Sacrifices of the Ministry

We ended family night quite late last night. As everyone was getting ready for bed, I sat down at my desk to think. I could feel a poem coming on. I’m not sure exactly what mood I have to be in--maybe a serious, contemplative mood. It’s only by God’s grace that I can write poetry; I never used to be able to do it. English was always my thorn in the flesh. In any case, I had something in mind that I was planning to write about, and this is what came out instead. God totally changed my direction of thought. I know He must have a purpose for this. I hope the poem is a blessing to you!


God has blessed me with many friends so dear
Most live far away, while others are very near
Across the great expanse of the Atlantic Ocean
Distance cannot quench my heart’s deep emotion

I’ve a special love for each person in my heart
Even though we find ourselves living apart
The years pass us by and much older we grow
Many things have changed, but this I still know

God works all these things together for good
Even though at times I have not understood
The loneliness, the longing that goes unfulfilled
While the work of the Lord we are trying to build

The sacrifice of my desires I am willing to make
I know the highest goals of the ministry are at stake
This country, spiritually desolate, for laborers does cry
These people, so precious to God, we cannot deny

We’re in it for the long haul, and that gives me a thrill
For the Gospel of Jesus Christ we’ll stand steadfast still
Though some would persuade us that we should go home
The choice isn’t ours to make; it’s up to God alone

I know that it’s hard on our friends and family, too
We know the pain, for we suffer as they do
But we have a blessed assurance of reunion one day
Separation and tears will never factor in, nor dismay

Glorious day of redemption, I see it drawing nearer
I feel His peace within my soul as Heaven grows still clearer
We’ll be together forever in that wondrous home on high
And sorrows we once experienced, to them we’ll wave good-bye

We’ll rejoice for all eternity as the faithful and obedient
What sometimes seemed like fruitless effort was oh so expedient!
The sacrifices we made on earth will suddenly seem so small
As God’s praise is poured upon us because we answered the call

And if God should ask of you today
“Would you go to a land so far away?
Would you your will to Mine bend?”
What would you answer Him, my friend?

Written by Hannah L. Huussen