Did They Die for No Reason?

Because no mission organizations would sponsor work in the dangerous African Sudan in 1893, Tom, Walter, and Rowland went on their own. 

Within a year, Tom and Walter were dead from diseases contracted during failed attempts to reach remote villages with the gospel.

Does this seem like a useless loss of life? 

No. 

Right before he died, Walter Gowans wrote these words:

"Well, glory to God, He has enabled me to make a hard fight for the Sudan, and although it may seem like a total failure and defeat, it is not. We shall have the victory. I have no regret for undertaking this venture, and in this manner my life has not been thrown away."  

Rowland Bingham survived and devoted his life to setting up a successful mission network in the Sudan.

Have you ever done something you thought the Lord wanted you to do, but it didn't turn out as you expected? 

I have. But I'm learning that when I'm sincerely trusting God and obeying Him, I'm not responsible for the results.

"If we live, we live for the Lord; and if we die, we die for the Lord. So, whether we live or die, we belong to the Lord." Romans 14:8

My desire is to obey the Lord. As Paul explained:

"I eagerly expect and hope that I will in no way be ashamed, but will have sufficient courage so that now as always Christ will be exalted in my body, whether by life or by death." Philippians 1:20

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Another Example: This story reminds me of the four men martyred in an attempt to take the gospel to natives in Ecuador in 1956. Some might have seen their deaths as a failure. But their testimony eventually led to the salvation of many, including those who'd killed them. Read about the son of one of the men martyred in Ecuador and how he was baptized by his father's murderer: A Saint's Life.

I encourage you to check out the Wisdom for Life devotional. It contains 100 one-minute devotions to challenge, encourage, instruct, and inspire your love for God's Word. To find out more see 10 Reasons You'll Love Wisdom for Life. I also encourage you to sign up for a free subscription to Bible Love Notes and get a free e-booklet offering quiet time encouragement. Find out more HERE.

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Source: Rowland Bingham, Into Africa's Interior, YWAM Christian Heroes series, page 72
While I recommend this book in the series, I do not recommend the book in the series called "Lottie Moon, Giving Her All for China." Lottie Moon's family had a large plantation and they were slave owners, but the book presents them as victims of the Civil War. I wrote YWAM about my concerns, and they made it clear that they were comfortable with the book.

BLN