A Far Green Country

There’s a well‐known story of a missionary couple who after decades of faithful service overseas, were returning back to the States. They happened to be on the same ship to New York as President Theodore Roosevelt, who was returning from a big game hunt in Africa. As the ship pulled into the dock, huge crowds, the press, and a brass band were gathered to welcome him
home.

The old missionary couple, health broken and spent in their service for Christ, walked off the ship and through the crowd, unmet and unknown. As they walked, a tear trickled down the husband’s cheek.

“What’s wrong?” his wife asked.
“My whole life I’ve given to serving Christ. We’ve spent ourselves for Jesus and nobody is here to greet us on our return home.

His dear wife thought for a minute and said softly, "That's because we're not home yet, dear." (emphasis mine - DR)
‐
I’ve met lots of wonderfully humble missionaries who don’t need awards or standing ovations – but would of course appreciate the encouragement of a simple “thank you”, but most of all in lieu of any recognition we all long for and wait to hear the words, “well done, good and faithful servant.”

For those who fast earthly comforts and recognition, there is a heavenly comfort and recognition that will leave no one disappointed.


- Michael Oh