Mere Missions

92 • M ere M issions : M oving F orward to M ultiply

2. The Word of their Testimony. This is a simple but powerful tool that must be clearly heard. Like the blind man’s testimony, “Once I was blind but now I see” (John 9.25). Once I was lost, but now I’m found (Luke 15). Is there discernable evidence in the church planter’s testimony, where like the blind man, they say, “One thing I do know . . .” A clear, compelling testimony rehearsed regularly in one’s heart brings victory in the spiritual war. 3. Loved not their lives. There must be evidence in the individual who is called to missions that they are content in life (Phil. 4.11-13). Another way of saying it, “they have died, and their life is hidden in Christ.” They already have some “wounds; scars” of sacrificial service for their Lord (2 Cor. 11.23-29). The words of Amy Carmichael fit the one who does not love their life, but have totally surrendered their life to the Lord:

Hast Thou No Scar? Hast thou no scar?

No hidden scar on foot, or side, or hand? I hear thee sung as mighty in the land; I hear them hail thy bright, ascendant star. Hast thou no scar? Hast thou no wound?

Yet I was wounded by the archers; spent, Leaned Me against a tree to die; and rent By ravening beasts that compassed Me, I swooned.

Hast thou no wound? No wound? No scar?

Yet, as the Master shall the servant be, And piercèd are the feet that follow Me. But thine are whole; can he have followed far Who hast no wound or scar?