THE GREAT COMMISION
Matthew 28:19-20
“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age."
You might be surprised to hear this but there has been a growing hostility toward Christian Missionaries around the world. Of course we know there has always been opposition to the Gospel in pagan cultures, but this is something different. The Bible and the Church are not held in the same regard they once were. As the world becomes increasingly secular, religion is seen as an intrusion. Some complain that the church forces its beliefs and practices on other cultures, replacing unique and diverse societies with a western brand of Christianity. As I read about this I thought about the people we minister to in San Luis. Have we changed their language, food, dress or music? No. If anything, they have influenced us. When we minister at Bethel Orphanage, the Oasis Boys home, the prison, drug rehabs and in the streets, we are not trying to make Americans out of Mexicans; we’re making disciples just as Jesus instructed us in The Great Commission above. Perhaps those who question the validity of Christian missions should ask the hungry people at the Good Samaritan soup kitchen, the lonely women in the local prison, the blind, the shut-ins, the recovering addicts and the orphans of San Luis if they feel we are helping or hurting them.
Christians will always carry out Jesus instructions to “Make disciples of all nations” It is a command not a suggestion. And yes, we extend His love to those who question the very premise of missions work as well. God loves them and gave his Son for them. Thank you for giving, going and praying. Carry on the good work!
God Bless you
Pastor Gary Simpson
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