Missionary work is a calling that involves spreading religious beliefs and providing aid to people around the world. It often requires incredible personal sacrifice, dedication, and a deep commitment to a cause.
Throughout history, missionaries and those involved in mission work have shared powerful insights and reflections on their experiences. These missions quote offer inspiration, guidance, and a deeper understanding of the motivations behind their work. They provide diverse perspectives on faith, sacrifice, and the pursuit of purpose.
This article explores a collection of impactful missionary quotes and their significance. By delving into these words, we can gain insight into the key themes and motivations driving individuals to dedicate their lives to missions.
The call to service and sacrifice
Many people throughout history have felt called to serve others, often at great personal cost. Here are some quotes that reflect the dedication and sacrifice of those who have devoted their lives to missionary work:
Dedication and commitment
These quotes emphasize the importance of prioritizing God’s will and remaining steadfast in the face of challenges:
“The motto of every missionary, whether preacher, printer, or schoolmaster, ought to be ‘Devoted for Life.'” – Adoniram Judson
“I have one desire now – to live a life of reckless abandon for the Lord, putting all my energy and strength into it.” – Mary Slessor
“I cared not where or how I lived, or what hardships I went through, so that I could but gain souls to Christ.” – David Brainerd
Sacrifice and hardship
Missionary work often involves significant personal sacrifices. These quotes illustrate the willingness to endure hardship for a purpose greater than oneself:
“If Jesus Christ be God and died for me, then no sacrifice can be too great for me to make for Him.” – C.T. Studd
Missionaries often highlight the importance of unwavering faith and a willingness to endure hardship. Hudson Taylor, a British Protestant missionary to China, said:
“China is not to be won for Christ by quiet, ease-loving men and women…The stamp of men and women we need is such as will put Jesus, China, and souls first and foremost in everything and at every time—even life itself must be secondary.” – Hudson Taylor
Faith, trust, and divine provision
Missionary work often calls for extraordinary faith and trust that God will provide. Here are a few quotes that speak to those themes.
Unwavering faith
Missionaries are often ordinary people who have answered an extraordinary call. Hudson Taylor, a British Protestant missionary to China, said, “All God’s giants have been weak men who did great things for God because they reckoned on God being with them.”
Trusting in God’s plan is also key, even when the future seems uncertain. Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch Christian who helped many Jews escape the Nazis during World War II, urged people to “Never be afraid to trust an unknown future to a known God.”
Obedience to God’s command is also crucial for those engaged in missions.
God’s provision and support
Many quotes reflect reliance on God’s provision. Hudson Taylor also said, “God’s work done in God’s way will never lack God’s supply.”
Missionaries also find strength and comfort in God’s presence. Eric Liddell, a Scottish athlete and missionary, observed, “Circumstances may appear to wreck our lives and God’s plans, but God is not helpless among the ruins.”
John G. Paton, a Scottish missionary to the New Hebrides (now Vanuatu) said, “I felt immortal till I found my Savior.”
The Great Commission and global impact
The New Testament makes it clear that the Christian mission is to spread the Gospel to all nations. Here are some quotes that speak to the importance of that message.
The importance of spreading the Gospel
These quotes emphasize the Great Commission as a central mission for all Christians:
- “The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed.” – Hudson Taylor
- The Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20) is a command to spread the Gospel.
These quotes speak to the urgency of sharing the message of faith:
- “We talk of the Second Coming; half the world has never heard of the first.” —Oswald J. Smith
- “We shall have all eternity in which to celebrate our victories, but we have only one swift hour before the sunset in which to win them.” – Robert Moffat
The impact of missions on individuals and communities
Missionary work can have a transformative effect on individuals and communities.
Missionaries often highlight the need for sacrifice and living a life devoted to God. Global missions are essential to God’s will and the Christian faith.
Here’s a quote that speaks to the importance of discipleship:
- Missions is about discipleship, not just followers.
And here’s a quote about making a lasting difference:
- “I have one life and one chance to make it count for something… My faith demands that I do whatever I can, wherever I am, whenever I can, for as long as I can with whatever I have to try to make a difference.” – Mary Slessor
Love, compassion, and serving others
Mission work is often motivated by love and compassion for people in need. Here are a few quotes about the role of love in missionary work:
The Motivation of Love
- “You can give without loving, but you cannot love without giving.” – Amy Carmichael
- “Missionary zeal does not grow out of intellectual beliefs, nor out of theological arguments, but out of love.” —Roland Allen
These quotes show the importance of empathy and compassion and suggest prioritizing the needs of others, even over our own comfort.
- “Do all the good you can, by all the means you can, in all the ways you can, in all the places you can, at all the times you can, to all the people you can, as long as ever you can.” – John Wesley
Serving as Christ’s Hands and Feet
Missionary service is also about the practical, hands-on work of serving others.
- “Can we not do more than pray? Prayer is a wonderful gift, but so is money, and money can do so much.” – Lottie Moon
- “We should always look upon ourselves as God’s servants, placed in God’s world, to do his work; and accordingly labour faithfully for him; not with a design to grow rich and great, but to glorify God, and do all the good we possibly can.” – Robert Morrison
Humility is key in mission work, as is remembering one’s place as a vessel for good.
- “Missionaries are very human folks, just doing what they are asked. Simply a bunch of nobodies trying to exalt Somebody.” —Jim Elliot
Overcoming obstacles and perseverance
Missionaries often face opposition and criticism, but many have spoken and written about the importance of remaining steadfast in the face of adversity.
Facing opposition and criticism
Here are a few quotes that address the challenges that missionaries face:
“Had I cared for the comments of people, I should never have been a missionary.”
—C.T. Studd
“If the praise of man elates me and his blame depresses me; if I cannot rest under misunderstanding without defending myself; if I love to be loved more than to love, to be served more than to serve, then I know nothing of Calvary love.”
– Amy Carmichael
Remaining steadfast in the face of adversity is a common theme in missionary writings.
“I have a firm conviction that I am immortal until my work is done.”
– Lottie Moon
“We are immortal until our work on earth is done.”
– George Whitefield
The power of perseverance
Missionaries have also emphasized the importance of never giving up and finding strength in God’s promises.
“I will go anywhere, provided it is forward.”
– David Livingstone
“Only one life, ’twill soon be past, only what’s done for Christ will last.”
– C.T. Studd
“The future is as bright as the promises of God.”
– Adoniram Judson
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.”
– William Carey
Frequently Asked Questions
What is your mission quotes?
I don’t have personal missions or beliefs, but I can offer a variety of quotes about missions from different sources. It really depends on what kind of mission you’re referring to! Are you looking for quotes about business missions, personal missions, or perhaps religious missions? Providing more context will help me share relevant quotes.
What is the famous quote of the mission?
If you’re referring to the movie The Mission (1986), a particularly poignant quote is, “If might is right, then love has no place.” However, there isn’t one universally famous quote that everyone associates with the film. The film is more known for its themes and score, than a specific iconic line.
What is a good missionary quote?
A good missionary quote really depends on what you’re trying to convey! Some popular options include: “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples!” (Psalm 96:3), or “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). The best quote is one that personally resonates with you and reflects your understanding of the missionary calling.
The Bottom Line
The missions quotes we’ve explored reveal a lot about the deep faith, unwavering dedication, and profound sacrifices made by missionaries throughout history. They underscore the importance of the Great Commission, the call to share the Gospel with all nations. They also highlight the transformative power of love and compassion in action.
These quotes continue to inspire and motivate individuals to engage in missions work, both abroad and in their own communities. They offer guidance and encouragement for those seeking to make a difference in the world, reminding us of the profound impact one person can have when driven by faith and a desire to serve.
Ultimately, the legacy of these missions quotes lies in their testament to the enduring power of faith and service. They remind us that spreading hope and love to all corners of the world requires unwavering commitment and a willingness to give of ourselves. As Jim Elliot so eloquently put it, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.”