A few nights back my wife and I were watching Alex Bilodeau bounce down the Olympic mogul course in Vancouver and collect the gold medal at the end of this wild ride. The crowd went crazy and a new hero was born. Because of practice, discipline and skills that have been developed his name will beremembered by Canadians for many years.

My wife Karen and I over the years have read through most of the series of books entitled “Christian Heroes, Then and Now.” (If you haven’t read these it is a family must read series). Some heroes get presstime, but many are unsung. It is those unsung hero’s that challenge me.

A few years ago we visited a man whose wife has Alzheimer’s. These dear people were together battling a daily struggle to get through the day. We watched as Maynard tenderly cared for his wife. We heard the story of the daily service that was necessary, yet given without bitterness or despair. We saw and heard how his love deepened for his wife as he took on this difficult responsibility. We know that this man had times of weakness, but what a model of caring was seen that evening. He didn’t get a gold medal or any press, but to me he is a hero.

Visiting different countries gives us opportunity to rub shoulders with some of today’s heroes of the faith, people who have stood for Christ and have been persecuted for what they believe. Stories are told of the Elders in the Ethiopian church in Dilla that “have stayed the course” during atime of struggle and found themselves imprisoned. These men were taken from family, beaten for their beliefs and yet through the hard times their faith was strengthened. We have visited the building where some of the church elders felt the blows of their oppressors and lived in this atmosphere of hate. That building is no longer owned by the government, but the Kale Hewot churches in the southern zone purchased this place of bondage and turned it into a place of hope. Unsung to most of the world, but to me they are heroes.

Some of you are bearing a cross that we will never read about. Some of you are behind the scene, but are faithful and obedient to the Lord and His work. Some of us get to tell, see and live the stories. We get to channel the funds you provide. We are the recipients of the answers to our collective prayers. We are recognized while most will not be recognized this side of heaven. One day the unsung will hear the chorus of people from every tribe and nation saying thank you for your faithfulness.  Until that day, let me say thank you for partnering with us as we touch a world in desperate need.