Throughout this month at Do Not Depart, we have been reflecting on how we participate in The Great Commission from our own corner of the world. In Matthew 28:19-20a, Jesus gave His disciples a command to share the “Good News” of God’s mercy and grace through Him:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you.”
Missions
In addition to the The Twelve, this command is for us as well. Important to note, completing Christ’s mission does not necessitate a “one-size-fits-all” approach. Over the course of a month we have highlighted large and small, global and local, and Gospel-proclaiming and Gospel-serving organizations. It is my prayer that you have been challenged and inspired to join in The Great Commission from right where you are.
Let’s re-cap what we’ve read this month.
Missions Right Where You Are Re-Cap
What acts of humble service is God calling you to today?
In writing, Small Acts of Humble Service, Ali reminded us of Jesus’ servant heart and how that inspires her to serve others. By cutting shelf liner for an organization who helps hurting girls, she writes, “I provided a small, menial task so that others in the ministry would be free to focus intently on doing the work of healing, teaching, and ministering.”
How is God leading you to use your gifts and talents for Him?
Through her God-given talents, love for God’s Word, and theater; Jaime shares in her post, The Word That Returns, about her participation in Piercing Word. This organization proclaims God’s Word in compelling ways through theatrical performance. I love what Jaime shares, “Though I wasn’t always aware of how He would use me and my enthusiasm for the arts, I realize now He was equipping me to be a part of sharing a Story the world is desperate to hear.”
Are there “helpers” in your life who need your support?
Sometimes we aren’t qualified to help where we are called. Lisa encourages us to “help the helpers” in her post, Not Gifted for That Ministry? Help the Helpers Who Are. Lisa and her husband volunteer with a disaster response group, PAR (Prepare and Respond). Lisa learned that “When we expand our idea of how we can work in a ministry, God may surprise us with opportunities we didn’t see coming.” She adds, “Whether in front or behind the scenes, the outcome is the same: the good news is spread and the love of God is felt.”
Who do you know who needs God’s Word?
As I share in the post, Challenge and Opportunity: Bibles For the Bibleless, God uses our gifts and talents for His purposes. From my home-base in Orlando, FL, I get to use my gift of teaching at the USA Headquarters of Wycliffe Bible Translators to train new missionary kids and play a small role in ending Bible poverty around the world. Interestingly, God uses my love for His Word in more ways than one. I am privileged to participate in the “God. Plan. Move.” mission of Hello Mornings, which I write about in Digital Pathway to the Gospel. Serving in these two capacities God has given me a front row seat to watch Him work.
Who are “the nations” in your neighborhood?
Lastly, Jennifer reminds us that “the nations” are all around us in our neighborhoods and towns. Among other ministry, she and her husband support Bridges International, that supports, encourages, and shows Christ’s love to international students on college campuses. In her post, International Ministry: Right Here, she challenges us to “look at your own community, you may also see that the nations are coming to our doorstep. May we share the Good News and the Grace of Christ while they’re here, for the Church is comprised of every nation.
A Blessing as You “Go”
When Jesus commissioned His disciples to share the Gospel, He left them with a blessing. Re-read the Great Commission with this blessing:
“Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” Matthew 28:19-20
Yes! When we “go,” Jesus’ power and presence goes with us— always.
Thank You
Thank you for joining us this month. Have you learned something, thought a new thought, or have questions about the organizations we’ve highlighted this month? If so, let us know in the comments.
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