Mission Neglected, Witnessing Affected
Mission belongs to God and originates from God. Without a proper understanding of the Mission of God, Evangelism can become just an activity with targets reached and number of converts.
The beginning of God’s Mission:
Mission did not start from the Great Commission in Mt 28:19-20, but from Gen 1. God’s Mission began from the creation of the world.
The greatest commission:
The words Great Commission is not found in the Bible. So, it may be called as the last commission of Jesus Christ.
Mission in UESI:
The 4th Aim states: To present God’s missionary command and so to help students discover and obey His will for them at home and abroad in world evangelization.
Yes, Mission and Evangelism are a part of discipleship. But many EUs conduct DTCs and LTCs without a session on Mission.
Mission secretary in EUs
When I was a student in my EU committee, I was the mission secretary and my focus was to have programs on Mission, explain about God’s Mission in the world and how far His mission was completed, and what was the remaining task in missions.
Not Souls but the whole person
Mission is not about just saving souls alone, i we need to have concern for the whole person. (Jesus Christ Himself is our true model for this.
Compassion of Jesus Essential:
Jesus had compassion for the crowds and He saw them as harassed multitudes, and as sheep without a shepherd. He talked about heaven and hell, fed the hungry, healed the sick, delivered people from demon possessions, raised the dead etc. We need to see and hear people through the eyes and ears of Jesus.
Concern for the whole world
The charge given to human beings in the garden of Eden involved caring for animals and nature besides human beings. When Noah was called by God, he was called to protect all living creatures along with the human beings. God’s concern is always for the whole creation.
Though our citizenship is in heaven, as long as we live here, we are citizens of our country, and should obey its laws and rules and respect the God-instituted authorities. Therefore let us serve our society and nation as the salt and light of the world.
Represent Christ in the world
We cannot be partakers in the works of darkness as we are transplanted from the kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of light through Jesus.. So, each follower of Christ must desire to grow in Christ-likeness until we are transformed fully into the image of Christ Jesus. Then we will have the same attitude as that of Jesus in everything.
Fear is unnecessary
Many fear to attend Mission programs dreading the call they may receive. Some think their ambitions/dreams will be crushed or their chances of getting a good life partner will be limited.. But those who have become missionaries will witness to how blessed they are in God’s mission.
All followers of Christ to be in Mission
There is a need for cross-cultural missionaries, to become supporters through prayer and finance, To be Tent makers in places wher missionaries are not welcome or permitted, To go as Missionary students to unreached universities and Staff workers are needed to coordinate the UESI ministry in such places.
Suggestions for action plans:
- Get and read the “Hand book on Missions” from the UESI office
- Read Missionary Biographies, Mission newsletters or watch videos
- Have Mission Bible study, pray for Mission Needs, have Mission Retreats, arrange for Missionaries to share their life experiences and plan Mission Exposure Trips in your EUs
- Join SVP for one month
- Have a mission secretary in each EU committee
- Have one session on Mission in all DTCs and LTCs
- Have contact with missionaries, provide accommodation for them when they come on annual leave and support them when they retire.
- Attend Missions Conferences and NMTCs
- Be a short time worker before you join for long term in any mission
Questions for discussion:
- If God is the Lord of Mission, what is the attitude required to involve in His mission?
- What is my part in God’s mission?
- How do I make sure of God’s call on mylife?
- What are some of the meaningful ways to involve practically in God’s mission?
- What are the practical steps neededto prepare myself for God’s mission?
Jose Thomas,
UESI staff in charge of Mission Cell
