When one looks at a map of Paul’s missionary journeys, it looks like a bucket list of must see ports of call in the Mediterranean. His Gospel travels allowed him to reach both his fellow Jews, but specifically fulfilled his calling from God to reach the Gentiles for Christ. It is extraordinary to track his journeys realizing that it was all done by foot and sea, and propelled by the goodness of God’s people sharing in the expenses of the journey, praying for God’s will to be accomplished and, that lives would be saved through the presentation of the Gospel.
As we near the end of the book of Romans, Paul begins his to make is farewell statements, with the hope that he would see his Roman brothers and sisters in the Lord soon. The Message reads like a present day letter written by Paul:
Personally, I’ve been completely satisfied with who you are and what you are doing. You seem to me to be well-motivated and well-instructed, quite capable of guiding and advising one another. So, my dear friends, don’t take my rather bold and blunt language as criticism. It’s not criticism. I’m simply underlining how very much I need your help in carrying out this highly focused assignment God gave me, this priestly and gospel work of serving the spiritual needs of the non-Jewish outsiders so they can be presented as an acceptable offering to God, made whole and holy by God’s Holy Spirit.
Looking back over what has been accomplished and what I have observed, I must say I am most pleased—in the context of Jesus, I’d even say proud, but only in that context. I have no interest in giving you a chatty account of my adventures, only the wondrously powerful and transformingly present words and deeds of Christ in me that triggered a believing response among the outsiders. In such ways I have trailblazed a preaching of the Message of Jesus all the way from Jerusalem far into northwestern Greece. This has all been pioneer work, bringing the Message only into those places where Jesus was not yet known and worshiped. My text has been,
Those who were never told of him— they’ll see him!
Those who’ve never heard of him— they’ll get the message! (Romans 15:14-21)
We too take part in this trailblazing when we support those who have been called to the mission field in far off continents, as well as local ministries. Our part of the work, specifically praying for those who are sent and supporting them financially, is of utmost importance. It is a team effort. It is the Body of Christ working in harmony to fulfill the Great Commission.
One way our church is doing her part to spread the Gospel abroad is through the partnership we have with Passion Center in Malawi. If you have not read about this beautiful ministry, please follow the link and put it on your prayer list. Here is an excerpt from a recent blog.
There is a wonderful story unfolding in the villages of Malawi…
April 4, 2017
“It’s a story of hope replacing despair!”
This isn’t just a slogan, it’s what we see on a regular basis. More orphans being rescued, more pastors being trained, equipped and making an impact, and more communities hearing the gospel and seeing lives restored. This is God’s fruit born through the faithful service of our staff along with the support, prayers, and contributions of many like you. Here are two encouraging updates:
On March 1st, our second Passion Center site opened with their first 20 Passion Kids. Praise God, all 20 new orphans now have sponsors who are praying for them and making it possible for them to embrace a different story with so many grace filled opportunities!
Initially we identified 64 orphans and 2 Child Headed Households that were in need of sponsors. We’re now seeking sponsors for the next 20 orphans and 2 Child Headed Households and trusting God for His provision. Please consider becoming a sponsor or sharing this opportunity with someone whose heart beats for the same thing – joining God in rescuing, redeeming and restoring orphans and their communities.
We don’t know what is in store for our first 20 orphans, but we are hopeful considering how God’s grace has changed the lives of our other Passion Kids. Some of our previous Passion Kids are now on staff with the Passion Center extending the same hope they themselves experienced! Irene K., one of the original 30 kids, is now working with the Champions Club (our ministry to special needs children)! That’s a sweet ‘unfolding story’!
Some of us are called to go into all the world, while most of us are called to go into our workplaces, our gyms, our neighborhoods, parks, and grocery stores and let our lights shine before men, so that they will see the good works and glorify the Father in heaven. A plane ticket to Africa is not what is needed to fulfill the Great Commission, but rather a heart that says to the Father, “Send me today to a person who needs Your love and the message of Hope.”