Throughout the Race, I have read some awesome autobiographies of missionaries working in hostile countries like China, Afghanistan, Iran and India. Their steadfast faith in the midst of imprisonment, beatings and trials encourages me to persevere through my light and momentary problems like cold showers, sleeping in tents and head lice.
I have currently been reading “Revolution in World Missions” by KP Yohannan. It has shifted and challenged by perspective on missions and world evangelism with every turning of a page. I wish I could share his whole book because I truly believe it is THAT good, but because I can't, I will just share a few of his statements the Lord has been using to challenge and convict me.
“To keep Christian missions off balance, Satan has woven a masterful web of deceit and lies. He has invented a whole system of appealing half-truths to confuse the Church and ensure that millions will go to hell without ever receiving the Gospel…”
It all goes back to what our basic understanding of what missions work is all about. To quote Yohannan: “There is nothing wrong with charitable acts- but they are not to be confused with preaching the Gospel. Feeding programs can save a man dying from hunger. Medical aid can prolong life and fight disease. Housing projects can make this temporary life more comfortable- but only the Gospel of Jesus Christ can save a soul from a life of sin and an eternity in hell!”
Satan has convinced believers that as long as we are helping the poor and needy, we are doing God's work. It has been said “Preach the gospel and use words when necessary.” I believe that is a flat out lie. Yes, we should be the Jesus to people with our actions, but without communicating who Jesus is with our mouths, people will still miss the central message of the Gospel. There are many humanitarian aid organizations who are putting a band aid on problems such as HIV/AIDS, hunger, etc but are not preaching the good news of salvation through Jesus Christ!
“When we allow a mission activity to focus only on the physical needs of man without the correct spiritual balance, we are participating in a program that ultimately will fail.”
I believe that statement goes hand in hand with the old saying “give a man a fish and you feed him for a day, teach a man to fish and you feed him for a lifetime.” We must TEACH people to fish. We must TEACH them about Jesus and TEACH them to TEACH others about Jesus- the beautiful process called discipleship.
“The apostles/disciples did not set out to establish social relief centers, hospitals or educational institutions. Paul declared in 1 Corinthians 2:1-2, 'And I, when I came to you, brothers, did not come proclaiming to you the testimony of God with lofty speech or wisdom. For I decided to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ and him crucified'.”
The Race has increased my desire to disciple others and teach them about Jesus, teach them about the importance of truly following Him and about how the decisions they make in this life impacts their eternal destiny. When I return to J-Bay, I plan to partner with LXP and start discipling/mentoring teenage women, instilling values in them about their true identity and help them come fully alive to their purpose and calling in life.
