Missions Month

Impacting our world with the Word of God and the love of Christ

During the month of May, we are focusing on missions and the missionaries that we support around the world. Pastor Dave's sermons and his daily devotionals will also focus on missions.

Day 1 April 30

Verses to ponder... Mark16:14-16;19-20

Before Jesus ascended into heaven, He gave us a task to accept. It is an expectation that God has for each of us as we live out the Every Day (some call it Great) Commission.

The task is two fold. The first part is addressed today. It is to reach the whole world! How can we do that? You've heard me say it before, but reaching the whole world is a lot like eating an elephant. It has to be done in little bites. Those little "bites" are the people that God brings across our path that need to hear a word about Him. This is where you and I come in. Reaching the whole world implies that we must be in every country, every culture and it must involve every creature (person).

We have experienced countless advances in technology during our lifetimes. Many of these advances have greatly enhanced our capacity for communication, yet there are millions of people who have not heard the gospel. It may surprise you, but some of these millions live in the U.S.! Some could be your neighbors.

The late Stephen Olford once stated that "if all the unsaved of the world were to line up single file at your front door, the line would reach around the world some 20-30 times. And what's worse, this line would grow at the rate of 20 miles per day! If you were to drive 50 MPH ten hours per day, it would take four years and 40 days to get to the end of the line.

We heard a testimony at the annual meeting last evening from someone who was quite involved in a church where she taught Sunday school, and was involved in leadership, yet she had never heard that what was missing in her life was a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. This brings it to reality for us, because this took place less than 10 miles from the church!

We all need to be engaged in sharing our faith both in deed and word. I don't hear much from anyone about opportunities God has given them. Maybe we're not looking for these opportunities, or maybe we're shirking our responsibility as Jesus laid it our for us in our text.

How about looking for your mission field? What is your mission field? It may be the next unsaved person you meet.

Day 2 May 1

Verses to ponder... 1Cor 15:1-4

A missionary in Northern India told the Christmas story and then read it from the Bible. One person asked, "How long has it been since God's Son was born into the world?" "Approximately 2,000 years," the missionary replied. "Then," asked the national, "who has been hiding this book all the time?"

What about our opportunities? It should be our vision and goal to share with the people God puts in our path a "nudge" toward salvation. Our text tells us that we must preach the good news of Jesus.

Are you cultivating relationships so that you might be able to share Christ? We must build bridges of friendship in order to earn the right to speak with our non-Christian friends and coworkers. Please remember that every living Christian preaches a message of something. What is your message?

Day 3 May2

Verses to ponder... Mark 16:14-16

When does a candle begin to shine? (dumb question, right?) The answer, as soon as it is lit. This is an admonition to all of us to light up the darkness where we are!

We have a message to announce and this message comes across as we establish ourselves in the lives of those that God puts around us. We share with others that it is a personal relationship with Jesus Christ that makes the difference.

Someone has said, "The church ought to be a maternity ward where the cries of newborn babes in Christ are constantly heard."

Today as you go about your day and in the days to come that God gives to you, keep in mind that our confession of faith is our identification with Christ.

See you tomorrow!

Day 4 May 3

Verses to ponder... Acts 1:8

Susie wanted to be a foreign missionary. She regularly prayed that God would give her direction in this area. She wanted to tell people from far away countries about Jesus Christ.

As she prayed about this, the Lord spoke to her and asked, "Who lives in the house next door?" Susie replied, "A family from India." "And who lives on the other side of your house?" "They are a family from Mexico." "Who lives across the street?" "A family from Saudi Arabia."

"Susie, why should I send you across the ocean when you're not witnessing for Me right where you live?" (Adapted from The Daily Bread)

This little story is a reminder to us all about where our mission field is located. It is right here! I lose sight of that some times when I'm caught up in the busyness of life. I'm encouraging you to keep focused as you live in your mission field.

Have a great day!

Day 5 May 4

Verses to ponder... Rom 10:9-11

As we prepare for Sunday, I want to leave you with this poem that I found somewhere. I don't know who the author is.

I wanted to tell my friend all about Christ and how His saving power had set me free,

but for some reason I didn't.

I planned to show him the love of God and to ask him to visit my church,

but I never got around to it, so I didn't.

I intended to tell him about the One who had all the answers & how He had changed my life,

but it was scary, therefore, I didn't.

I longed to take time out just to spend with my friend & so show him Christ's love,

but that was so sissy, so I didn't.

I thought about telling him how Christ could forgive his sins supply all his needs & give him abundant life, but I had other things to do, so I didn't.

I finally planned it out. I would tell my friend all about Christ, how He changed my life, gave me hope and filled me with His love when my friend returned from vacation...

But he didn't.

Day 6 May 7

Verses to ponder... Matt 7:27-30

We're going to feature a different missionary each day for this week.

The Indians crept toward the white man's tent with tomahawks in hand. They cautiously peered under the flap, their intention to kill was forgotten. There in the center of the tent was a man on his knees. As he prayed, a rattlesnake crossed his feet & paused to strike. but the snake did not strike. It lowered its head again & glided out of the tent. The Indians forever after looked upon this man as a messenger from the Great Spirit. His name? It was David Brainerd.

In all good work, the protection of God is with the worker.

Day 7 May 8

Verses to ponder... Heb 13:7-8

A young man, following God's leading was directed to sail to China to become a missionary. On his maiden voyage to China, he had an opportunity to witness for Christ and to trust God for miracles. At one stage of the voyage the ship lost its wind and began to drift toward a dangerous reef. The young man and three other Christians on board prayed earnestly for God's help and after a brief time of prayer, he was convinced in his heart that God had answered. He went on deck and suggested to the first officer (described as a "godless man") that he should let down the mainsail and make ready for the wind. The officer cursed the young man and refused to act. At that point, the corner of the topsail began to tremble and the young man urged the man to move quickly. Before long a strong wind began to blow and the ship was on its way.

One of the many adventures of the pioneer missionary to China, Hudson Taylor.

Day 8 May 9

Verses to ponder... Phil 4:8-12

His original plan was to go to Tahiti. But, through the influence of Dr. John Thomas, he was directed to India instead. When the East India Company heard that there were missionaries on board a vessel headed to India, they forced them leave before the ship sailed.

In time they had found passage on a friendly Danish vessel headed for India. Their passage to India and the initial years there were plagued with tremendous difficulties and discouragements. Dr. Thomas, who was quite eccentric, within a few weeks had spent the entire sum that had been designated to maintain their mission for the whole first year!

The missionary became superintendent of an indigo factory in Calcutta for six years. This provided the necessary means to support his family and the ministry. During this time he sought to find time to learn Bengali and Sanscrit and to translate most of the Bible into the Bengali language and also to engage in the study of Indian plant life.

In 1832, the Bible had been translated into 44 languages and dialects (not all were complete Bibles). This was 39 years in the making. This missionary became known as the "Father of Modern Missions."

His name was William Carey. One of the most powerful statements attributed to him is the following... "Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God."

Day 9 May 10

Verses to ponder... Rom 10:10-15

He was called, "The Apostle to Burma." He dedicated his life to the study of the difficult Burmese language. After studying for six years, he preached his first sermon in that language. It was also six long years before anyone followed Christ.

War broke out for two years in Burma. These years were terrible for missionaries. This missionary was looked at suspiciously by the government and was eventually thrown into prison where he experienced incredible suffering.

During his 17 months of confinement in prison, he suffered from fever, oppressive heat, hunger, heavy chains, many disappointments and severe cruelty from the prison overseer.

In 1830 he began a ministry to the Karen people (we met some from this tribe in Thailand). God gave him an abundant harvest among the people.

At the time of his death, there were over 7,000 baptized Christians in Burma. It has been said of him, "Adoniram Judson's name will always have a place in the very first rank of American missionaries to heathen lands."

I might add that even to this day, the Burmese Christians speak very highly of the Judson's ministry among the people of almost 200 years prior!

Day 10 May 11

Verses to ponder... John 17:6-21

At the age of 10, being born in a poor family, he began to work in a cotton factory. His schedule was 6 AM to 8 PM. He was excited about learning and with his money from his first paycheck, he purchased a Latin grammar book. He attended night school after work and continued to study at home until his mother would blow out all of the candles.

He began at age 17 to attend the University of Glasgow and studied, medicine and theology. Although he felt led to go to China, the Opium War was in progress and prevented him from going. It was at this time that he met a returning missionary who shared with him the dire need in Africa. He then accepted an appointment to Africa.

While starting up a new missionary station, he was attacked and maimed by a lion. With native unrest, he moved to a different location, 40 miles away, to set up another station. A prolonged drought (from global warming?) forced him to move yet another 40 miles. At this station, the house that he had built for his family was destroyed by the natives.

His family was in danger many times over. He finally sent them back to Great Britain while he pursued the dangerous path that he felt God had called him to carry out, "I shall open up a path to the interior or perish."

For the next 20 years he faced extreme hardships, but after 27 attacks of fever, being reduced to almost a skeleton, he arrived at his destination.

David Livingstone was found in 1873 by his faithful African partners, on his knees in the posture of prayer, his spirit having departed from his worn-out body.

Day 11 May 14

Verses to ponder... Matt 28:18-20

A group of amateur mountain climbers planned to ascend Mont Blanc in the French Alps. On the evening before the limb, the guides stated the basic requirement for success. Because it was an exceedingly difficult climb, one could reach the top by taking only the necessary equipment for climbing, leaving all unnecessary accessories behind. One athletic young man discounted the guides' advice, thinking that it could not possibly apply to him. He showed up for the climb with a blanket, a small case of wine, a camera, a set of notebooks and a pocketful of snacks. Although warned again by the guides, the strong-willed young man nevertheless started out ahead of the rest to prove his superior skill and endurance.

But as the other climbers proceeded up the mountainside, they began to notice various articles left by the path. First they notices the young's man's food and wine. A short while later the notebooks and camera and finally the blanket. The young man managed to reach the peak, but just as the guides had predicted, he did so only after discarding all his unnecessary paraphernalia.

Reaching the top for us is to pursue our mission. The mission God has called us to do. Many Christians, when they discover they cannot reach the top with their loads simply stop climbing and settle down on the mountainside.

Anything loading you down, keeping you from reaching the top? Are you going to settle for someplace down on the mountainside? Sadly, many Christians have, do, and will.

Please remember that the church (individuals as well) must go into the world, because the world won't come into the church.

See you tomorrow!

Day 12 May 15

Verses to ponder... Matt 28:16-20

What do we need to incorporate in order to fulfill our supreme mission (the top of the mountain)? In the next four devotionals, I would like to suggest four elements that I find in the above text.

Element #1 - Attitude

Our greatest ability must be used. What is it? It is availability. The most gifted and talented Christian is useless to God if not available. This is the next step in the Christian life. For some it is a harder step than others. For still others, they will never make it.

If we are available, we are totally focused on doing what God desires. If God is not our focus, then we do truly worshipping Him. When we are not worshipping God, He cannot be truly served.

It makes no difference how much talent you possess. It makes no difference how gifted you are. It makes no difference if you are well-intentioned, or have a clear call.

We do not involve ourselves in ministry only when it is convenient. Our attitude must be one of saying, "I am available to do what God wants me to do."

Day 13 May 16

Verses to ponder...Matt 28:18-20

We are looking at four necessary elements in order for us to fulfill our supreme mission. Yesterday, we considered Attitude.

Today we'll consider authority. In our text, Jesus states that "all authority" has been given. The word for authority means, the freedom to act & speak right as one chooses. It has not been given as an option, but as an obligation. It has not been given as an adjustment for our lives, but rather as an absolute. God gives to us the authority (right to use power) in order for us to be able to obey Him without fear!

Roy Robertson was assigned to the West Virginia during WW II, which was docked at Pearl Harbor in December, 1941.

On the evening of December 6, 1941, several of the men attended a Bible study. As the 15 sailors sat in a circle, the group leader asked that they go around the circle and share a verse and briefly comment on it. Roy panicked and his mind went blank. Finally, after gaining his composure, he remembered that he knew John 3:16. The sailor before Roy shared that verse! Roy knew that in a couple more moments everyone would know that he could not recall from memory even a single verse! He went to bed that night thinking, "Robertson, you're a fake."

The next morning he was awakened by the ship alarm ordering him to battle stations. 360 planes of the Japanese Imperial Fleet were attacking their ship, as well as other military installations. When Roy reached the machine gun emplacement, he realized that the guns were loaded with practice ammunition! For the first 15 minutes of the 2 hour gun battle, they were firing blanks at the Japanese, hoping to scare them.

As he stood their firing blank ammunition, he remembers saying to himself, "this is how your whole life has been; firing blanks for Christ." It was at this point that Roy made up his mind that if he survived he would get serious about following Jesus.

Roy Robertson went on to help Dawson Trotman found the Navigators. He also led the follow up campaign for the 1990 Billy Graham Crusade in Hong Kong.

His story begs the question, are you pretending? If so, you need to stop play acting. You need to get serious about following Christ. Don't just fire blanks!

See you tomorrow!

Day 14 May 17

Verses to ponder... Matt 28:18-20

We continue looking at four key elements to fulfill our supreme mission. Our first two involved having the right attitude and using the proper authority.

Today we consider our activity. Think about the path you have been on since you accepted Christ. Our text reminds us of our activity. That activity involves placing our trust in Christ and following Him in order to continue to learn and obey. Bottom line... we are to bring unbelievers in the world to Christ.

It has been said that the most difficult part of this activity is that it starts on our street and that it is up to us to witness, or nobody will. The sad part is that much of the time it is nobody who is doing it!

Those who are His disciples must be His instruments. It was the mission of the early church, it is the mission of the Free Church and it needs to be the mission of our church.

Please pray about your part in helping the Evangelical Free Church of Pittsfield fulfill it's mission.

P.S. Several days ago, I encouraged you to share about open doors that God has given you to share your faith. I have heard from two of you and I was encouraged, but I'd like to hear what opportunities God has given to the rest of you.

Day 15 May 18

Verses to ponder...Acts 201:8

Our final element to consider is ability.

John MacArthur wrote, "Every Christian is not gifted as a teacher, but every faithful Christian is committed to promoting the ministry of teaching God's Word both to make and edify disciples of Christ."

Achieving this goal requires enablement. Enablement comes from the Holy Spirit who has given to us all the power we need, according to our familiar text for today.

As we have opportunity to minister, I would like to challenge you to incorporate this prayer in your "Open door policy". "Lord, You love this person more than I do and only You can reach into their heart and save them, so help me to witness only as You lead and empower."

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