Many of them are former high school and college athletes and are they are used to winning, losing and getting thoroughly banged up in the process of athletics.
The press used to trot out stories of "Vietnam vets gone bad" all the time.
However, I have met a very large number of Vietnam veterans who are missionaries, relief workers or medical workers in developing countries. Far more than the number of "Vets gone Bad" that I have personally met.
One possible reason for the disparity in single men vs single women missionaries is, to be blunt about it, testosterone. Potential missionary men really do not want to think about a life of celibacy. At the younger age of most Bible college students, most of us are still enamored with the Hollywood idea of a desirable female. It takes a bit of maturity to recognize quality in a woman.
Thankfully, I met Mrs NB at Bible school AFTER my tour in Vietnam. I had developed a 6 or 8 item checklist. She scored 100%. Plus, she was a real looker, to boot!
We have a number of friends who spent years on the field as single lady missionaries. One had become a widow after six months of marriage. Another spent about 12 years working as a nurse in a very remote, difficult area. Both are among the finest people I have ever known.
God also provided them both with outstanding husbands, in due time.
Too often, we men tend not to trust God to provide the very best wife for us at the best time, but not necessarily on our timetable.
His gift is well worth the wait!
Thank you for your service in both roles.
Yes, most missionaries do get married to others who are either missionaries or who catch the fire.
Testosterone is needed in the field for difficult times when leadership is required and I hope that more young men will sign up and go help people and teach the word. They will not regret it.
We are leaving an in country mission assignment and my thoughts are turning to Africa. Lots of work needs to be done and there is much fertile ground to be plowed, seeded and harvested.
I do know a lot of vets who have become missionaries. I thought it was just me and my own circle of friends.
This is where Mormonism might have an impact: places that do not, as yet, have widespread access to the WEB and all of the information that is available on it.