“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations… (Matthew 28:19a).
If you have had the opportunity to hear missionaries home on furlough, you know everything doesn’t just fall into place once they go to their field. I love the way pioneer missionary, Shirley Combs, explained the necessity of making “contacts through friendship evangelism.” Whether one has been on the field for many years, is a new appointee or a stay-at-home missionary, it’s important to patiently work with new converts. These “children of the faith” need parenting. Your goal should be to teach others so they can turn around and teach others. This does take time and energy, but it’s worth the effort as you see them grow in Christ.
Of course, there is more to today’s verse. We really cannot forget the word “baptizing” as part of the Great Commission. Once a person, wherever the field, is saved, you must explain the importance of following the Lord in baptism. You may meet with resistance, but, if God hadn’t felt baptism was important, He would not have included it in His command to go and teach.
Sue Winchester
Missouri
PRAY TOGETHER: Pray today for NAFWB Executive Secretary Keith Burden and the staff of the Free Will Baptist Executive Office.
