By Thurman Hayes

Recently, there was civil unrest in Haiti, which prompted authorities to close the airport briefly, which delayed the return of some American mission teams to the United States.

Since my own church is deeply involved in sending teams to Haiti, and my own wife and daughters had just returned from there a couple of days before this event, it provoked some reflection on my part.

To listen to many in the American media, bloodthirsty mobs were rampaging through the streets of Haiti. In talking to people on the ground, that was simply not the case. The media were exaggerating the story. Can you imagine such a thing?

It’s funny how our media ignores poor countries like Haiti, unless something is happening there that they can sensationalize. I wish they would take the trouble to visit Haiti, and get to know the people. Frankly, I feel more safe there than I would walking the streets of our own city at night.

But there is a much larger issue here, especially for those of us who follow Jesus. To what degree should “safety” be an issue with us?

Certainly, it is an issue. I am not seeking out a way to die violently, here or abroad. I doubt if you are. And when I think about my beloved wife and daughters, I am far more concerned about their safety than my own.

When traveling abroad or just walking the streets of an American city, there are things to be aware of and reasonable precautions to take. There is nothing wrong with that.

But now I am going to start preaching, so get ready. I am sick and tired of so-called Christians who seem to prize “safety” as their highest value in life. Friends, we serve a Savior who gave up the safety of heaven to come and rescue us when we were helpless, hurting and lost. Furthermore, we have brothers and sisters in Christ around the world who risk life and limb every day to follow Jesus.

To be honest, American believers need to get outside of their comfort zones far more often. It would do them a world of good, and enable them to do more good for the world.

Jesus commands us to “go and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19). He does not say, “Go and make disciples in nations that are comfortable, prosperous, and safe.” Our sin-sick world wasn’t the safe place for Jesus to be. But He came. He came for us.

As a trustee of the International Mission Board of the Southern Baptist Convention, I have the incredible honor of meeting people who are going to some of the most difficult and dangerous parts of the world with the gospel. Sometimes, they do not return.

But most of the “dangers” people think about overseas are exaggerated. I’ve had the opportunity to visit not only Haiti but also many countries in Northern Africa and the Middle East. This is a part of the world known for terrorism, but the truth is that 99 percent of the people there love Americans, and they practice hospitality in a way that would put most of us to shame. They will open their homes and their hearts to you.

Jesus calls us to a love that casts out fear.

Dr. Thurman R. Hayes Jr. is senior pastor of First Baptist Church of Suffolk. Follow him on Twitter at @ThurmanHayesJr.