Sometimes we think to make a great impact on others we must be people of tremendous intellect and knowledge. Certainly, intellect and knowledge are good things, but they are not the only thing that is of importance when it comes to impacting others.

I am reading about the extensive efforts and great sacrifices Moravians made in evangelizing South Africa in the late 1700’s and early 1800’s.

Obviously, given their devotion to this cause, they had done a great deal of thinking about what made a good missionary. Over and above, the importance of the missionary being erudite, William Browne writes,

“They have learned by experience, that a good understanding, a friendly disposition, unfeigned humility, fervent zeal for the salvation of souls, and a heart inflamed with the love of Christ, are the best and most essential qualifications of a missionary.” (William Browne, “The History of the Propagation of Christianity among the Heathen in 2 volumes)

I would say that pretty much sums it up, wouldn’t you?