share God’s love with my family and neighbors. I was pretty satisfied with what I had been doing.

I believe, however, that God saw it differently. He wanted me to experience SE Asia. He wanted me to experience how the Gospel was shared in that part of the world. He wanted me to “go.”

The possibility of going again excites my soul. I am anxiously awaiting the words, “it’s a go.” So what am I waiting for? For God to gather a team of touched hearts for the mission field. I know that if He can touch me the way He did, He can do it again. So I’m waiting.

I only have to wait another 10 days or so…then I’ll know if I’m going to SE Asia again. So until then, I’m praying for God to do His work. I’m praying that God will touch lives here in America as well as SE Asia. I’m praying for the workers doing God’s work on the mission field. I’m praying that God will continue to soften my heart for the work He still has planned for me.

You may be reading this and wondering what you might do. First you can pray with me. Next you can ask God if this is something you should consider for yourself. And third, you can begin making plans to help financially when/if I return to SE Asia in June.

I love being surprised by God. I love how He opens doors. I love how He uses ordinary people to do extraordinary things. Perhaps He wants to use you for something wonderful. Keep your eyes and ears open. God will show up.

So today’s tune is “We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations.” And what a story it is. It isn’t for those in your “little part of the world.” It is for the whole world! Now let’s share it!

“We’ve a Story to Tell to the Nations”

We’ve a story to tell to the nations,
That shall turn their hearts to the right,
A story of truth and mercy,
A story of peace and light,
A story of peace and light.

Refrain

For the darkness shall turn to dawning,
And the dawning to noonday bright;
And Christ’s great kingdom shall come on earth,
The kingdom of love and light.

We’ve a song to be sung to the nations,
That shall lift their hearts to the Lord,
A song that shall conquer evil
And shatter the spear and sword,
And shatter the spear and sword.

Refrain

We’ve a message to give to the nations,
That the Lord who reigns up above
Has sent us His Son to save us,
And show us that God is love,
And show us that God is love.

Refrain

We’ve a Savior to show to the nations,
Who the path of sorrow has trod,
That all of the world’s great peoples
Might come to the truth of God,
Might come to the truth of God.

Refrain[i]

If you’d like to listen to this wonderful hymn, click here.

Grace and peace be yours in abundance,

Donna