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Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in
the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.
(Matthew 28:19)
Every Christian has an evangelistic calling upon their life. An evangelist is someone who tells the Good News of Jesus Christ. Some hear the call when they’re very young and act upon it. For others, much later. Some never consider the call.”
My mother considers those who have an unstoppable enthusiasm as having a “go ye about them.” No matter the age, the individual receives a divine call and runs with it. When we have a “go ye about us,” we don’t sit back, but get up and get moving to fields of service; honored to do so.
Nick sensed a “go ye” when he was in middle school. Somehow he felt the need for brothers and sisters in Christ at his school to rally and fellowship together. Perhaps during this time they could learn about the Savior and pray for one another.
Nick asked a few teachers who he might speak to about forming a Bible study. Each teacher recommended the principal, but they didn’t give much hope.
After Nick went home from school, he talked with his parents about what he wanted to do. Later, he pondered even more the things he felt in his heart and decided he was going to see the principal that next week.
When Nick built up the courage to speak to the principal, he wasn’t in his office. Could this be a divine sign this was not the will of God?
A few days went by and Nick went to the school office to get something. As he was walking back to class, Nick passed the principal’s office. Somehow he felt a stir to try again. With that, Nick turned around and knocked on the door. To his surprise, a voice said, “Come in.” Nick entered the office so frightened that he felt like he was walking into a lion’s den.
Out of nowhere, Nick felt a clarity and with a Holy Spirit boldness, spoke what God placed upon his heart. After the principal asked a few pertinent questions, he presented Nick with some stipulations. Nick would need to attain signatures from those who would support the group and a teacher would have to supervise the meetings. Nick agreed to the terms and conditions and it wasn’t long before Nick had everything prepared, ready to proceed.
Between the time of the meeting and the first Bible study, Nick spoke with his mother about a name for the group. Her suggestion was “Teens for Christ,” and was the name Nick chose.
Early on a Wednesday morning, Nick arrived at the school gym to advertise to the 7th and 8th graders concerning the new Teens for Christ. When Nick made the shout-out, he also let them know there would be donuts. One of his peers exclaimed with a sneer, “Oh boy! I’m gonna get saved!” The boy’s laughter reminded Nick of a hyena and as he walked away, he felt pains of resentment.
Nick had a promise going for him from 1 Peter 4:14 that says: “If you be reproached for the Name of Christ, happy are you for the Spirit of Glory and of God rests upon you: on their part Christ is evil spoken of, but on your part He is gloried.”
On the first day, the attendance was low, but the group grew to around 10 to 15. Later on, the group fellowshipped outside school by attending a Steven Curtis Chapman concert.
Years later after Nick went to college, he came home for a break and asked a friend about Teens for Christ. To his delight, Nick learned that the group had outgrown the room where they were meeting and had to move to a much larger one. At some point, those who left the middle school Teens for Christ, started another group at the high school by the same name. Nick was ecstatic over the wonderful news.
Nick is still astounded at what God did because of his obedience to the evangelistic call upon his life at such an early age. Many lives were blessed, encouraged, and, changed. Who knows what God did in those who attended. More than likely, Nick will not know the full impact until he receives his full heavenly reward.
Jesus emphasized the harvest because it was so very great. He felt compassion on the multitudes who followed Him and told His disciples, “The harvest truly is plentiful, but the laborers are few.” (See Matthew 9:36-37)
Many Christians live out their lives never attempting to spread the gospel in any way or fashion. As I said, all Christians are called to be evangelists. There are countless ministry opportunities if we will take action on what we feel in our hearts to do. It doesn’t always mean standing in a pulpit. I can verify that from my own ministry with my Time Out for God devotionals. There is a fire burning that drives me to evangelize and do more for the Lord with each passing day.
Sometimes God drops a call for service right down into the spirit of an individual and he or she knows what it means and what needs to be done. There are some who think what they felt was only a phantom thought and it is quickly dismissed. We must be cautious not to quench the Spirit of the Living God when He calls us to fields of harvest. Pray and seek God to find out exactly what He wants you to do.
It is obvious people all around the world need Jesus. We all realize that, but who will tell them? Who will go? Who will answer the call to help them? There is evangelistic work to be done in our neighborhoods, churches, places of business, workplaces, our homes, as well as faraway lands.
We all have unsaved friends and family who need Jesus. There are those among us who need encouragement and help in a myriad of ways. Even if you send out a card or letter to lift someone’s heart, even that is evangelistic work.
Only a few answer the urgent call to do what they feel God leading them to do. We must be willing to be about our Father’s business while there is still day for the night is quickly coming when no man can work. (John 9:4)
Your calling will be fitted just for you. The Lord equips us with essential ingredients for doing everything just the way we are able to do. No one can do the work you are cut out to do. You cannot do the ministry of anyone else. There are ways you can help someone like no one else can. You are gifted in very special ways.
Our Heavenly Father never sends someone to the mission field unless he or she is completely suited for it. He never calls someone to the pulpit unless the individual is supposed to be there.
Let us ready ourselves for works of service. Let us go full force in the King’s army doing whatever we feel in our hearts to do. Jesus said: “I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.” (John 4:35 NIV)
There is much work to be done. Be encouraged and go ye!
Whatsoever thy hand finds to do, do it with thy might; for there is no work nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go. (Ecclesiastes 9:10 KJV)
Prayer: Father, I want to serve you in the way you have called me. Help me care more for the lost and the broken in this world. May I touch someone through the gifts you have given and in the way you have called me. Thank you for hearing my prayer. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
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