August 19, 2021
Jennifer C. - Youth with a Mission (YWAM - India)
Jennifer C. serves internationally with Youth With A Mission (YWAM). Jennifer is currently teaching Greek over Zoom for a group of teachers and leaders in lockdown. Please pray that the international borders will open soon so that Jennifer may return to her location.
“Whoever is faithful in a very little is faithful also in much.” (Luke 16:10, NRSV)
Paul grew up in a small village in Asia. As a teenager, he faithfully completed his homework outside, while sitting under a streetlamp. His house lacked electricity, yet he made no excuses. In 2001, he came to staff with us at the Bible school. Paul always followed through with his tasks and did them well. I put him in charge of guest speaker hospitality. He needed no prompting. “Please book the guest room,” I would say. “Done,” he said. “Book airport pickup” “Done.” “Prepare the guest room.” “Done.”
The pandemic has hit Paul’s part of the world with great force. Many were struggling to feed their families due to job losses and loss of life. Several small donations came in. Paul and his team rattled over rocky roads in his ancient car to various slums and to the fringes of town to deliver bags of rice and lentils to those in greatest need—rain, floods, or shine. The mayor took notice and offered the use of a delivery truck. A grant came in from another non-profit. Paul has faithfully distributed groceries to thousands of families in need. Paul is one of the most faithful people I know. Over the years he has preached, taught, prayed, and served among the least, the last, and the lost. He has brought many to the faith and planted dozens of house fellowships in a land steeped in spiritual darkness.
What is faithfulness? Faithfulness relates to stewardship, diligence, taking responsibility, and getting the job done. In contrast, unfaithfulness means not getting the job done, inaction, irresponsibility, slacking off, or making excuses. How can we be faithful to manage our time, our talents, and our treasures for God’s purposes? There is a calling for every follower of Jesus to be a messenger of Christ. The Great Commission is not only for the few who relocate to a far away land. We can all be Great Commission Christians through prayer, partnering with missions through various means of support, and by reaching out to those in our own community who need good news.
In Luke 16, Jesus teaches that those who are faithful in the small things will also be faithful in much. The Great Commission is a big thing. Through our small acts of faithfulness, we can work together to connect people to Christ both here and far away.
Lord, please give us eyes to see how we may help
to expand your work both at home and abroad. Amen.
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