Singled Out

I am sitting in the lounge of our host family's home after just tucking our children into bed following a very busy day. We've completed the first day of a missions conference in West Virginia. During the Sunday School hour, we were given the opportunity to share our life's testimony. I always enjoy listening to the testimonies of others, especially fellow missionaries. It's encouraging to hear how the Lord led them to His saving knowledge and how He prepared them for the mission field. Some missionaries started their journey at a young age, some during their college years, and others while already engaged in their careers. However, what particularly piques my interest are the testimonies of single missionaries. I find their willingness to serve the Lord incredibly courageous.

When I was a single missionary, I never really considered myself courageous. I didn't venture to a foreign mission field where I had to learn a new language or adapt to a different culture. I returned home. At first glance, it may not seem like an act of courage, but why was it so challenging?

Well, as I reflect on those seven years, the courageous aspect was that I was doing it on my own. Of course, I wasn't truly alone; I had my Lord and Savior by my side. As promised in Matthew 28:20, "I am with you always, even unto the end of the world.”However, I was without a husband, and this is a part of a single missionary's testimony that is often not heard. Going out on your own, without the security of a spouse, can be one of the most daunting challenges. Because of this, many singles hesitate to take that leap of faith, waiting in the hope of finding a spouse who shares their desire for mission work.

If you find yourself among those who are single, may I encourage you to read the inspired writings of Paul in 1 Corinthians 7:32-35: "“But I would have you without carefulness. He that is unmarried careth for the things that belong to the Lord, how he may please the Lord: But he that is married careth for the things that are of the world, how he may please his wife. There is difference also between a wife and a virgin. The unmarried woman careth for the things of the Lord, that she may be holy both in body and in spirit: but she that is married careth for the things of the world, how she may please her husband. And this I speak for your own profit; not that I may cast a snare upon you, but for that which is comely, and that ye may attend upon the Lord without distraction.”

Looking back, I realize that I didn't fully grasp the privilege of being single during that time. Single believers have the opportunity and the choice to focus solely on the things of the Lord, without the added responsibilities of a spouse and children.

I remember sitting at the piano one morning in church, thinking to myself, "What have I done? I can't play the piano." I had been asked by the missionary I was assisting if I would be willing to play the piano during the church services. He explained that his wife had limited training and couldn't play comfortably. Initially, I thought, "Me? No, I couldn't possibly do that."

However, over the following week, the Lord worked in my heart. I realized that I needed to take on this responsibility not just for the Lord or His people but also to support a young couple who were new to the field, with an infant to care for. At that stage of my life, I had the Lord's blessing of not bearing the additional responsibilities of a married couple. As a single person, I had more available time. The Lord graciously helped me learn three hymns for that first Sunday, and I was blessed to continue in this ministry for the five years I served alongside that dear couple.

Now, those years as a single missionary hold some of my fondest memories. I thank the Lord for teaching me to patiently await His perfect timing. We don't know what tomorrow holds; we are only promised today. Use your time wisely, don't be afraid, and don't give up on your heart’s desires while serving your Lord and Savior. Your Lord will bless you beyond what your mind can fathom.

“Trust in the Lord, and do good; so shalt thou dwell in the land, and verily thou shalt be fed. Delight thyself also in the Lord: and he shall give thee the desires of thine heart. Commit thy way unto the Lord; trust also in him; and he shall bring it to pass. And he shall bring forth thy righteousness as the light, and thy judgment as the noonday. Rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for him: fret not thyself because of him who prospereth in his way, because of the man who bringeth wicked devices to pass.” 

- Psalm 37:3-7