A new missionary arrives in Africa . . .

A missionary had just arrived at his new station in Africa, and was being briefed by the man he was about to replace.

"Brother," said the old missionary, "We have truly done the Lord's work here. We have taught nearly all the wild animals in this part of the continent to understand and speak English, that we may then teach them to be good Christians."

"Wow!" said the new missionary. "And how is spreading the Word going?"

"Not too bad," said the old missionary. "I'd say we've converted about half."

The new missionary was amazed and impressed. He bid the old missionary farewell, and began his walk up to his new church to begin his work.

Suddenly he sensed he was being stalked; sure enough, right behind him was an enormous lion. The new missionary saw nowhere to run, so instead looked to his faith; he dropped to his knees, clasped his hands together and prayed:

"Dear Lord," prayed the new missionary, "Please let this lion be one of the devout Christian animals my colleague told me about!"

Abruptly, the lion stopped, just inches from the missionary. As the man watched in amazement, the lion reared back and put himself in a remarkable approximation of being on his knees. Then the lion put his two paws together and looked to the heavens. He was praying!

"Dear Lord," said the lion, "I thank thee for this meal which I am about to receive...."