| Foreword Missionary work is usually hard and frustrating, and is often emotionally ungratifying. It is work that has to be done, however, if we are going to obey the mandate of Christ for His Church. Many people participate in two-week mission trips to Third World countries from which they come home with romanticized impressions of what is involved in missionary service. In reality, this sense of being in an exotic setting wears off after a couple of months, often followed by disillusionment. In Barbara's book, the frustrations, difficulties and conflicts of serving as a missionary in the Third World surface. She lets it all hang out. This is no Pollyanna account of missionary work. All the warts and scars of missionary life are laid bare for the reader to consider. But there is also a bright side to the story. This "bright side" shines with the kind of glory that is due to young people who willingly leave the comforts of home, family and friends to go where they are needed, where they will make a difference in Jesus' name. There are too many glamorous stories about missionary work that mislead the readers. This book tells Barbara's true story, in which one can hear the simple rhyme: Only One Life, 'twill soon be past, Only what's done for Christ will last. --Tony Campolo Founder and President The Evangelical Association for the Promotion of Education |
| Wake Up Barbara! And Help Me Find This Snake! Barbara Watson |