I'd Rather Be a Missionary

By J. Phillip Hogan

If I could be young again,

And if I had the choice

To be a multimillionaire

Or have a famous voice;

If I could have rare beauty

Or the best vocabulary,

I'd turn my back on all these things 

And be a missionary.

If I could have the wisdom of Einstein,

And If I chose fame,

If I could have ability

And ware the  finest clothes;

If I could choose to see the world,

If I would not fear nor tarry,

I'd say good-bye to all these things

And be a missionary.

If I could be young again,

I'd yield to Christ my all, 

At early age I'd answer 'yes'

To Jesus' loving call;

Then say good-bye to home and friends,

My other dreams I'd bury,

And  follow Christ to lands afar,

I'd be a missionary.

I'd walk the dusty city streets 

Where unsaved millions live,

I'd tell the gospel of my Lord,

My time, my love I'd give;

I'd travel jungle rivers

And canoes if necessary,

Or live a life that's primitive,

But be a missionary.

What if the sun does burn my brow,

If children I can teach?

What if I am drenched by monsoon rains,

The gospel truth to preach?

What if I cannot have the food

That once was customary, 

If I can give the Bread of Life

And be a missionary?

The millions longing for the truth

In false religions search,

While Jesus waits for us

To help establish His true Chruch;

If I were young I'd choose a life

Like Livingstone or Carey,

And though my light would fainter shine,

I'd be a missionary.