Welcome to “Imitators of Those”, a blog about missions, ministry, and stories of the faith that our fathers handed down. My name is Dónal, I’m Irish, married with a beautiful daughter and cheeky-grinned son, and we live in South Asia, seeking to bring the hope of the gospel to a dark land.
The writer to the Hebrews, in presenting reasons to press on in the faith, gives the exhortation to “be imitators of those who through faith and patience inherit the promises”.
I remember reading a piece of wisdom a number of years ago, when an author who had written a book at a very young age on purity and marriage separated from his wife. A commentator wrote that one should not read a book on marriage written by someone who has been married less than 35 years. (I can’t remember the exact quote or where I read it!)
That might be a slight overstatement, but the principle is sound. Experience counts. I have only been involved in full-time ministry for three years, and I have only recently moved to South Asia. Thus, I must humbly add a caveat that I do not know a good many things about ministry and mission, though I intend to share things here.
But we do have people to imitate. And part of my goal is to present not merely my own thoughts and experiences, but also those of bygone eras, and of this one. Stories of those whom I have been able to imitate as best as possible. And it is my hope that as we journey together, that we may together grow bold in the faith as we walk with stumbling feet in the giant footsteps that have gone before. And even that you and I may imitate one another as we press on for the promises laid up ahead of us.
In the words of Rich Mullins:
“And did they tell you stories ’bout the saints of old
Stories about their faith
They say stories like that make a boy grow bold
Stories like that make a man walk straight”
Imitators of Those 