Born to missionary parents in Persia (now known as Iran) in 1921, J. Christy Wilson, Jr. heard the call of God at a young age. The family’s pastor asked five-year-old Christy what he wanted to do when he grew up. Having heard his parents pray daily for Afghanistan where there were no Christians, Christy responded, “I want to be a missionary to Afghanistan.”  The pastor noted, “Sadly, missionaries are not allowed in Afghanistan,” to which young Christy firmly replied, “That’s why I want to be one there!” 

Christy’s parents ensured a quality education for him. He earned an undergraduate degree from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill before pursuing his seminary education at Princeton Theological Seminary. There, he deepened his theological training and eventually earned a doctorate degree from the University of Edinburgh in Scotland. 

His passion for evangelism and mission with college students culminated in his founding of the first InterVarsity Christian Fellowship missions conference on December 27, 1946. The triennial missions conference, now known as Urbana, continues today, becoming the largest student missions conference in the world. 

After marrying Betty Jean Hutton in 1951, Christy and his new bride arrived in Afghanistan. Christy had been invited by the Afghan Minister of Education to teach English in Kabul. No businessperson, visitor, or Christian missionary was allowed in Afghanistan. By what can only be described as “divine intervention,” Christy and Betty were now in a country that few Christian witnesses had ever entered. 

After ministering in Afghanistan for 18 years, Christy spent the last 20 years prior to retirement serving as a professor and mentor to students at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. 

One of my cherished memories with Dr. Wilson happened in the seminary’s cafeteria. As graduation approached, I was planning to enroll in a doctorate program in missiology to become a teacher in Africa. Dr. Wilson approached and asked to join me for lunch. 

As we enjoyed our meal, he inquired about my current plans. After sharing my plans, he offered sage counsel. “Oh, Billy,” he said, “if you feel called to the mission field, don’t let a doctorate degree hold you back!” His words left me speechless. “If God is calling you, you need to go and serve. You can always return later to finish a doctorate.” 

Dr. Wilson always prioritized fulfilling the Great Commission and spreading the good news of Christ.

So What?

• Where is God leading you? Don’t hesitate. Take the next step.

Illustration by Paul Ryding