The Wizard of Oz on Missionary Preparation?

OK, granted he wasn't really talking about missions, but when the Scarecrow asked him, "Can't you give me brains?" the Wizard of Oz replied:

"You don't need them. You are learning something every day. A baby has brains, but it doesn't know much. Experience is the only thing that brings knowledge, and the longer you are on earth the more experience you are sure to get" (Baum, L. Frank,  The Wonderful Wizard of Oz, chapter XV).

Pretty good analysis there. Sure, read some books on evangelism and missions and benefit from the experience of others (lest you think your experience is the final authority); but in the end the only sure way to learn how to meet people and tell them about Jesus is ... to meet people and tell them about Jesus. 

Two Strong Arguments for Sending Single Missionaries

1) Jesus.
2) Paul.

(More on singles being missionaries in a future blog.)

Guide My Sword

Inigo from The Princess Bride is trying to find the man who can help him get his long-desired revenge against the six-fingered man who murdered his father. He prays to his father, "I cannot find him alone. I need you. I need you to guide my sword. Please, guide my sword."

Missionaries sometimes feel like a lone voice in a vast wilderness, a small drop in a massive ocean, a solitary sword-thrust into the din of a raging battle. There is so little time and so much need! Some will die if we try to rescue another. And shall we go to this village today to the neglect of others? Though one missionary is not the only voice, it can seem as if he is, and the Word confirms that the laborers are indeed few. Amidst a million dying men, to whom shall we administer the Remedy today? And so we ask the Spirit of God to direct our triage. We might cry out, "Heavenly Father, I cannot find that ready soul alone. I need you. I need you to guide my Sword. Please, guide my Sword." And like Inigo, it may often seem that the prayer has not been answered. The Sword has run into a knot. And then a door swings open. God has directed His Sword and His swordsman. Dear Father, guide my Sword.