Regard for Missionaries, Concern for Evangelical Work

“When He (Christ) saw the crowds, He had compassion on them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd. Then He said to His disciples, ‘The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few. Ask the Lord of the harvest, therefore, to send out workers into his harvest field.’" (Matthew 9:36-38)

“For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give His life as a ransom for many." (Mark 10:45)

“Again Jesus said, ‘Peace be with you! As the Father has sent me, I am sending you.’" (John 20:21)

“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20)

Jesus Christ had compassion on the people of the earth. In order to save them, He, “who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be grasped, but made Himself nothing, taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man He humbled Himself and became obedient to death - even death on a cross!” Christ fulfilled the grace of salvation for mankind. But His will is that believers should continue to fulfill His commission to broadly preach the Gospel.

Today some believers respond to the calling of God by leaving their home and country to preach in lands of different cultures. They may even sacrifice their lives for the local people. Just like the bloody incident that happened in Turkey this past April - three martyrs were tortured and slain because of their belief. Although the families of the victims could forgive the murderers out of the love of Christ, yet they had to endure the pain of a loved one’s loss. And also like sister Fong Siu Ling whom we often have in our thoughts - although she is gravely ill, yet she displays the spirit of “still extolling Him while a breath remains”. This commitment of theirs that is consummate, loyal unto death and submissive to the last is truly worthy of our emulation. At the same time, we must not forget that we have a duty to support this group of missionaries in faraway places. Because we are all members in Christ, we have all received at the same time the commission given to us by Christ to preach the Gospel. Although not every believer must be a missionary, evangelical work is not the exclusive right of a small group of brothers and sisters, and not something that is optional. Evangelism is a command given by Christ to every believer. So let us rise up in “Regard for Missionaries and Concern for Evangelical Work”. I hope that we will pay more attention to the works of God in various countries and the plight of missionaries. Support them whether by monetary means, loving kindness or concern. Pray ardently for them and ask God to give them peace and faith, so that they will steadfastly rely on Jesus Christ as their sole refuge. The weekly bulletin at our church has a column on “Intercession News for Evangelism”. The notice board of our Evangelical Department also has evangelical news from many lands posted. I hope brothers and sisters will care more and pray more by following this information. As well, pay more heed to certain evangelical publications, equip yourself to join the work of preaching the Gospel so that you will be a part of the effort to expand the Heavenly Kingdom.

From the admonition of Christ to His disciples, “For whoever wants to save his life will lose it, but whoever loses his life for me and for the Gospel will save it.” (Mark 8:35), we can confirm the will of God for us: not to conserve power, but use it for service; not to bury our blessings, but develop them; not to store up seeds in barns, but to sow them; not to follow the schemes of worldly people, but to submit totally to the will of God….then we will traveling a peaceful, blessed road. In their affairs believers do not judge according to what is seen or felt, but by the word of God. I hope we will carry out the word of God through faith, and be concerned for those members who are fighting for the Kingdom of God in faraway places.

By: Esther Hung