When I was growing up on a dairy farm, I was afraid of missionaries who visited our church. I feared getting too close to someone so holy and strange. They had to be strange to do what they were doing, didn’t they? If someone had told me that someday I would be one of those missionaries, I would have laughed. I might also have cried because it frightened me to think of going into an unknown place to work among unknown people who spoke an unknown language. I knew that I was not smart enough, Godly enough, or brave enough
If I could go back in time to give myself some encouragement, this is what I would say. “Helen, the God you’re getting to know is bigger than any challenge you will ever face. If He calls you to go somewhere new and do something different, be encouraged that He will go with you. The Bible promises; ‘If I rise on the wings of the dawn, if I settle on the far side of the sea, even there your hand will guide me, your right hand will hold me fast.’ [Psalm 139:9-10] This life adventure with Him won’t always be easy but you will learn about trusting God in hard times and rejoicing with Him in good times. You will see how faithful He really is.
As you enter the unknown, He will equip you to do the work to which He has called you. You will not always do it perfectly, but that’s alright because only God is perfect. He will provide answers to questions you have not even thought to ask. He will open doors in surprising ways and hold your hand to guide you through as you walk with Him. Your mind will be expanded as you see a world that is much larger than the one you now understand. You will be light in a dark world.
Will there be loneliness? Perhaps, but obedience to God is of utmost importance. Helen, don’t fear. Prepare for your future by learning more about God, thus learning to fall more in love with Him till He calls you. Truth be told, I still say I’m not smart enough, brave enough or Godly enough, but I’ve learned that God is enough. I’ll tell you a little secret, Helen. Just wait till you see what God does with cream of tartar!!”
Helen McCormack
Helen and her late husband David confirmed God’s first call to missions at a MissionNext Conference in 2002. After three short-term (2-4 month) projects in Lithuania, they joined Wycliffe Bible Translators. They then taught for seven years at Black Forest Academy in Germany. Black Forest Academy serves mostly missionary families who work in over 50 countries throughout Europe, Asia and Africa. Helen now serves as a Journey Guide with MissionNext.
