On Friday nights, my team goes out for street ministry. There are always people sitting on the streets, hanging around, so we find people to talk to and pray with. Last Friday night, I met a woman named Bianca. She works at a retirement center in one of the neighboring communities, and told me that I MUST meet one of the ladies she works for. Mrs. Virginia Ross is 93 years old and has been a missionary in Africa for over 50 years. This morning, we had the honor of spending time with her, hearing stories of her many years in Africa, and soaking up the wisdom she acquired as she has walked with the Lord. She is so deeply in love with Jesus, and still spends each day hand in hand with her Savior as she continues to minister to the people around her. She is still ‘young’ in the Lord and drives, has a computer, and is even on Facebook!!! She has just returned from visiting Jerusalem 3 months ago. She has absolutely known pain and loss, but is so full of love, hope, and joy. Her love for the Lord is contagious and I pray that I grow more and more in love with Jesus, just like Mrs. Ross has done through her life spent serving the people of Africa.
Before we left, she gave each of us a copy of her book. She recently complied 60 years worth of letters that she had written over her missionary journeys into one book. Her book is called ‘The Land of My Heart: Love Letters From Africa’
She left us with Jude 24-25. Now to Him who is able to keep you from stumbling, and to present you faultless before the presence of His glory with exceeding joy, to God our Savior, who alone is wise be glory and majesty, dominion and power, both now and forever. Amen.
Almost exactly one year ago, the Lord gave me a definition for what it means to be a missionary. He said that a missionary is one with the deep seated conviction that Jesus is worth knowing above all other things and spends their life to bring others to that same knowledge. Today, I met a true missionary.
My heart is so full and encouraged after meeting her this morning. It was such an honor to spend time with her. The desire of my heart, like Mrs. Ross’, is to know Jesus more and more… and to fall more and more in love with Him. She spoke to and confirmed that place in my heart that longs to live a life fully poured out to the Lord on the mission field. Whatever the cost, He is worth it.
