How shall they hear without a preacher? How shall they hear without a preacher? These words reverberated in my heart and mind as I recently visited Cape Town, South Africa, and the work of GFA missionary church planter Tony Payne. He is planting a church in Delft, a township with the highest murder rate in all of the Cape Town area. The township stretches for blocks, with tightly packed shacks housing who knows how many thousands of inhabitants. And this is just one of countless areas across our globe where the gospel must be proclaimed, and where the good news of righteousness available by faith alone is so needed. Has God burdened you to be one of God’s preachers who has the privilege of sharing this good news with some who may otherwise never hear? It was my privilege to speak at an overnight multi-church men’s retreat while I was there. Our theme was “Til the Whole World Knows.” My son James went with me to assist with music for the retreat. He was joined by Joe Steinbart, who flew over with us. Joe has a master’s degree in viola and provided solid musical leadership at the retreat and in various church services. His sister, Melody, is currently doing an internship with the Paynes, working to build up their church’s young musicians. Would you pray that God would raise up a keyboardist who could regularly accompany the services at the Paynes’ church plant? Currently, they have no one to provide music. Tony Payne also took us to see Genadendal, the oldest mission station in South Africa. It was founded in 1737 by a Moravian from Germany named George Schmidt. Although only able to stay at Genadendal for seven years, he left a Bible that was still being read when three Moravian missionaries returned 48 years later. The Word of God is not bound (2 Tim. 2:10). In the video below, you can hear the story of one woman in Genadendal who waited 48 years for a missionary. As you watch these videos, would you ask God what part He wants you to play in the cause of worldwide missions? As the GFA slogan puts it, “Where will you go?” Don’t think that just because you are not a gifted preacher that God cannot use you in missions. I know missionaries who teach trade skills, repair machinery in primitive, inaccessible locations, help with administrative details and ministry projects, teach children’s clubs, and provide musical training. If you will lay your unique skill set at the feet of your Lord, there is no telling how He might use you. Genadendal and Georg Schmidt's BibleGFA PosterBelow is a link to one of GFA's new missions posters. You are welcome to print this poster and display it in a place where it will catch your eye and stir your burden for souls. Comments are closed.
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Tim and LauraTimothy and Laura Berrey are missionaries with Gospel Fellowship Association. They share a passion for missions which has taken them to several countries in Africa, Asia, and Europe. They currently minister in the Philippines. Want articles like this delivered to your inbox?
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