Ephesians 6:11,15 – Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. Stand therefore having… your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace. (KJV)

Coupled with C.T. Studd, founder of Worldwide Evangelisation Crusade, Emma Munn will be remembered for pioneering in the heart of Africa.

Emma was a Belfast factory worker in the early part of the twentieth century. She survived the rough and tumble of family life in a humble terrace house near Gallagher's factory, and, despite the scorn of godless workmates, Emma maintained a witness for Christ. She prepared herself for missionary service, and headed for Africa with a sense of call and a commitment to a lifetime of dedicated service.

On one occasion when she was trekking through rough terrain in Central Africa, she came to a muddy river. She had no option but to wade through it. It was no mean task to wrench her feet from the grasp of the mud after every step, but she managed to get to the other side. With a quick glance at her dirty feet before moving on, Emma said in her inimitable way, "How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the gospel of peace!"

Frances Ridley Havergal sums up her surrender in her immortal hymn:

Take my feet and let them be
Swift and beautiful for Thee.

Life is a one-way journey with death as its final destination. There is no second chance. Therefore we are compelled to consider the direction our feet are taking us. Are they swift to go on the errands of the One whose feet were often weary on the dusty roads around Galilee and whose feet were nailed to a Roman cross as He bore the punishment for our sins?

Prayer: Lord, help us to consider what direction we are travelling, and how we can serve others as we travel on our way. In Jesus' name we pray. Amen.

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