John Chau’s Death: Bold Courage or Youthful Passion Gone Wrong?
John Chau’s recent death in the Indian Ocean prompted many tweets, posts and news articles this past week. Murdered by Sentinelese tribesmen, John was a fairly young missionary. He went to a remote and unreached tribe with a passion to share the gospel with them.
His actions were illegal in the eyes of the government. Many have said they were foolish. In missionary circles, much discussion has taken place about John’s actions and death. Some of what is being said mirror the news and social media. Other perspectives are radically different.
The full story is yet to come to light. It is wise to withhold judgments and broad sweeping statements. Instead, let’s consider key questions as we reflect, pray and discuss this with others.
What Missionary Trainers Are Saying About John Chau’s Death
In a forum where missionary trainers discuss issues, the following things were talked about this last week. I report them here to help us continue to consider these issues.
Strong opinions were expressed. In humility, these were adjusted as meaningful dialogue took place. We learned from and with one another. I hope and pray that this will continue in discussions around the world in the days and years to come.
Here are a few quotes from our discussion:
“What a sad story of a misguided young man wasting his life needlessly. I know that some people in my home circles are applauding him. But he did an unwise thing (he could have wiped out the tribe with just his germs). We need to use it as an example of what not to do. Did he die a martyr or was he murdered for being an outsider?”
“It is becoming increasingly difficult in so many locations to do what we were perhaps able to do freely in the past. Times are changing but our mandate to go to the unreached remains the same. We need to be bold and wise.”
“How loving/wise is it to put unreached people’s lives directly at risk by bringing your diseases with you? Shouldn’t we ask the hard questions as to how things could have been done wiser, better prepared? As leaders, we are responsible to wrestle with the risk questions.”
“There are too many, including myself, where ‘wisdom’ is really just cleverly disguised fear that prevents us from taking a risk for the Kingdom and being bold. However, that doesn’t mean true wisdom isn’t necessary. It’s vital. We don’t make decisions out of fear. But we also don’t want to suffer persecution because of stupidity. It’s a balance to walk it out.”
“We question the wisdom of the five missionaries killed by the Auca Indians in Ecuador. But it led to an amazing movement. We honor Paul and we say Jesus glorify Your name and may hundreds of people join your movement all around the earth.”
Indeed this situation reminds us of that famous missionary story. It inspired so many, and is told in Elizabeth Elliot’s book, “Through Gates of Splendor.” Jim Elliot, Elizabeth’s husband, was also working with a remote tribal group. That group, like the Sentinelese, was also resistant to foreign influence and took Jim’s life.
Some Questions to Consider:
1) What is admirable about John’s commitment and courage? Is it in his willingness to lay down his life to see an unreached tribe hear the gospel?
2) When (if ever) is Christian martyrdom a real possibility in our day and age? Does our theology include a willingness to die for the cause of sharing the gospel with all peoples?
3) Can risk assessment and cultural preparation help missionaries be better equipped for going into dangerous situations like these?
4) Should mission agencies allow their staff to go to places where governments don’t allow Christian witness? What if that is where they are called and the risks are high?
5) In what ways might God want to use John Chau’s death to catalyze a new wave of missionary efforts in the frontiers? How can we join with God’s purposes?
Ways We Can Pray:
– Pray for God’s love to become known to the Sentinelese tribes in the Indian Ocean. Pray that this situation will cause fervent prayer to be focused on this unreached group.
– Pray for John’s family and friends who are grieving the loss of someone they greatly loved. Pray for comfort and protection in the midst of the news media’s criticism.
– Pray for the mission that John Chau worked with. They will come under new scrutiny as they are highlighted. Pray for wisdom for their leaders in how to respond. Pray that this will not have a negative effect on this mission’s efforts to bring the message of Jesus to the unreached.
– Pray for the release of boldness and courage (with wisdom) in the lives of missionaries around the world. Pray for protection as they take these risks of faith.
– Pray that as missionaries bring the good news to unreached peoples we would do so with cultural sensitivity. Pray for an ability to honor and respect governments who seek to serve and protect these peoples (Romans 13:1-7).
– Pray for missionaries to understand when to obey government restrictions and when to say as Peter did, “We must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Let’s discuss, learn and pray. May John Chau’s tragic death be used by God to bring about His purposes.
Note: The above quotes are not the opinion of the author. They are listed here to help us think as we are exposed to different viewpoints on this important issue.