I wanted to share with you the gift my mother gave me for my Birthday. Since I was 10,000 miles away from her she sent me a poem that meant more to me than any material thing could. She is an amazing woman and I thank God for her continually. I’m not sure where she found it, but it’s dead on.

I Would Rather Be a Missionary!
By J. Philip Hogan

If I could just be young again,
And if I had the choice
To be a multimillionaire,
Or have a famous voice;
If I could have rare beauty,
Or the best vocabulary,
I’d turn my back on all these things,
And be a Missionary.

If I could have the wisdom of an Einstein,
And if I chose, Fame
If I could have ability,
And wear the finest clothes;
If I could choose to see the world,
I would not fear nor tarry,
I’d say good-bye to all these things,
And be a Missionary.

If I could just be young again,
I’d yield to Christ my all,
At early age I’d answer yes,
To Jesus’ loving call;
Then say good-bye to home and friends,
My other dreams I’d bury,
And follow Christ to lands afar,
I’d be a Missionary.

I’d walk the dusty city streets
Where unsaved millions live,
I’d tell the Gospel of my Lord,
My time, my love I’d give;
I’d travel jungle rivers,
And canoe if necessary,
Or live a life that’s primitive,
But be a Missionary!

I’d ride the hardest mountain trail,
And climb rugged mountain peaks,
Or follow Christ if He should lead,
To desserts hot and bleak;
I would not trade the privilege,
To tell the Gospel Story,
For all the world could offer me,
Of pleasures, wealth, and glory;
Oh, to see a never-dying soul,
Confess to Christ his sin,
Then watch him live a transformed life
before his fellow men;
It brings peace into the human heart,
And makes the Angels sing,
And it gives the Missionary a joy
The world could never bring
What if the sun does burn my brow,
If children I can teach;
What if I am drenched by monsoon rains,
The Gospel truth to preach;
What if I can not have the food
That once was customary,
If I can give the Bread of Life,
I’ll be a Missionary!

The millions longing for the Truth,
In false religions search;
While Jesus waits for us to help
Establish His True Church;
If I were young I’d choose a life
Like Livingstone or Carey,
And though my light would fainter shine,
I’d be a Missionary!
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I love you,

Your loving mother

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