Yet beneath the badge was a heart being stirred by God. As time progressed, Karen’s faith grew. She became burdened for the nations and the unreached people groups in our world. Her church family was Valley Baptist Church and they were deep supporters of Karen and her growing sense of a call. Eventually it led to her making a radical decision, she done something that many of us would allow the devil to convince us out of. She sold her car, she gave away almost everything she owned, and then packed her life into a duffel bag and  backpack. And that’s when he moved!

Karen joined the International Mission Board (IMB) and was soon after sent to Iraq in 2003. 9/11 was still fresh on everyone’s minds and the US led invasion in March 2003 had just happened, which was the first stage of the Iraqi war. This was a place of war and chaos when Karen went. The region was volatile, but she felt a clear calling to serve and she followed that call.  Her assignment was in Mosul, where she helped coordinate humanitarian relief—distributing food, assisting with clean water efforts, and sharing the love of Christ with a war-torn population.

Karen experienced great risk’s in this culture but she served faithfully and boldly as the Gospel required of her.

However, after only a 10 month stint of servanthood, on March 15, 2004 she was traveling with a team of Baptist humanitarian workers, who were ambushed by gunmen. They opened fire on Karen and 3 others missionaries in the car. She and her teammates, Larry and Jean Elliott, were killed in the attack, while the fourth member sustained serious injuries, but lived.

Though the assumption that modern day Martyrdom happens less than it once did is true. The fact that Karen Watson died for the sake of her Lord, should prove the truth that death for the savior in  the following of the gospel mission is still quit realistic.

Thankfully today, Karen’s words still live on in the face of mission workers and leaders today. Before she left for Iraq, Karen wrote a letter to her pastors. She sealed it in an envelope and gave it to them with instructions:
“Only open this in the event of my death.”

After the tragedy, her letter was opened and read to the church and eventually to the world.

It proves today to be a relevant truth in the light of darkness. It revealed the depth of her relationship with God, and her desire to share the gospel wherever God sent her. Her letter reads.

“You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death.”

Dear Pastor, Church Family, and Friends,

When God called me to this mission, I was not called to a place, but to Him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, His glory my reward.

The missionary heart:
Cares more than some think is wise,
Risks more than some think is safe,
Dreams more than some think is practical,
Expects more than some think is possible.

I was called not to comfort or success, but to obedience. There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving Him. I love you all and my heart is at peace. I will meet you all in heaven someday.

With all my love in Christ,
Karen Watson”

Karen Watson’s sacrifice echoes the call of Christ found in Luke 9:23: And he said to them all, If any man will come after me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross daily, and follow me.

She did not seek fame, and she did not fear death. Her life was built and rooted in her desire of obedience to the Master. Her legacy continues, because she desired obedience first. Today this should inspire missionaries, pastors, and believers around the world.

She lived and died so that the gospel may be spread.