This book was written for everyone who has an interest in missions, from the praying and giving supporter back home to the missionary on or heading to the field. It is hoped that through reading this book, many will consider what role God would have them play in the missionary enterprise. It is also hoped that some will be challenged to go, while others will be challenged to send them. On Being a Missionary is not designed to be a theoretical textbook. It does not put forward new theses, new approaches to mission, nor does it attempt to break new ground. Instead, the author absorbs and then presents the ideas, experiences, and insights of over one hundred missionary writers. Drawing on his own years of experience as well as the input of many others, Dr. Hale deals with the problems, struggles, and failures that missionaries often face. The goal is to teach the reader how to avoid many of the problems that have plagued others while on the field. Being a missionary is one of the most joyous and rewarding careers possible, and this book aims to make it ever more so. - Back cover.