One Sabbath afternoon, a couple visited our church. They were missionaries who ventured into the farthest corners of the Philippines—places where the word of God had yet to reach. As they shared their stories, I realized that what they were doing was far from easy. They talked about crossing raging seas, trekking slippery mountain edges, and mingling with tribal groups—challenges that seemed insurmountable. But here’s the thing: despite all the risks and difficulties, they remained steadfast. They knew exactly why they were there, and they found pure joy in what they did. That experience gave me a different perspective on mission work.
The fervor of that first missionary has not only been preserved but has grown stronger as countless others, driven by the same commitment, have eagerly taken the gospel to places where God's message has yet to be heard. Today, the need for missionaries is more urgent than ever. Approximately 3.2 billion people—nearly 40% of the world’s population—have never heard the gospel? This staggering number represents over 7,000 unreached people groups, many of whom live in areas with little to no Christian presence.
As we approach the 150-year milestone of the Adventist Church's first missionary, it’s essential to reflect on what it truly means to be a missionary. This legacy reminds us that missionary work extends beyond distant lands; it begins in our hearts and within our own communities.
A Willing Heart and an Obedient Spirit
Being a missionary requires more than just a desire to go to new places or help others; it begins with a willing heart, ready to follow God's call wherever it may lead. This willingness is beautifully illustrated in the story of the prophet Isaiah. In Isaiah 6:8, after encountering God’s holiness, Isaiah hears the Lord asking, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?" Isaiah’s response is simple yet profound: "Here am I. Send me!" This response captures the essence of a heart surrendered to God's will—ready to be used for His purposes, no matter the cost or destination.
This mindset—a willingness to serve God even when the path is uncertain—lays the groundwork for missionary work. It's not about having all the answers or being fully prepared, but about trusting that God will equip us for the journey ahead. The Bible offers several lessons that highlight the importance of submitting to God's will and surrendering our lives to His leading if we desire to be used in His mission.
The Example of Abraham: Trusting God’s Plan
One of the most compelling examples of submission to God’s will is found in the life of Abraham. In Genesis 12:1, God calls Abraham to leave his country, his people, and his father’s household to go to a land that God would show him. Abraham didn’t know where he was going, but he trusted God’s promise. Hebrews 11:8 underscores this, saying, "By faith, Abraham, when called to go to a place he would later receive as his inheritance, obeyed and went, even though he did not know where he was going."
Abraham’s willingness to step out in faith, leaving behind everything familiar, teaches us that following God’s call often requires us to leave our comfort zones. It’s a journey of trust, where we rely on God’s guidance even when the destination is unknown. Anyone who wants to see God use them in mission work must have this kind of faith and submission.
The Submission of Jesus: Thy Will Be Done
The ultimate example of submission to God’s will is found in Jesus Christ Himself. In the Garden of Gethsemane, as Jesus faced the agony of the cross, He prayed, "Father, if you are willing, take this cup from me; yet not my will, but yours be done" (Luke 22:42). Jesus’ willingness to surrender His life to the Father’s plan, despite the immense suffering it entailed, is the cornerstone of our salvation.
Jesus’ prayer in Gethsemane teaches us that being willing to follow God’s call may not always be easy or comfortable. It may involve sacrifice, pain, and challenges that seem overwhelming. Yet, like Jesus, we are called to trust that God’s plan is perfect and that His will is ultimately for our good and His glory. True submission means placing our lives in God’s hands and allowing Him to lead, even when the road ahead is difficult.
Paul’s Life: A Living Sacrifice
The Apostle Paul’s life is another powerful example of what it means to live a life surrendered to God’s mission. Paul’s conversion on the road to Damascus (Acts 9) marked the beginning of a life completely devoted to spreading the gospel. In Romans 12:1, Paul urges believers to "offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship."
Paul’s ministry was marked by hardship, including imprisonment, beatings, and shipwrecks (2 Corinthians 11:23–28), yet he remained steadfast because he had offered his life as a living sacrifice to God’s mission. Paul’s willingness to endure suffering for the sake of the gospel teaches us that being a missionary often involves laying down our own desires, comforts, and even our lives, in order to fulfill God’s call.
Love: The Motivation Behind Missionary Work
Love for God and love for people are the driving forces behind missionary work. Jesus summarized the greatest commandments in Matthew 22:37–39, stating, "Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and with all your mind. Love your neighbor as yourself." This love compels us to share the message of hope and salvation with others. This insinuates urgency as more and more people are in need of Jesus' love in this generation.
The Great Commission in Matthew 28:19–20 calls us to "go and make disciples of all nations." This commission isn’t limited to a select few but is a charge for every believer. Being a missionary means committing to discipleship—teaching, mentoring, and leading others to Christ.
This commitment involves not only spreading the gospel but also helping others grow in their understanding of biblical truths, health principles, and the importance of living a life that reflects Christ’s character.
A Focus on Eternity
Being a missionary is about focusing on the eternal impact of our work. Jesus reminded us in Matthew 6:20 to "store up for yourselves treasures in heaven." Missionary work is about sowing seeds that will bear fruit for eternity. Every conversation, every act of kindness, and every effort to share the gospel contributes to a legacy that transcends this life.
Let's draw inspiration from those who came before us—ordinary people with extraordinary faith—as we reflect on the 150 years of missionary work. Whether you are a young person just beginning your journey of faith, an individual navigating the complexities of life, or a church member reflecting on your walk with God, there is a role for you in this great mission.
Let us answer the call, with willing hearts, deep love, and a commitment to sharing the good news of Jesus Christ. As we look to the future, may we continue to be a church that sends, supports, and sustains missionaries, knowing that the harvest is plentiful, but the workers are few (Matthew 9:37).
Join us in commemorating the church's historic milestone and reigniting the flame of mission within our hearts and communities on September 15 in Adventist churches around the Southern Asia-Pacific region. Are you ready to answer the call?