Warning Triangles

Life doesn’t always go smoothly on the mission field. On the way to pick up missionary Paul Nitz and his family from the airport today our Toyota’s clutch gave up the ghost, leaving us stuck on the side of the road and the Nitz family stuck at the airport. No AAA emergency towing in Malawi, we wait for another missionary to come to the rescue.

Living as an expatriate missionary, we are used to unexpected surprises like power outages during get together’s and ants swarming out of the electrical outlets. Workarounds and backup plans become second nature. Given enough time, there’s always a way to get out of a jam.

We prepare ourselves for flat tires and for solar eclipses, because we know they are coming.  Jesus said, “You also must be ready, because the Son of Man will come at an hour when you do not expect him.” (Lk 12:40) There will be no plan B, no do overs, no other way than straight toward the seat of judgment. He will upset our current way of life like no natural disaster ever before.

In Malawi, as in every other corner of the world, people pass their days busily pursuing their daily bread. Like a warming triangle by the road side, we remind others of their broken lives and the One who is coming soon to rescue us.

Missionary John Roebke

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