April 13, 2009

World Christians

As you are reading this musing, I am in Seoul, Korea. I am there working with a Christian school that is part of the Network of International Christian Schools. NICS is a wonderful mission organization that I have been a part of for almost 20 years.

The passion I have for seeing the gospel preached in all the corners of the globe was birthed in my first church where the missionaries were held in high esteem. Early on in my Christian life I heard powerful stories about what God was doing in far off places and frankly, I wanted to be a part of it all! And although I am not currently serving overseas, I do have the great privilege of working with and for wonderful Christian missionaries all over the world.

Which brings me to my thought for today…believers need to be world Christians. We need to get more involved in what God is doing around the world. And it all starts with awareness.

We need to increase our understanding of what is being accomplished in ministries that specialize in bible translation work, ministries like Wycliffe Bible Translators. We need to become acquainted with organizations like Campus Crusade and their mission strategies like the Jesus Film project. We should become familiar with church planting organizations that are serving indigenous people groups hidden away in the corners of the world. Their stories will ignite our spirits to pray and give like never before!

For years, I have used Patrick Johnstone’s “Operation World” as a very valuable resource. It is a book (with a children’s version) that helps you be informed and pray intelligently for the various missions efforts going on around the world. They also have a wonderful website, http://www.operationworld.org/ that is filled with helpful information that can revolutionize the way you pray!

When Jesus gave the “great commission” in Matthew 28:18-20, He was addressing all believers. As He established the power for evangelism (all power having been given to Him) we are all commanded to go and baptize and teach. This isn’t a task just for the highly committed few or the super star Christians endowed with special gifts. This is a command that we are all called to be doing.

We may not all move overseas, but we must all be actively involved in spreading the gospel, both around our block and around the world.

This week would be a great time to evaluate your personal involvement in missions. Are you praying (specifically) for a people group, a missions effort, a particular missionary? Are you informed about what is being done? Do you know what strategies are working and where? Are you giving towards those efforts? Are you influencing your children to be “world Christians?” Have you considered joining a team and going overseas on a short term mission trip?

WHY NOT?

“But you shall be my witnesses after that the Holy Ghost has come upon you, and you shall be witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and unto the uttermost part of the world.” Acts 1:8

Warmest Regards in Christ,
Sherry L. Worel
Stoneybrooke Christian Schools