What Would You Do?

July, 2004

by: Sean Cullen

What would you do if your boss offered to double your salary, with bonuses, give you full medical and dental benefits and help you buy a house in one of the most expensive areas in California?

Recently, our missionary, Gary Earl, of New Tribes Missions was offered the apove from his boss, while working in Santa Barbara during his 9 month furlough trom his mission field in Papua New Guinea. Gary had told them he was returning to missionary work, but, since he had done such a great job at work his boss was not ready to let him go. Undoubtedly, Gary's Christian character and great management skills, much of which was learned in missionary work, had influenced those around him in very positive ways.

Because the offer was very tempting, Gary prayed about it and asked his wife, kids, and his relatives what to do? The responses were revealing: his 13 year old daughter said quickly “I want to go home [papua New Guinea]”; his mother–in–law stated that it would be a waste to stay in Santa Barbara, that our time on Earth is so short, why would you want to stay here and pursue that which is worldly and unrewarding; and finally Gary's own heart told him that his satisfaction would only come from continuing to minister to the Nationals in Papua New Guinea.

Truly, Gary was given great counsel and he will be blessed by his desire to follow the Lord's will and not the pursuit of money or comfort. As stated in Luke 12:34“For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.” As a missionary, Gary knows, that what satisfies his heart is living and teaching God's Word to the people of Papua New Guinea. Please join him in support and prayer as the Earls return to the field in July.