October 3 marked the 32nd anniversary of David Sitton’s (president and founder of To Every Tribe) first departure. He was, as he admits, very green and very rough around the edges. He had only recently been converted from a life of drugs and sin. But God’s grace had marvelously transformed him and impassioned him to take the gospel to people who had not heard the message of Christ. The following is David’s recent reflections on that event.
Thirty-two years ago this month (October 3, 1977) I left for the first time as a missionary to Papua New Guinea.
20 years old: lean and green and ready to tackle the world for Christ. I boarded an airplane (by myself) in Corpus Christi, TX around 11:00 AM headed for New Guinea via Honolulu, Hong Kong and Bangkok.
David Sitton on Oct 3, 1977 before leaving for PNG
I was inexperienced, under-trained, under-financed and totally determined; a dangerous combination. But I did have a Bible and a surfboard–and not a worry in the world. The Lord must have chuckled at my reckless audacity. I think he liked it, though.
Family and friends gathered at the airport terminal. There was much hugging and weeping as they figured I would be eaten by cannibals before my first two year mission was completed (and it nearly happened)!
Several elders from my sending church huddled together whispering among themselves about how they didn’t think that young kid would actually leave without enough money. One of them told me years later that they thought I was completely crazy, but they couldn’t be left responsible for my starving to death in the jungle! Right there on the spot, they gathered the remaining monthly support I needed. Ah… Jehovah Jireh!
My old mentor used to say – “Look at the sparrows, missionary! When God quits feeding the sparrows, missionaries will become extinct.” Well, the birds are still eating.
Three decades plus two years ago today I started a missionary journey for Christ.
I find myself especially tender on this anniversary. 4:00 AM tears puddle my keyboard as I reflect on the astounding privileges of my life. To be used by God, even just once in a lifetime; to unhinge a stronghold of the enemy by the power of the gospel and Jesus’ name would have been enough. But he’s given me so much more. I will die singing praises.
Amazing grace, amazing God!
October 3, 1977: God fed the sparrows and sent a missionary on his way.
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