“Mr. Smyth, my teacher at Biblical School of World Evangelism, impacted my life, because he took the time to invest in my spiritual growth through his teaching and godly example."
"Mr. McTague, a missionary to the Tibetan People of Nepal, was visiting my local church and after the service ended, he came and helped the men put up a tent. It may seem like such a small task to some people, but it left quite an impression on my life. The missionary was willing to labor alongside strangers, and he did it with joy in his heart as he served others. Mr. Mc Tague’s message was delivered with such passion that it awoke the desire in my heart to go across the sea and bring the message of hope to heal that which is broken."
"My daughter and I joined our dear friend Eldon Tudor on a missions trip to Mexico. I was amazed by Eldon’s love for the lost people of Mexico. His love for the Mexicans was tangible and visible to the naked eye and the love of God illuminated through him."
"Carlos Demarest and his love for Christ affected every life he touched. I remember his desire to get others involved in missions; it was contagious! It was exciting to see God provide for every need while I was on a missions trip with him. If we needed something immediately, Bro. Demarest would always remind us to pray.”
The previous interviews were about students whose lives were directly touched by missionaries; however, students also mentioned missionaries that they had never met. These RU students emphasized the following things about those missionaries. There are missionaries who serve in countries where it is illegal to worship God; therefore, they face penalties for preaching the Word of God. Missionaries are in countries where there is no freedom to pray, to worship, to gather in a church or to praise the name of Jesus. Missionaries are persecuted in His name, thrown in jail, or killed, yet they persevere and endure to bring the glorious message of the Gospel to the lost and dying world.
Every missionary may not encounter the same challenges, but each one brings the same message. Luke 24:47 says “And that repentance and remission of sins should be preached in his name among all nations, beginning at Jerusalem.” Isaiah 55:11 says, “So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.” Through the interviews, I learned that missions can be accomplished through many different avenues, and lives can be touched in various ways. When some hear the word missions, it brings different images to mind – giving medical supplies, providing food and water, building houses, reaching lost souls, and changing lives.
How can Reformers Unanimous students get involved in missions each day?
The most important aspect of supporting missionaries is praying for their needs and praying for the harvesting of souls. Sponsoring missionaries on the foreign field or participating in an outreach program at a local church is an additional way to get involved; however, to have an experience like the students interviewed, taking a missions trip and reaching out to those in need would be a rewarding opportunity for involvement. I Thessalonians 5:24 says, “Faithful is he that calleth you, who also will do it.”
“Everyone has a mission field” stated one RU student, so begin in your own neighborhood and walk with God. Peter and Paul did not have great human strategies; however, they were led by the Holy Spirit and did not need “blue prints” for missions. Our job is to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the uttermost parts of the world, and God will bring unto Himself those that He has chosen. God has placed the desire in some to go to Africa, others Mexico, and one to Los Angeles. Even though the destinations for outreach may differ, the desires for each student are the same - to follow God’s calling.
Matthew 28: 19-20 states, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.”
