Missionary Bio

I have to write a biography of a missionary for my Christian Missions class. I have found the life of Betty Stam to be an inspiration. A woman wholeheartedly devoted to Christ. She found her strength in a quiet devotion to the Lord. She grew up as an MK in China and later returned and married her "college sweetheart" after he moved to China as well (they met at Moody). They had a great first year of marriage before they were stationed in a different district. Within weeks they were captured by Communists and she watched as her husband was executed before she followed close behind him, leaving a baby girl alone in an empty house. She was a writer of poetry, and most of her poems send chills down my spine. I pray that God would continue refining me and giving me grace to love him like she did.

"I'm Standing, Lord.

There is a mist that blinds my sight.

Steep jagged rocks, front, left, and right.

Lower, dim, gigantic, in the night.

Where is the way?"

"I'm Standing, Lord.

The black rock hems me in behind.

Above my head a moaning wind

Chills and oppresses heart and mind.

I am afraid!"

"I'm Standing, Lord.

The rock is hard beneath my feet.

I nearly slipped, Lord, on the sleet.

So weary, Lord, and where a seat?

Still must I stand?"

He answered me, and on His face

A look ineffable of grace,

Of perfect, understanding love, 

Which all my murmuring did remove.

"I'm Standing, Lord.

Since Thou has spoken, Lord, I see

Thou hast beset; these rocks are Thee;

And, since Thy love encloses me, 

I stand and sing!"

(Betty Stam "Stand Still, and See" 1928)