T h e m is s io n a r y returning home had an outstanding record of missionary service in South India. The church where she was to speak the first Sunday after her arrival had publicized her coming well, and a fine congregation was present that Sunday. “Missions” was a special interest of mine, and I was happy to be among those eager to receive her message. What a disappointment! An average-appearing American wo man, in a white cotton dress per haps ten years out of date, and wearing a hat that was laughable in view of the current fashion! Her message was impressive, however, though the delivery was only fair. Still, her poor and taste less appearance was uppermost in my mind. The pastor’s wife had been of great help in stimulating interest in many of us. When she ques tioned my impressions o f our mis sionary speaker, I told her o f my disappointment, and how I wished the speaker had been more dra matic. Our pastor’s wife replied kindly but positively: “You must remember that mis sionaries take with them ward robes to last several years, suit able to the climate in which they are to live. They do not have large incomes and must make their clothing last. Even if they did have more money, clothing stores might be hundreds if not thou sands o f miles away. What little shopping they do must be ordered from mail-order houses in the States, and often the order does not meet the catalog descriptions, but they are too far away to make exchanges. These are the clothes they wear home. “ As to the manner of public speaking, their work is not usual ly from the speaker’s platform, but is a person-to-person minis try, seeking to win each one to the Lord. As a physician or nurse, again the missionary ministers to an individual. A teacher in a mis sion school must approach the subject with the native pattern of thinking in mind, and often in the native language. A mission
M E MISSIONARIES
...here is one answer!
by VIVIAN E. BOTHWELL
clothing, though one “token” gift is presented with the check — usually a sweater, easily ex changed if the size is not right. Checks are presented at an eve ning worship service, followed by a reception at which time the con gregation may meet the mission aries personally. Of course the missionaries are on the platform to receive the checks, but it is kind not to engage them for a missionary address until they have had an opportunity to shop for their new wardrobes. (Occa sionally missionaries have used this fund for much-needed dental work or medical attention.) We guarantee joy and blessing for all concerned, if your church tries this plan. And never again will it be said, “Missionaries are slobs,” for you will have provided wardrobes suitable for the Royal Ambassadors o f the K ing o f kings! HU
ary is not necessarily gifted in public address, because the work is with one person at a time.” Those words made a deep im pression upon me. Some years later, while serving on the Church Missions Committee, the words came back to me at a time when a missionary family was soon to arrive home. The committee re sponded to the suggestion, and recommended that the church have a “ Clothing Shower” ready to present to the missionary fam ily. Church members responded gladly and provided several hun dred dollars to purchase a suit able wardrobe for the mission aries and their children. The experience proved to be such a blessing to all that it has since become a church tradition, and many missionaries have been outfitted. Experience proved that it was more satisfactory to pro vide a fund than actual items of
A P R IL, 1968
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