No Greater Love

waodani, originally uploaded by mincaye.

From March 27 to April 4, Weng Ken went on a missions trip to Long Lamai, Sarawak. Prior to that, he asked me to pray for him every day throughout the trip.

One thought stayed with me throughout the nine days, and that is the story of Operation Auca:

In 1956, several men of the Waodani tribe of Ecuador attacked and speared to death five men who had 'mysteriously dropped from the sky into their jungle.' These were the missionaries Jim Elliot, Nate Saint, Roger Youderian, Pete Fleming and Ed McCully.


Surely they were supported by many in prayer. And yet, I cannot help feeling that missionaries head into the unknown, not on the assurance that prayers will keep them safe, but that God may have his way.

Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego said to King Nebuchadnezzar:

"If we are thrown into the blazing furnace, the God we serve is able to save us from it, and he will rescue us from your hand, O king. But even if he does not, we want you to know, O king, that we will not serve your gods or worship the image of gold you have set up."


Jim Elliot said, "He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose." Melody loves this quote, because it's true, she says. And it is.

And as far as heaven's servants are concerned, their treasure is immortal. Their reward is their God.

Maybe that is why Jesus says that, unless we surrender all that is ours, we cannot follow him. A missionary may know no fear, simply because there is nothing left to lose. But those who hoard their possessions risk everything.


Steven Curtis Chapman told the story of the Ecuador missionaries in his song 'No Greater Love.' It remains one of his finest:

Man of courage with your message of peace
What is that look in your eyes?
Why have you come to this faraway place?
What is this story you would lay down your life to tell?
What kind of love can this be?

Chorus:
There is no greater love than this
There is no greater gift that can ever be given
To be willing to die so another might live
There is no greater love than this

Broken hearted from all you have lost
How can you sing through your tears?
What is this music that can bear such a cost?
What is this fire that grows stronger against the wind?
What kind of flame can this be?

This is the love that God showed the world
When He gave us His Son
So we could know His love forever
Beyond the gates of splendor


Here's to you, Weng Ken, and to all missionaries out there. Heaven knows your names, and God will give you peace.