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From Luke’s Journal Sept 2025 | Vol. 30 No. 2 | Success-Failure

I was on the mission field for fifteen years with my family. Time marched quickly past, and before we knew it, we were back in Australia. We returned on 20^th March 2020 to Sydney as it closed its borders due to COVID-19. We waited for the borders to open to make our move back to the ministry country. By June, we had to make the decision that we would not return to our field of service, because the lease of that apartment had come due, and we were very uncertain when the borders would reopen for travel. The country was still closed, and we did not know when the borders would open again.

We had to get our friends in to pack up our apartment. They texted photos of all our belongings so we could organise what could be given away and what could be sent back. We had, in total, thirty-eight boxes to ship back.

As a missionary, I’m not sure I was a great success. When one mentions a missionary, the mind conjures a picture of a faraway place, rural and unconquered. Speaking to the local indigenous people in their own language, proclaiming the Good News of Christ. Knowing that you may have convinced the people to believe in the person of Jesus Christ.

That may be another’s story, it wasn’t mine. I worked much of my life in an office. I knew how to use paper, pens, keyboards, and software. I could read and analyse most pieces of data and turn it into meaningful information. I was creative enough to inject humour into presentations and talks when addressing an audience.

In the following Bible verse, the word “compelled” grabbed my attention:

“And now, compelled by the Spirit, I am going to Jerusalem, not knowing what will happen to me there.” (Acts 20:22 NIV).

I resigned that day (February 2005) and contacted SIM the next day. After eight months of preparation, I packed my bags, everything I needed for two years. The ministry I was assigned to was an administrative role for an AIDS project. “Perfect,” I thought, “A job with very limited people contacts, and focused on dealing with processes.” I could use my acquired skills. I would be involved in learning the local language, with the aim of dialoguing meaningfully with the locals. At the same time, studying the language and do “missionary work” on the side.

However, “In his heart a man plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” (Proverbs 16:9 NIV).

I enrolled in university to learn the language. I would be moving to another city after the first semester of language study. The AIDS project that I had volunteered for was being closed down due to government scrutiny. I volunteered to be deployed to an administrative role that focussed on assisting with the recruitment of Christian professionals to help in ministry using their professional qualifications.

While waiting to move, I developed glaucoma in both eyes, lost my eyesight temporarily, and had to be evacuated back to Sydney.

“No one will be able to stand up against you all the days of your life. As I was with Moses, so I will be with you; I will never leave you nor forsake you.” (Joshua 1:5 NIV).

This Bible verse kept coming back to me during this time. I also kept thinking, “I didn’t expect my missionary journey to end so quickly after only four months.”

I returned to Sydney to be under the care of an ophthalmologist with an interest in glaucoma. My prayer changed, “Lord, give me enough eyesight to go back to the field.” After four months of eye care, I was given clearance to return to the field. I did lose some eyesight, but I had enough to be able to function in daily life.

“After four months of eye care, I was given clearance to return to the field. I did lose some eyesight, but I had enough to be able to function in daily life.”

I took up my new position in recruitment, which morphed into member care – a role that involved looking after the missionaries’ spiritual, mental, emotional and physical health. The role took me to different parts of the country to connect with the missionaries. I knew very little about member care. I read what I could on missionary care, how to coach, how to counsel, how to mentor, how to listen and wait to speak.

At the start, I thought I bit off more than I could chew. I ruminated about taking up another role, as this one is so far out of my comfort zone. There was a voice saying that I could continue with the work:

“But as for you, be strong and do not give up, for your work will be rewarded.” (2 Chronicles 15:7 NIV).

I’m not sure about being rewarded, but I had the satisfaction of knowing I was able to help my colleagues look towards Jesus for what they needed to do in ministry and be encouraged in their ministry. There was great relief and satisfaction when the conferences progressed well, when the member care visits worked out, when our associates were able to speak freely about their challenges without judgment, share their joys of success, and discuss how to solve the world’s problems.

Of course, there were times when speakers did not turn up, or I had forgotten to turn up at engagements. There was much self-anger and silent cursing over my own forgetfulness, or the follow-ups that did not happen. Yet, it all worked out. I’m still unsure of how, but it did.

“And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love him, who have been called according to his purpose.” (Romans 8:28).

There were days when the fruit of the Spirit was not evident. Upset at my wife over nothing or over something small, experiencing anger over the chaotic drivers on the road, not giving way to pedestrians. Frustration on stepping on LEGO pieces in the living room. Rolling my eyes at what my colleagues had said and done, and furthermore, failing to exhibit “love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.” (Galatians 5-22-23 NIV). His words kept me grounded and reminded me that I was serving others and witnessing for Him.

God allowed me the privilege to work with others in supplying winter jackets to school children in the mountain areas, build a bridge for a community, and assist in English teaching in urban and rural settings, support a barber in his outreach to women after an earthquake, support a young woman who started a library and community centre to help the young and elderly, help the Dutch embassy fund playgrounds for children, walk alongside newcomers by orientating them to their new life overseas, encourage local Christians and foreign workers in their walk with Jesus and teach at an International School.

“Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by what I do.” (James 2:19 NIV).

Should my epitaph read “Good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:23 NIV), others may possibly consider my time serving and honouring the Lord in mission and my whole life, successful. It would not be by my strength, but God’s strength.

“I can do everything through him who gives me strength.” (Philippians 4:13 NIV).

I could have done most of what I did overseas; I could have done in Australia. God’s will had me overseas to do what he wanted me to do. During our time overseas, we would have the same medical challenges as we would have had in Australia, although the diagnosis and prognosis would have been handled differently. The challenges of our sons growing up could have been the same and marriage joys and challenges, also the same. The context was the only differentiator.

“And whatever you do, whether in word or deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through him.” (Colossians 3:17 NIV).

Helping others to bring success for the Gospel

As I reflected, the following Christians came to my mind:

The hairdresser (above centre) and his two assistants. He came by train, a two-day travel. He heard that women after the earthquake were devastated, losing their husbands, livelihood, and hope. He felt God calling him to “do something”, so he used his hairdressing ability. He brought his tools and set up a hairdressing salon. It became a school where women and a couple of men learnt the skills and became hairdressers.

The women learnt their trade by giving free haircuts to the residents in the earthquake village.

Several women who heard the Gospel while training in hairdressing gave their lives to Christ. They are now scattered, to ply their skills and tell others about Jesus.

This young woman saw the need of the young students, who lacked the resources to do their schoolwork. She set up a library to help them. She also started an after-school homework club for those who wanted to learn more. Additionally, she started a Sunday School to teach about Jesus, which eventually became a community centre for the elderly and for those who needed a place to read the newspaper and chat. It was a small space, but enough for all who came.

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