Although I don’t live in the past, I often visit by reading accounts of history and glean messages I want to carry into my future.

My latest lesson came from the story of Henry and Dorothy Poppen, who served as missionaries to China and Singapore for 40 years, beginning in 1918.

Poppen once traveled to a remote village so he could share the story of Jesus. He spoke of Jesus’ love, gentleness and patience. He then told the people Jesus had died as a sacrifice for their sins.

One of the men said he knew Jesus and that Jesus had died there in their village.

Poppen explained Jesus had not lived there, but far away and long ago, yet followed the man to the cemetery.

There, carved on a tombstone, was the name of a missionary doctor who had followed the call of God to live and die in a foreign land.

The life he had lived was so filled with love and compassion that when Poppen described Jesus, the villagers immediately thought he was referring to their friend, the missionary.

That story has made me analyze my attitudes, actions and reactions to see if they reflect Jesus’ example. And it’s left me with the daily question, “What in my life needs to change for me to become more like Jesus?”

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.