Hence, "to pioneer" came to mean to prepare or open the way, and a "pioneer" was one who took the lead, forging ahead in the face of odds or opposition, as the early settlers of the North American West did. The term suggests an individual who is intrepid, one who presses ahead until his goal is realized. What an apt description this is for those who are self-sacrificing "soldiers" of Christ Jesus full time!
Even though I was a "Pioneer", I thought the term was rather ridiculous.When I think of Pioneers, I think of those who truly have paved the way for others.Whether it was those who traveled by foot and wagon across America to settle a new land, Explorers who made boats and traveled across the world in the face of great danger...even when they thought the earth was flat, those who traveled to the depths of the ocean despite great danger.And of course, there are many other examples, but the Space Program is an absolutely outstanding example of true PIONEERING.These men and women have put their life on the line to reach the moon and beyond.It was doubted by some experts that anyone could even live in outer space,and yet, they went anyway.Some have died doing so, but the benefits to mankind have already been seen..and will continue to be.Despite criticism of "nationalism"; I'm proud that America was the first to reach the moon.Truly, "One small step for a man,one giant leap for mankind".Knocking on doors....not so much.