We are honored to share a guest message by Elijah Gergan, whom we first met at a conference in the Himalayas 25 years ago. Gergan is a Tibetan word meaning "teacher". If you have read our book, "Tibet: The Roof of the World," you may remember the first ever Tibetan to have contact with missionaries was Elijah's great-great grandfather Sodnam Wangyal (Tempu Gergan) in the 1850s.

We have also shared the epic story of the Tibetan Bible, about how Elijah's grandfather, Yoseb Gergan, completed the first translation of the Tibetan Bible in 1948. In an amazing testimony of God's grace and preserving power, Elijah has continued his family's wonderful Christian heritage that stretches back over 150 years. Next month, he will celebrate the milestone of 40 years of faithful ministry among Tibetan people. He recently shared this word of encouragement with us:

"Elijah was afraid and ran for his life... He came to a broom bush, sat down under it and prayed that he might die. 'I have had enough, Lord,' he said. 'Take my life; I am no better than my ancestors'" (1 Kings 19:3-4).

Burnout is one of the most prevalent social diseases of our time. It occurs when someone feels overwhelmed, emotionally drained, and is unable to meet constant demand. It takes all joy out of a person's career, friendships, and family.

When Elijah was burnt out, he felt like he had nothing left to give and was pessimistic toward life. The Apostle Paul was no stranger to sacrificial service and hard work. His work for God's people was relentless, and he outdid all of the other apostles, saying, "I worked harder than all of them" (1 Cor. 15:10).

Unlike Elijah, and despite his physical limitations and severe opposition, Paul was able to write from prison: "Rejoice in the Lord always" (Phil. 4:4). He described his life as being "poured out like a drink offering" to God (Phil. 2:17). Paul held nothing back from the Lord. For him, "to live is Christ and to die is gain" (Phil. 1:21).

Paul's complete existence was only for the Lord Jesus. His willing "giving away" of his life meant that everything he did was with the mindset of Jesus. Such "poured out" lives can never be "burned out" lives. People with no hidden selfishness are on sure footing. Their hearts are not divided, and they are able to rejoice always in God's will, praise and prayer. Paul was often alone, but never lonely, isolated, or out of step! Those whose poured-out lives are constantly replenished by the Holy Spirit will never be "burned out"!