In a lengthy article for a missionary publication an eighteenth-century female missionary to China told of the abuse of girls and women. She pleaded for hundreds of additional ladies to serve along with her. Her task was to rescue the girls being sold by families as the future wives of those who could afford the asking price. The girls were often less than 10 years-old and were doomed to serve a domineering future mother-in-law. The future for Chinese girls born to poor parents was grim. Beatings, servitude, abuses of every kind were common.
One line in the published article is arresting. "Picture it! Ponder it! Pray over it! And think – do they not need us?" The author merely asked for serious consideration, not a rash decision or mindless commitment. But few responded to the impassioned appeal of the young writer who was giving her life to a ministry that rescued those so unfortunate to be born female and in China’s poverty.
Those who did respond risked their lives. Many died in service while in the prime of life. Young families buried their children. Many who answered the call were widowed at a young age. Orphans among the missionary contingent were sadly a sobering reality. The task and the conditions under which the mission was executed were difficult beyond words. But today, those who laid down their lives in the risky service to the least of China’s populace celebrate around heaven’s throne. A multitude of those who were rescued and generations of spiritual descendants are singing the songs of heaven!
A missionary call by Charles Gabriel was penned at about the same time as the missionary magazine article. I sung repeatedly the words in my youth and years of pastoral ministry. It needs to be revived! Let us boldly adapt the young woman’s challenge from long ago, "Picture it! Ponder it! Pray over it! And think – do others not need us?" Come on! Let’s sing! Let’s pray! Let’s go!
"Send the light! Send the light!"
There are souls to rescue there are souls to save,
Send the light! Send the light!
Send the light, the blessèd Gospel light;
Let it shine from shore to shore!
Send the light, the blessèd Gospel light;
Let it shine forevermore!
We have heard the Macedonian call today,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a golden offering at the cross we lay,
Send the light! Send the light!
Let us pray that grace may everywhere abound,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
And a Christ-like spirit everywhere be found,
Send the light! Send the light!
Let us not grow weary in the work of love,
"Send the light! Send the light!"
Let us gather jewels for a crown above,
Send the light! Send the light!
The spiritual needs of the world continue. In addition to reports in print, color photography, video journalism, and television help us see world need. We must, however, "Picture it! Ponder it! Pray over what we see!" And, then all serious disciples of Jesus must act!
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