Missions, Faith & Sacrifice
Recently I read the story of a rural South Carolina church
that has about 200 members and a 200 year history. It had never sent out a
missionary and not one of its members had ever gone on a short-term mission
trip. To their credit, they had given
money to help other missionaries, but as to personal involvement they were a
zero.
A new pastor came in whose heart God touched in the area of
missions. As he explored the possibilities
of doing some mission work, God led him and a few from his church to Mali,
Africa. Once they returned and reported
that quite a few former Muslims had put their faith in Christ, the church got
excited and more of them joined in future trips. Teams from this church are now going to Mali
about every six weeks to preach Christ and disciple those whom have believed.
Each believer who goes to Mali must pay their own way – over
$4,000 each trip. Some have gone
multiple times. They’re not rich – remember
they’re from rural South Carolina. But
what they lack in wealth, they have in FAITH.
God has provided. One man is a
contractor, if he doesn’t work, he doesn’t get paid. Not only does he pay for his trip to Mali, he
doesn’t get a pay check for the two weeks he is there.
What are we giving up to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ
to friends, neighbors, and other people of this world?
“Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations”
Matthew 28:19