from World Vision, April 1954
Three o’clock one winter morning, a missionary candidate climbed the steps to the examiner’s home. He was shown into the study, where he waited until eight o’clock for an interview. Upon arriving, the old clergyman proceeded to ask questions.
“Can you spell?”
“Yes, sir,” was the reply.
“All right, spell baker.”
“Baker, b-a-k-e-r.”
“Fine. Now, do you know anything about figures?” the examiner inquired.
“Yes, sir, something.”
“How much is twice two?” “Four,” replied the lad.
“That’s splendid,” returned the old man.
“I believe you have passed. I’ll see the Board tomorrow.”
At the Board meeting the man submitted his account of the interview. “He has all the qualifications of a missionary,” he began.
“First, I tested him on self-denial. I told him to be at my house at three o’clock in the morning. He left a warm bed and came out into the cold without a word of complaint.
“Second, I tried him out on promptness. He appeared on time.
“Third, I examined him on patience. I made him wait five hours to see me, after telling him to come at three.
“Fourth, I tested him on temper. He failed to show any sign of it; he didn’t even question my delay.
“Fifth, I tried his humility. I asked him questions that a five-year-old could answer, and he showed no indignation. So you see, I believe this lad meets the requirements. He will make the missionary we need.”
– The Gospel Herald