“Then Peter spoke up, “We have left everything to follow you!” “Truly I tell you,” Jesus replied, “no one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age: homes, brothers, sisters, mothers, children and fields—along with persecutions—and in the age to come eternal life. But many who are first will be last, and the last first.” Mark 10:28-31

My wife and I recently hosted a precious little family in our home. The parents are in their early twenties—still newlyweds of sorts—married just over two years. Their 14-month-old son matured them quickly as young parents. We were all on alert as the bouncy toddler explored our living room and beyond.

The couple was recently approved to serve in Papua, Indonesia where he will fly air support for missionaries ministering among the Dani, Sawi and Tokuni people. Soaring mountains and cascading waterfalls will provide beautiful yet dangerous terrain for him in a 6-person plane landing on airstrips carved out among the broccoli-like jungle. Malaria, rocky roads, and 40- degree Celsius summers will greet them.

But they have a passion to go, and tell the gospel (the Good News) that God’s love has paved a way for spiritual life, and that people may leave behind fear, superstition, tribal warfare, and infanticide.

Some of us living in North America may think they’re nuts. A pilot can make a handsome income here, but now they are raising support. She could enjoy having family close by to help raise the kids here, but she’s okay serving on the fringe. 

Jesus spoke frankly about people willing to serve him at all costs. It won’t be easy for them, he said, but the rewards will be enormous.

I had to ask myself if I am willing to share God’s Good News despite hardship. It’s a good question for all of us.

Dear God, it’s so easy to coast and to seek physical and personal comfort by not sharing Your Good News. Help me be a more willing ambassador so others may come to know You and enjoy Your blessings. Amen.

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Tags: evangelism