A missionary spent his entire life in the mission fields of Africa telling the story of Jesus. During those days, missionary support was meager at best and nonexistent at worse. But, struggling the best he could he stayed on the field. In the latter years of his life, his wife died. Since he did not have money to take her back to her home for burial, he was forced to bury her in a make-shift grave near his home.
Finally, with his health, his money, and his family gone he scraped together enough for boat passage back to New York.
As the boat entered the harbor, suddenly it was surrounded by fire boats spurting sprays of water and tugs blowing their horns. As the boat docked, a band began playing and a crowd of people began shouting and waving their arms as a celebrity walked down the gang plank. As he watched all this from the railing, this elderly missionary, knowing he was coming home alone, began feeling sorry for himself and began to pray something like this, “Lord, I have given you all I have. I gave you my life, my family, and my health. Now, at the ending of my life, why couldn’t I be welcomed home with caring people who appreciate what my life has meant for the glory of God.”
Then, almost as it were an audible voice, this elderly missionary felt God speaking to him saying, “Son, you are not home yet!”
John 14:2-3 In my Father’s house are many mansions: if it were not so, I would have told you. I go to prepare a place for you. And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again, and receive you unto myself; that where I am, there ye may be also.