Reflections on D-Day: A Missionary’s Perspective

A Prayer Letter from June 1994; Paris, France

The past weeks we have been submerged in the events leading up to including D-Day. Names and places swim in our minds as we attempt to understand the enormous forces that were at those early days in June 1944. 

Names like General Eisenhower, Prime Minister Churchill, and General Rommel come to our mind. Plans and places have been discussed and analysed: Operation Overlord, Omaha Beach, Point du Hoc, Rangers, 101st Airborne Division, Fortitude, Sainte-Mère-Église, Caen, etc. An incredible amount of intrigue, coded messages, espionage, strategies, and personal sacrifice occurred before D-Day. 

These past weeks it seems every TV channel, magazine, supermarket, bookstore, radio station, and town have something to say about D-Day. Several French people we know have told us how the United States saved their country. You can’t imagine how proud we feel as Americans when we hear those words of gratitude. 

Debbie and I have listened to numerous first-hand accounts from American, French, British, and German soldiers and civilians. For the civilians it was liberation. The soldiers tell another side. They all agree that it was miserable and difficult. Most veterans have said little or nothing at all to their families all these years.

Now 50 years later the stories are being told. One veteran after another would recount his memories of those first awful days. No one claimed to be a hero. Most men thanked God they lived. Others have pictures or memories of friends they lost. 

What strikes us are the cemeteries.

At the cemetery in Coleville rest 9,000 Americans. It’s hard to look out and see the crosses and the star of David markers and not cry. How do we thank those men who gave their lives? A prayer, a floral wreath, Taps, a short speech, and moment of silence in honour of the soldiers who paid the ultimate price. I will never forget seeing French children placing American flags on American graves.

To every veteran who served their country, thank you. 

I can’t help but see comparisons between D-Day and world evangelism.

First, what a challenge! D-Day called attention to a common goal, to overthrow Naziism. We have a common goal as well. We have orders from the Commander and Chief Jesus Christ to love God, our fellow man, to make disciples, and teaching to make disciples in the local church (Matt. 22:37, Matt. 28:18-20, Il Tim. 2:2).

Secondly, what planning! Tremendous planning was involved prior to D-Day. For more than a year and a half the staff of General Eisenhower, British Intelligence, the French resistance, and many others were quietly carrying out operations for the Normandy invasion. You may remember the parable about the man who built a building and didn’t count the cost (Luke 14:28-29). Planning is important as is our greatest weapon: prayer. Praise, prayer, and intercession are always in order.

Then, what a price! Cemetery crosses and veterans’ hospitals tell much of this story. The advance of the gospel is costly, as well. Christians across the centuries have given their lives, yet few memorials, ceremonies, or museums recount their stories. Nevertheless, God in heaven knows whole Dedication to the Lord and his cause is a prime motivation in every Christian’s life.

Finally, what a victory! Frenchmen would crowd the jeeps and embrace the liberators. The Allied Armies drove into Germany an unconditional surrender was demanded. We need to keep our eyes on the Master his victory in western Europe. Two thousand years after the death and resurrection of our Lord, most of the world still needs to hear the message of the Gospel. The Great Commandment (Matt. 22:37-40) and the Great Commission (Matt. 28:18-20) forge our goals.

Let us love God, make disciples, pray, and plan to that end, and “the gates of hell shall not prevail” (Matt. 16:18).

Jesus shall have the victory.