MY LOVE FOR CHINA
(Written by a former OMF STEPper)

The Lord gave me a love for China
And a desire to serve him there,
But I had my own ideas about going -
The when, the how and the where.

I said, "I'm an engineer,
I'll go and build bridges of stone."
He answered, "You'll be what I ask,
Bridges of love lead up to my throne."

I said, "I'll go when I'm trained."
He said, "What training do you need?
Isn't my Word sufficient to guide you?
Be willing, have trust and I'll lead."

I said, "But Lord, I'm so young!
Can you really use me now?"
"My child, have no fear."  He chided,
Follow me and I'll show you how."

I cried out, "But they'll never believe me!
They'll condemn these as foolish ideas!"
"Is it men's praises you're seeking?"  He asked me,
"Faith confounds even the wisdom of years."

Through my tears I whispered, "My loved ones -
Must I leave them all behind, too?"
"Seek first my kingdom", He gently reminded,
"And these things will be added to you."

So I cut the cords which now bind me,
With Christ I must bear the disgrace,
Cast out of the camp of convention
To walk in the path of Faith.

(After a poem by George MacDonald)