Before they leave for a mission, missionaries often leave a letter to a loved one at home, a farewell letter that's only supposed to be read in the event of the missionary's death abroad. In the sermon this week, Pastor Mark read a letter from Karen, a missionary in Iraq. Karen wrote the letter when she left for Iraq in March 2007. She was killed a year and a week later when anonymous gunmen killed her and three others as they were surveying sites for humanitarian projects in northern Iraq.

Dear Pastor, You should only be opening this in the event of death. When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn’t called to a place; I was called to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward, His glory my reward …. THE MISSIONARY HEART

Cares more than some think is wise Risks more than some think is safe Dreams more than some think is practical Expects more than some think is possible

I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience …. There is no Joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you and my church family. In His care, Salaam, Karen

The letter, along with others, can be found on the Last Letter site.