Duct-Taped to a Tree

Last night I heard a very sad story concerning some of the short-term mission workers (serving from 6 months to two years) who are serving in the same country as us. It seems that a few days ago as they had gathered to play a game. The decision was made that a bet should be placed. The loser would be duct-taped to a tree for the rest of the night. What in the world! These are not high school students but for the most part college grads. And then, they here to be Christ’s ambassadors to the lost and to aid the local church?!

“Doctor Livingston I presume?” … and then after a quick game of blackjack, Stanly having lost to the Doctor, finds himself tied to a tree for the night. If this had been the scene of early mission work in Africa, need I ask how far the cause of Christ would have gone? So I am left to question once again, just where is the modern church going, and what will be its ultimate effect on missions?