Thanks, Ralph, for reading my article on Helen Roseveare, thinking about it, and then sending your question. I welcome the opportunity for dialogue.

I am sure that we both agree that there is much more to the Christian life than an individualism (“me and God”) that can become idolatry.

I am aware of this matter when “worship songs” have lyrics that center so much around the singer and his/her longings or experiences that appreciation for who God is seems to be bypassed.

As I meditate on the statement of Helen’s supervisor, I am led to the conclusion that he wasn’t so much excessively individualizing her experience, as he was dealing with the needs of an enthusiastic missionary whose pattern of life had become finding her identity and sense of self-worth through impressing others with her hard work and achieving what she hoped others would call “success.”

I think this is why it was so hard for her when the mission put another physician over her at the medical center. I tried to bring out her basic needs in the article, elements of which seemed to be present from her childhood.

Thus, it was in this context that her supervisor, wisely I think, emphasized not so much “doing” as “being.” (I have reproduced his interchange with her, below.)

I noticed how Graham Scroggie quoted Phil 3:10 (“I want to know Christ…”), and undoubtedly the supervisor was thinking of Romans 8:29, “For those God foreknew He also predestined to be conformed to the likeness of His Son, that He might be the firstborn among many brothers.”

Although Paul stressed the Church as the Body of Christ in his preaching and writing, he also underscored the experience of the individual.

Our difficulty in interpreting Helen’s statement is that we weren’t there and can’t fully comprehend the whole picture, much less what was in the mind of her supervisor!

What seems to be clear was that the Lord’s word for her at the moment helped her turn from making activism her focus, and was so significant that she remembered it years later.

I wish I could have heard your message, “The prize is not becoming like Him, but Jesus Himself.” I’m sure it was very edifying.

Were you emphasizing that it is not trying to be like Jesus but allowing Him to live His life in us? If so, I’m sure the supervisor would have agreed. I certainly would.

As for Mary Anne, yes she remembers you with warm and cordial appreciation. She remembers your conversation and fellowship in prayer. You may be interested in knowing that in June we will celebrate our golden wedding anniversary. It hardly seems possible!

Again my thanks, Ralph, for taking the time to express your observations on my article. I welcome any future communication.

In His Fellowship,

Jack

One day while driving to a meeting, her supervisor spoke to her of the Lord’s dealings, of the possibilities of success as a missionary.

If you think you have come to the mission field because you are a little better than others, or as the cream of your church, or because of your medical degree, or for the service you can render the African church, or even for the souls you may see saved, you will fail.

Remember, the Lord has only one purpose ultimately for each one of us: to make us more like Jesus. He is interested in your relationships with Himself.

Let Him take you and mould you as He will; all the rest will take its rightful place.