"You're right, Jen," Lindy said. "It wasn't fair to spring this on you without preparation. Tomorrow we start Project Missionary Research! We'll find out about missionaries and even get to know some. You'll be as excited as we are when you find out how you can become involved in missions right here and now. You don't have to wait until you grow up, and you don't have to travel to a foreign country to be involved in missions. Will that make you feel more comfortable with our decision, Jennifer?"

Jennifer was relieved. "Oh yes, Mom! Thanks," she said.

The first thing in the morning, Pastor Harris left for the hospital, and Mrs. Harris and the children began their day of home schooling. "Our first assignment today is to go to the library and find some missionary stories," said Mrs. Harris.

They returned a short time later, each with several books. "Wow, Mom, I'm amazed at the stuff we found out already," said John.

"Yeah," Jennifer said. "We have stories about missionaries from the 'olden days' and about missionaries today. I can't wait to read about Hudson Taylor and some of the other missionaries."

"Well, I'm interested in the missionaries who are doing things right now. I'm glad you showed us how to find New Tribes Mission on the web. I can't wait to read some of the stories there," said John.

Mrs. Harris broke in, "Well, kids, since this is such an important day, you can spend the rest of the day reading the missionary stories, and tomorrow we'll talk about what you've learned."

The next day, John and Jennifer and their mom gathered around the table.

Jennifer said, "Can I be first? I read a little bit about the early missionaries, and some stories about missionaries today. Lots of scary things happened, then and now. But I guess I saw how God was there to help them every time.

"I also saw that there's a huge need for missionaries. I just can't believe that there are still 6,000 languages that don't have the Bible. Many people have never heard of Jesus. That just doesn't seem possible. I'm still scared, Mom, but I believe that Jesus will help us, and I understand better now why Dad wants to go to Africa."

"Well, I'm ready to go now," said John. "I'm going to read a lot more of these stories. But, Mom, how can I be a missionary right now?"