Several weeks ago I visited with a nurse practitioner who volunteered to go to West Africa in 2014, to battle the outbreak of the Ebola virus. With 69 other medical personnel these brave nurses and doctors put themselves at great risk to care for those who had been infected with this deadly virus.

Without the help from these American volunteers, death was eminent!

In 90 days, the Ebola threat was diminished and fear was alleviated. President Obama called this courageous team to thank them when they returned to the United States. Ellen Johnson Sirleaf, the president of Liberia, and U.N. Secretary General Ban Ki-moon toured their clinic.

Time magazine named this courageous group of 70 the “collective” person of the year.

My friend said this was the most significant time of his life.

I see some parallels and some differences between these Ebola workers and missionaries.

Missionaries see a serious problem and travel overseas at great risk and tremendous personal sacrifice. Missionaries say that the overseas service they have volunteered for is the most significant time of their lives.

They distribute mosquito nets, drill clean water wells for remote villages, operate aids orphanages, run medical clinics in blighted urban slums and distant jungles filled with dangerous animals, dangerous natives and hostile governments.

They don’t get accolades from political dignitaries.

They basically go unrecognized except by those they serve.

And they stay for years away from home.

The underlying motivation for all that missionaries do is to rescue souls from eternal separation from God.

Their work has eternal consequences.

If they burn out and quit, there are people who will never hear the good news that JESUS SAVES – from sin, death, hell, and the grave.

They are moving beyond earth’s limitations to eternal issues.

That’s why we take care of missionaries and pastors. They need to be told how important they are to the kingdom of God and that they make eternal differences. In March and April missionaries rested at Whitestone 121 nights at no cost to them. Pastors came to be refreshed for 89 nights.

We must do all we can to keep these front line warriors in the battle at maximum effectiveness.

Unless I receive support from those of you who see the importance of keeping them strengthened and connected to God and to their family, we can’t provide for their needs.

There are more needs than resources and I struggle to minister to all who come. Your help is valued and needed!

Please consider donating now and helping us support the mission.

Blessings,

Paul Cowell
Executive Director
Christian Hospitality Network