You can read the story of Christian martyr Karen Watson in the book Lives Given, Not Taken. Karen was killed while serving humanitarian and spiritual needs in Iraq.
Before leaving for Iraq, Karen left a letter with her pastors in Bakersfield, CA. The letter read:
Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger:
You should only be opening this letter in the event of death.
When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn’t called to a place, I was called to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward—His glory my reward…
The missionary heart:
- Cares more than some think is wise
- Risks more than some think is safe
- Dreams more than some think is practical
- Expects more than some think is possible
I was called not to comfort or to success but to obedience…
There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you two and my church family.
In His Care,
Salaam, Karen
Pastor Al Gilbert 