As I began to write this introduction to the issue, the following email came from India. “Dear brother, I am very sorry to inform you again, one believer killed last night. ... He accepted Lord Jesus as his personal Saviour and not agree to worship [his family’s] idols. They killed; they burned Him with fire. His house is near our meeting room here. Situation is not good. Villagers are thwarting us.”
Most of the articles in this issue have to do with motive and preparation of heart and guidance for service. This email reminds us that service has a price tag, too. History tells us that all the apostles, except perhaps John, gave their lives in service for the One who gave His life for them. Jim Elliot, who gave his life in service to the Lord, said, “He is no fool who gives what he cannot keep to gain what he cannot lose.” Whatever the cost, may the Lord give our hearts the courage and willingness to shout, “It’s worth it; He’s worth it.” “Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted Me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept My saying, they will keep yours also” (John 15:2020Remember the word that I said unto you, The servant is not greater than his lord. If they have persecuted me, they will also persecute you; if they have kept my saying, they will keep yours also. (John 15:20)).