Articles

Mary Watson.001

If you worshipped with us on Sunday at Christ Fellowship, you heard this letter read in our commissioning service. It's a beautiful testimony of the infinite worth of Jesus and the joy of taking the gospel to the nations at all costs.

Karen Watson was a missionary to Iraq. She gave her life to furthering the gospel in hard to reach places. It was while serving faithfully that she was persecuted and killed for following Jesus. However, as she says in her letter, "to obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory was my reward, His glory is my reward." May this letter spur us on to greater faithfulness here in Bowling Green and to the ends of the earth.

Here is the letter she left her pastors in its entirety:

March 7, 2003

Dear Pastor Phil & Pastor Roger,

You should only be opening this letter in the event of death.

When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the Nations. I wasn't called to a place. I was called to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory was my reward, His glory is my reward.

One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work. ... I am writing this as if I am still working among my people group.

I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely your reward in Heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well being. Keep sending missionaries out. Keep raising up fine young pastors.

In regards to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes simple, just preach the gospel. If Jason Buss is available or his dad have them sing a pretty song. Be bold and preach the life saving, life changing, forever eternal GOSPEL. Give glory and honor to our Father.

The Missionary Heart:

Care more than some think is wise.

Risk more than some think is safe.

Dream more than some think is practical.

Expect more than some think is possible.

I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience.

Some of my favorite scriptures are: Isaiah 6, you know the one. 2 Cor. 5:15-21, 1 Peter 1:3, Col. 4:2-6, Romans 15:20, Psalm 25 and 27. You can look through my Scofield and see where it is marked. Please use only what you want or feel is best.

There is no Joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you two and my church family.

In His care,

Salaam, Karen