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June 5, 2024
Tomorrow is the 80th anniversary of D-Day, when the Allied Forces stormed the beaches of Normandy, France, in order to help free the continent of Europe of the tyranny of Nazism. Much of history is lost as the wind, rain and sleet of time blow over memories and markers and as diaries and records are misplaced or ignored. We will never know all of the sacrifices made, the acts of heroism and cowardice, the providences and plans that comprised that event. But one story that had never been told has just recently come to light and it is fascinating.
Virginia Hall grew up in privileged settings in Baltimore, MD. Like many girls of her era and status, she was expected to marry “well” and help ensure the family that they could continue to enjoy their life of ease. Instead, Virginia, ended up in France and was the primary organizer of the entire French Resistance. This, in spite of the fact that she faced so many obstacles including the loss of her left leg from just below the knee. Sonia Purnell has researched her story and wrote a book entitled, A Woman of No Importance, which I am finding difficult to put down. I am amazed at the tenacity, determination and grit of this gal.
When Germany invaded France, the French government capitulated and cooperated with Germany. There was, for the longest time, no French resistance. The police and government officials sent people to Germany to work in the factories and sent thousands of Jews to their deaths as well. Virginia was an American who helped light a flame of resistance that helped ensure the success of D-Day. Her tireless and often thank-less work saved thousands of lives.
While reading this account I have often reflected on many of our missionaries. Like Virginia, they have left the comforts and familiarities of home to go to countries that view them with suspicion where they seek to capture the hearts of the citizens with the good news of Christ and his kingdom. Every new believer becomes part of the resistance movement that struggles against this world’s order and rulers. So much of the work of our missionaries, is thankless and some of it appears to be fruitless, but their faithfulness helps ignite a flame for a world to come.
The ultimate D-Day is coming when the trumpet sounds and the dead in Christ are raised up, and when our King returns to take back the world that rightly belongs to him. On that day, we who are alive will be caught up together with him in the clouds. To see this land set free from its bondage to decay and for the curse of sin to be removed will be the day of days. Then the untold and unknown stories of the faithful will come to light as God reveals the unfolding details of his plan carried out through the faithfulness of his servants. On that day, every faithful missionary sent will be worth it. Every missionary supported will be worth it. Every prayer for fruitfulness will be worth it. Press on Pilgrims.
Grace and peace,
Bob
Sunday’s text: Luke 6:43-45
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