A Good Place to Start

As far back as she could remember, Mary dreamed of being a missionary to Africa. Before she could read, her mother told her stories about the heroic deeds of missionaries. After the girl learned to read, her Bible and missionary biographies were her main enter­tainment.

But Mary's family was poor. Her father was a drunkard, and all who were able worked at some job. By the time the girl was sixteen she was working six days a week in the cotton mills of Dundee, Scotland. She learned to do her job so well that she could work and read at the same time. Going to school was out of the question, but she was told that education was a must for missionaries. She never gave up.

Mary's trip to and from her work took her through Dundee's slums twice a day. Then, one day, it dawned on her that here was a mission field right on her own door­step. She offered her services in a church there and was given a class of girls to teach.

This job opened up the door to Africa for her. Spirit and determination, instead of a formal education, helped her to reach the shores of the continent she had been dreaming about for years. Mary Slessor of Dundee became one of the great missionaries of all time.

Even though Mary's heart was set on going to Africa she did not overlook the opportunity for service right in her own home town. Mary Slessor proved herself to be faithful to the things at hand and as a reward was called to serve in the wider field when the time was right.

Make me a hero at home, O God, by doing what has to be done.