From the President: God's Design in Missions

By Dr. Michael G. Loftis, President of ABWE

In Let the Nations Be Glad, an exposition of Scripture regarding God's purpose in world missions, John Piper writes,

"The design of the universe . . . is very magnificent and shouldn't be taken for granted. In fact, I believe that is why Einstein had so little use for organized religion, although he strikes me as a basically very religious man. He must have looked at what the preachers said about God and felt that they were blaspheming. He had seen much more majesty than they had ever imagined, and they were just not talking about the real thing. My guess is that he simply felt that religions he had run across did not have the proper respect . . . for the author of the universe "( 12).

Do we have the proper respect for the creator of the human race who has commanded us to take the gospel to every creature? I sometimes ponder that question when I consider our vast planet teeming with billions of people who have no personal relationship with their creator God. Indeed, they are completely unaware that not only has He made a relationship possible, but He desires for them to know Him and is seeking them out.

We often say God is at work in the ABWE world. But what does that mean in practical ways? Each year as I review our new incoming missionary candidates, I always ask, "Lord, What are you up to this year?" We rarely know at the beginning where all these candidates will go, but there is often a pattern that suggests God has a specific design for where He sends people to serve as missionaries in our world. He is not only a creator, but an architect, carrying out His design for missions. While we are still examining the blueprints and wondering where how they will end up, He already sees the finished plans.

As you read this issue, pray for each new appointed missionary as God works out His design in their lives, and ask yourself that all important question: "God, what are you up to in the world of missions this year?" Or better yet, "What are you up to in my world?" The Great Commission drafts us all of us-you are part of those plans.

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