The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier

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Lone Tree -- a hill that's popular for hiking that's behind
my house in Papua New Guinea
Most Americans are aware of the Tomb for the Unknown Soldier that can be found in our nation’s capital city. This silent monument to those who have died in anonymity in the defense of our country is a poignant and powerful reminder of the cost of our freedom and safety. However, recently
I was struck by the reality of another group of people who live and die in obscurity to save not only physical lives, but also the eternity of those around them.

In my new home in Papua New Guinea (PNG) there is a hill where missionaries have been buried over the years. Several weeks ago I ranged over the hill reading headstones and taking in the solemnity of those who’ve given their lives to bring God’s word and the gospel to my new country. Suddenly I happened upon the outline of a grave but this one was different. It had no headstone to announce who was laid to rest in this place. The grass poked through the dilapidated bricks that marked the borders of the grave and the sun dappled the ground around it as it filtered through the tall trees standing above like sentinels. I was struck by the similarity between this unmarked grave and that of the Tomb for the Unknown Soldier, but also by the differences. The Tomb stands in a prominent place and is guarded day after day by constant watchmen. The unmarked grave of this missionary of times past, is tucked away on a hidden hill between homes and is watched only by the silent trees stationed on either side and all around.

Jesus said that we will face all kinds of trials for His sake including obscurity. In fact, He encourages us that when we work in obscurity our reward is being laid up for us in heaven. I have been challenged and encouraged here in PNG by not only the expatriate missionaries working here but also my Papua New Guinean colleagues that work in obscurity. They often labor for years on translations, church planting and discipleship efforts with little or no recognition, often being criticized and scrutinized by their peers and family members. However, God is doing amazing things through these unsung heroes. I hear every day of another New Testament that is close to dedication, a new team of Papua New Guineans that are rising up to translate the Word of God into their language, and new and creative ways of reaching the hearts and minds of a new generation of Papua New Guineans.


Yes, many have labored in obscurity, laying down their lives to give others the chance to hear the news that Jesus died and rose again to set them free. However, they and they’re sacrificial work is not forgotten by those whose eternity’s have been changed by their sacrifices. So, as I pass that graveyard I now think of the undying impact their sacrifices have brought about by God’s grace and I tip my head in silent salute to those who’ve gone before.

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