The Heart Of A Missionary

Karen Watson, a young woman who suffered great tragedy in 1997. Her
fiancee and then her parents past away within a few months of each
Other. As a result, it brought her to personal faith in Christ.
Karen, from Bakersfield, California became active in her local church.
She began going on Mission trips and serving God. A short time after
She began her mission work, she felt called by the Lord to serve in
Full time ministry. She joined the international mission board of the
Baptist church. She sold her house, her car and nearly all of her
Worldly possessions. What was left, she shoved into a single duffel
Bag. She then set out on a mission trip half way around the world. Her
First stop was Jordan on her journey. Eventually her work for God led
Her to Iraq.
On March 15th of 2004, in the northern Iraqi city of Mosul, she was
Helping to set up a mobile water purification plant. She and four
Other missionaries were shot while sitting in a car. Gunmen fired
AK-47 automatic assault weapons on the civilians in a drive by
Shooting. Karen and two other missionaries were killed instantly.
A fourth, David E. McDonnall, 29, of Rowlett, Texas, died as he was
Being flown to a military support hospital in Baghdad. The fifth,
Survived to tell the story.
Karen Watson, a devout and sensible woman who knew what she was
Getting into, wrote a two-page letter before heading off to work as a
Missionary. She left the letter with her pastor in Bakersfield. On the
Day of her funeral, her Pastor opened the letter and read it aloud to
The crowd gathered to honor her.
"You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death" the
Letter began.
"When God calls, there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with
You, as much as possible. My heart for the nation.
I wasn't called to a place, I was called to him.
To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected.
His glory was my reward... His glory is my reward.''
Then about her funeral she wrote:
"In regards to my service. Keep it small. Keep it simple. Yes, simple.
Just preach the gospel. Be bold. Preach the life saving, life
Changing, forever eternal gospel. Give the glory and honor to the father.
Then she shared something of what is called the missionary heart.
"Care more than other people think is wise"
"Risk more than some think is safe"
"Dream more than some think is practical"
"Expect more than some think is possible"

Karen Watson was born in Bakersfield, graduated from high school in
Arroyo Grande (San Luis Obispo County) and returned to Bakersfield to
Work at the Kern County jail, first in the commissary and then as a
Detention officer and trainer. Karen, her fiancee and parents are all
Reunited in Heaven.

Today, I hope that you, like Karen had, will have the heart of a
Missionary. Living your life so that it will inspire others to do the
Same. I now that I am.
With many blessings,


~~unknown

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