Are you a success in life? In 1912, medical missionary Dr. William Leslie went to live and minister to tribal people in a remote corner of the Democratic Republic of Congo. After 17 years he returned to the U.S. a discouraged man – believing he failed to make an impact for Christ. He died nine years after his return. Fifteen years ago, a team of mission minded folks felt led to go back to where Leslie had “failed” nearly a century ago. They flew by small plane, they hiked, used dugout canoes and backpacked into the jungle before they reached the first village of the people group Leslie had worked with. What the team found was after all these decades, there was a network of reproducing churches throughout the jungle. Each village had its own gospel choir, wrote their own Christian songs and would have sing-offs from village to village. The team even found a 1,000 seat “cathedral” in one of the villages. And that church was filled regularly with many folks walking miles to attend. The people only knew Leslie by one name, and it had been lost to them whether it was his first or last name! He and his wife spent 17 years hoping to bring people to faith in Christ. He felt like he was there for 17 years and never really make a big impact…but the legacy he left is huge. Dr. Leslie didn’t think that he was a success in life…he saw himself as a failure. But his faithfulness to God and to his ministry continued long after he left Africa and longer after he died. God is looking for faithfulness. Don’t give up on what God has given you. Don’t quit. You do what you know is good and right and noble for him. He will take your faithful life and use it long after you are gone…in the hearts and minds of the people your life has touched. Here’s our Bible verse for today…
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ
2 Timothy 4:6-8 NLT As for me, my life has already been poured out as an offering to God. The time of my death is near. (7) I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, and I have remained faithful. (8) And now the prize awaits me—the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will give me on the day of his return. And the prize is not just for me but for all who eagerly look forward to his appearing.
Remember I’m praying for you!
With love, PJ