I recently returned from a trip to Honduras to support a campaign in Villa de San Francisco and encourage the brethren there. It was a short trip, but worthwhile and exhausting. Worthwhile in that it is a wonderful work and exhausting in that the pace was fast and the weather was very hot. I am still recovering from my short time there.
I go to Honduras because I take seriously Jesus’ command to “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15). Honduras needs the gospel as does every other nation in the world, including the United States. Especially the United States.
You see, our nation desperately needs us to spread the gospel. It is increasingly secular and worldly. There are those who call evil good and good evil (Isaiah 5:20), including some in the Lord’s church. People turn away from God daily and are in need of salvation. They either do not know the truth or they shun the truth. It is up to us to show them God’s plan for salvation.
All the world includes your neighborhood, your town, your state, and your nation. You do not have to travel to far away lands to obey Jesus’ command to preach the gospel. Invite your neighbors to church. Talk to your co-workers about Jesus and his grace. Take time to visit the elderly in a nursing home. Speak to people in the grocery store about the love of God and about Jesus’ sacrifice.
We all must take seriously Jesus command. We must all go out and preach the gospel as we go throughout the world. It is not necessary to travel to foreign lands. It is vital that we consider our own country as our mission field. There are lost people who need you.
For the elders, Tony Turner