Then Jesus came to them and said, “All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, . .”(Matt. 28:18-19b, NIV).
Is it really possible to evangelize the world, every people group in this world? If every Christian and Christian family would be willing to commit one week of vacation time to go on a mission trip or give one week of vacation expenses to missions, great progress could be made. Missions work is very possible for everyone.
The command of Jesus to make disciples of all nations can involve going. It is only by going beyond our church walls or our fellowship groups that new disciples of Christ are made. The absence of going will lead to no new baptism of believers but only fattened believers who remain in our churches. It’s by going and sharing that makes our knowledge of God’s Word truly worthwhile and impactful. It gives meaning to wanting to learn His Word so that we can share with others.
My wife and I are making plans to go to Indonesia on vacation for three weeks this summer. I wonder if it might be possible for me to share Jesus Christ with others or in a church setting in Indonesia. Also, I would love to go on our Rio Grande Mission Trip to invest in others. Sometimes, I wonder if we as a church should adopt a church in another country and truly invest in them by going and giving. Can it become one of our goals not just a once a year mission trip, along with sending resources to help them reach their own community for Christ?
Last month at Living Stones, we had four messages on missions. Let’s ask ourselves for the remainder of this year, what can I/we do to advance the Great Commission locally and internationally.
We’re starting our Faith Promise Drive. If we can’t go, how about taking some of our vacation money and helping others to go? We can do with one less excursion or activity, knowing our love gift will have eternal impact on others. Let’s give to our Faith Promise and give to those who will be going on mission trips this year and every year. Let’s bless others and not just ourselves.
Evangelism of the lost in this world is only possible by going and sharing. Let’s prayerfully consider going and/or giving to Mission 2025.
Kingston Tong
March 2, 2025