Jack and Jane Housley Reaching the Unreached LEST WE FORGET
“Missionary’s Mother’s Day”
Luke 2:34-35 “And Simeon blessed them, and said unto Mary his mother, Behold this child is set for the fall and the rising again of many in Israel; and for a sign which shall be spoken against; (Yea, a sword shall pierce through thy own soul also;) that the thoughts of many hearts may be revealed.”
The sword was pushed deep inside Mary’s soul the day she watched them nail her son Jesus to the cross. What pain she must have felt as she watched each nail being driven into those outstretched hands. Sometimes I wonder if she knew it was for my sin that His blood was shed. Old Simeon was right; the sword would pierce her very soul.
Now, what do those same words mean to us today? Jesus said, John 20:21, “As my Father hath sent me, even so I send you.” We have a job to do, and we have mothers that will be affected as we pick up our cross and follow Him. It was 1976 as my wife and I along with our four boys were saying our good-byes for the last time before boarding the plane that would carry us to our work in another country. I for one could not believe all the fuss these mothers were making. Didn’t they know we were about God’s business? Four long years, how could they understand this was God’s plan?
God, please let me never forget again how that same sword must pierce the very soul of all the mothers of our missionaries as they watch their daughters, sons and grandchildren head for the unknown of the mission field. Let us never be ashamed of the sobs and the tears that fall from those sweet faces as they watch their families board the plane that will carry them to the regions beyond. This was “Mother’s Day”, this was mother’s pain, you might not remember, but she will never forget. Please finish the job she has sacrificed so much for.
I want to bow my knee to the Father and thank Him for all our mother’s that have given their children and grand-children for the work of mission’s world wide. God bless you all.
Jack and Janie Housley
