06/01/2026
THE MISSIONARY'S HOMECOMING
They sailed back home from Africa at last;
Their strength was gone, their bodies marked by years.
No pension waited, health and hope were weak;
They felt afraid, discouraged, brought to tears.
On that great ship a thrill ran through the crowd;
Teddy Roosevelt, the President, was aboard!
Returning from his hunting expedition,
With reporters hanging on his every word.
The missionary spoke with heavy heart:
“This isn’t right, it surely isn’t fair.
We gave the Lord our years, our strength, our life,
And no one knows our names, or even cares.”
“While he comes home to fanfare and applause;
Look at the dock – large crowds beyond compare!
But us, when we step off this boat,
We’ll be alone, the whole world unaware.”
His wife responded softly with great love,
“Go tell the Lord what you have just told me.”
He went to pray, and soon came back transformed,
His face aglow, his heart felt light and free.
“What happened?” asked his wife in silent joy,
“What word has eased your bitterness and grief?”
He said, “I poured my heart out to the Lord,
But then He gave me peace and sweet relief.”
“I told the Lord how bitter I had grown,
How tired I was, and all of my regret.
The Lord responded gently, ‘Oh my child,
Can you not understand? You’re not home yet!’”
God loves the faithful ones who do His will,
Though life may cause them all to wonder why.
“You’re not home yet,” His gentle voice declares,
“Your welcome waits beyond the starry sky.”
- Photo and caption from :
Raymond Woodward
Azariah Maroto
