The inmates at Angola laughingly refer to their environment as Louisiana’s most exotic vacation spot. It is exotic. Exotic may mean “not native to the place where found.” What many found at Angola was was not native to Louisiana or, in fact, to this planet: love, peace and the salvation of life in Christ.
Thanks for sending me to this exotic vacation resort, and for being on the mission with me.
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Paul and Barnabas set the standard for the church’s mission work when they obeyed God’s call to go forth. The local body of believers—those left behind to share Christ with neighbors and friends—equipped the men for their journey. They did so for the same reasons that apply today:
1. The spiritual condition of mankind. Romans 1:21–32 describes this sinful world. There is sin and sinners at Angola; but there is sin everywhere.
2. God’s spiritual provision. The Father responded to mankind’s plight with grace: He sent His only Son Jesus Christ to save the world. On the cross, Christ bore the sin of every person—living, no longer alive, and yet to be born. The offer of salvation is for all; God’s grace is blind to race, creed, and color (Romans 10:12). Those who believe in Jesus are forgiven their sin, and they will spend eternity with the Lord. Much of our world is blind to Angola. We like to put out of sight and mind those who have violated, often violently, our laws. But Jesus calls us to their aid.
3. The commission from Jesus Christ. Acts 1:8 says we receive the Holy Spirit so we may bear effective witness to those who need salvation. Notice that we don’t simply begin at home and work steadily outward. People everywhere are waiting for the Good News. The word is to be carried far and fast.
The purpose of the church is to worship and witness. Some will go and some will send, but all are called to the work of spreading the gospel. This is not a suggestion; it is a command (Matthew 28:19). Believers living in God’s will are all to be involved in missionary work.
By your prayers, cookies, and financial support you have been on a mission. Thanks. Just don’t forget we are called to a continuing mission in diverse ways and places. Stay involved and continue to
Be blessed.
Nick
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