What’s Your Mission?

‘Time in the Word’ By Clayton Adams

Jesus said, “All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth. Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always even to the end of the ages” (Matthew 28:18-20).

During a recent Sunday morning service, I was listening to a missionary speak and one of his comments got me to thinking of all the people I have met this past year.

I have met people who now live in or around Crittenden County but were from these countries; Jamaica, Philippines, India, Pakistan, Tajikistan, West Africa, England, South Africa, Iraq, Japan, China, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador and a few others.

Amazing!

God is sending people into Crittenden County for work, education and healthcare, some are refugees, many seek a better life than their home country can give them. What an opportunity for individual Christians and churches!

Yes, we should be sending with our prayers and financial support, we should also know that God is bringing people from around the world into the United States for a bigger reason. To the church or churches that recognize these opportunities to minister to these new Americans, travelers and sojourners – God’s grace will be poured out upon them.

Now is not the time to shrink back, playing it safe or to be a church for “our four and no more.”

Churches that create, find and implement new ways of reaching different people groups who have different customs and languages, these churches have the heartbeat of God.

I believe churches, more than ever need to focus their work and ministry of evangelism (reaching out beyond the church walls) and focus on discipleship (helping people become more like Christ).

No longer can churches focus solely on ministry to those already in the church – we must be focused on those who are not part of a church and those who have turned away from churches for a multitude of reasons. The message of Christ must not change but if there is ever a time to change how church is “done”, it is now.

Who was the last person you won to Christ? When is the last time you took time to learn the story of someone else different than you? When is the last time you invited someone to church? When is the last time you told someone about what Jesus has done for you? You have a great opportunity right here in your community!

God is sending folks from around the world into our communities what are you doing to reach out to these people? What is your church doing to reach and teach these people?

Clayton Adams has a message of faith he would like to share with the community. He would also like to hear from you. E-mail him at claytonpadamslll@ gmail.com.