Medical Profession

But of course, many others work behind the scenes. And it’s all made possible by people paying their taxes. So, my short answer is the medical profession, but I am thankful for all honest, compassionate, and hard-working people for making Ireland what it is today. And it wasn’t just Irish people 😀.

Col 3:23-24
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, ²⁴ since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

As this is a Christian blog, should I not admire those doing spiritual work more? Well, it’s true that your spiritual needs are more important, but in the 21st Century, we have abundant online resources available across the world, so perhaps missionaries don’t play as crucial a role as they played in the past. It’s much easier for people to research and discover truth themselves rather than depend on others to deliver it to them. My hope is that people would be free to choose their religion everywhere without governments, communities, or families thinking that they’re being disloyal. Malaysia is a good example of a country where multiple faiths are tolerated. We did a lot of fighting over religion in Ireland in the past, so I shouldn’t be too judgemental about intolerant counties, but things are much better here nowadays, where we respect each other. And Ireland is truly multicultural these days.

I appreciate the work of Pastors and missionaries. I was a missionary myself at one stage. I enjoyed my work. I didn’t consider it any great sacrifice. And I don’t think many of us are in the same league as great missionaries of the past. Famous examples include:

• William Carey: “Father of Modern Missions”; translated the Bible into multiple Indian languages
• Adoniram Judson: First American missionary abroad; translated the Bible into Burmese
• Ann Hasseltine Judson: Pioneering female missionary; translated Christian texts into Burmese
• Hudson Taylor: Founded China Inland Mission; emphasized cultural adaptation
• David Livingstone: Explorer and missionary; fought slavery and spread Christianity
• George Müller: Known for orphan care and faith-based provision
• Amy Carmichael: Rescued children from temple slavery; founded Dohnavur Fellowship
• Jim Elliot: Martyred while evangelizing the Huaorani people
• C.T. Studd: Cricketer turned missionary in China, India, and Africa
• Eric Liddell: Olympic athlete turned missionary; died in a Japanese internment camp

But it’s often said that the real heroes are indigenous people who spread the good news in their own way by their words and by their life.

And many modern missionaries “hit two birds with the one stone” by engaging in medical or educational work alongside their spiritual work.

And of course, we mustn’t forget Patrick, who brought the gospel to Ireland. Here’s a couple of hymns that are based on some of his writings.