What and Why

To the ones who wonder if there is a place on the mission field, and all those wondering if the gospel is really worth it in the long run.  

 

I don’t know how many of you are here, or even how many of you have intention of going into missions long term, but if you are here then you’re here for a reason. 

 

When I first heard the first pitch for the 2021 Middle East trip I was hooked instantly. Let me tell you why. 

 

There is billions of people on this planet who are unreached and untouched by the words of the gospel. How will they know unless you tell them; unless you bring it to them? In my heart and in my mind I had decided that it was time for me to step off the sidelines – so I prayed for a few minutes and took that step. For many of us, it looks different. For some of us it takes months to make that decision, but I pray that for those in this room it takes you but only a few minutes to understand the joy that it is to be but a messenger who brings the gospel to the ends of the earth. 

 

I have only been looking towards a life on the mission field for a short time now, but I want to pour out all that I have to pass on the baton to you, and I pray that the Lord uses it to fan the flame that might already be in your heart to share the gospel with those who have not yet heard. 

 

You will be rejected, rumors will spread of your character, and you will be considered blasphemous criminals. You will be faced with the decision whether to cross the border even though it means you might be arrested or die because of your obedience… but considering this isn’t about you, or what you lose, you must remember that this lifestyle is not a phase. This is not the holy version of your emo days in high school, or your glory days in college. If we have been crucified and resurrected with christ, and if the willingness to go is different than complete and total surrender, you must remember that this is not a game either. 

 

Ill say it again: This is not a game. 

 

Men: are you willing to be humbled to the greatest extents, and be weakened and utterly broken to a level that pride won’t even let your mind comprehend? To be attacked and ambushed by the enemy in ways that you might not dare to imagine? Are you willing to be tested in ways possibly even greater than Jesus was when he chose to encounter the cross? Are you willing to be shot, stoned, burned, tortured, imprisoned, or sawed completely in half? Are you willing to be humble? I ask you these things. 

 

Women: are you willing to have all the above be possible reality, as well as be mocked and ridiculed by men, on top of the ministry load you already voluntarily cary? 

 

If your answer is no, I encourage you to find why it is. If your answer is yes, I encourage you to always – always remember why it is yes, so that it will always be yes. 

 

Now I want to ask you the real question.  Let It resonate in pit of your stomach till your passing time, and let bounce from ear to ear until you finally understand. 

 

How much joy are you willing to walk in, in order to bring the glory and kingdom of God to every single part of this planet? How many miracles are you willing to witness as a result of the Lords blessing on others through your faith and obedience. How many people are you willing to see come to Jesus and be blessed with salvation? How many healings are you willing to see and experience? How much freedom are you willing to walk in; to model for others? How much authority are you willing to use, to cast out demons and free those chained in spiritual oppression, and crush the serpent himself under your heels? 

 

Are you willing to invite your brothers and sisters who have not yet received an invitation to the table? 

 

Do you want them to be standing next to you when you’re standing next to the throne? Do you want them to be there?  Will they be there with you? 

 

My goal in these propositions is not to put total responsibility onto you, but to open your eyes to the only reason we live the way we live. Jesus, His sacrifice, and the words that have been spoken from His mouth – we are blessed to be a blessing for others, and the Lord is faithful to honor His promises. So, now that you have been blessed and have experienced redemption and love that other people have yet to receive, will you pick up your cross and follow Him? You know where the hill leads, and you know you will be spit on while you go, but are you willing to experience the fullness of the love and glory of God brought to the ends of the earth?