Dear friends,
As I write this letter, Lorrie is in Ireland visiting our son-in-law Noel and our daughter Heather and family. Heather just delivered Justice, their third child. I, Nels, have the privilege of visiting the family and being introduced to our new grandchild next week! While in Ireland I will minister at their vibrant multi-national church that Noel now pastors. It is exciting to see God working throughout the world!
In Larry Stockstill’s book, 25 Lines Around, he shares that there are over 5 billion people in the world and only about 1.5 billion profess Christ. If you took the remaining 3.5 billion people and had them stand in a line allowing one foot per person they would circle the earth 25 times!
Recently I was stirred and troubled when I heard someone from a persecuted country share they were encouraged that though they were persecuted, people in America were free to preach the gospel. It was their understanding that since we have very limited persecution we naturally are regularly sharing our faith and therefore seeing the kingdom of God expanding. Unfortunately, statistics prove that very few Christians in America do share their faith – and many never share their faith.
Proverbs 11:30 reminds us that he who wins souls is wise.
Matthew 28:19 commands us to go and teach all nations. That’s our directive.
Acts 1:8 in His final words to us, Jesus tells us we are His witnesses everywhere in the world.
In Luke 8:5ff, Jesus told a parable of seed being sowed. The seed being the word of God. The last two seeds mentioned are both sowed in good ground. One however is sown among thorns and “…are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.” The last seed mentioned is one in “…which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.”
What if God’s goal for you is not a self-focused life but an others focused life? What if God has you where you are right now because he wants you to represent Him to those He has placed around you? What if that is your primary purpose for living?
We do not need a special calling to do what He already told us to do. I personally am not an evangelist, but as His child I have the privilege and responsibility to share Christ with my life and words.
Laborers together with you,
Nels, Lorrie, and Amy