Message Magazine Online - Vol. 54, No. 03, Fall 2006

In This Issue

• On the Receiving End
  By Angela Shuff
• Canadian Editorial
  By David W. Smith
• Facing The Call
  By Don Trott with Angela Shuff
• CLIPS: Press-time reports of need, opportunity, inspiration and praise.
  
• Help Returning Missionary Kids
  By Russell E. Ebersole, Jr.
• Called But Not Going
  By Dr. Bill Commons
• Focal Point
  By Dr. Michael G. Loftis
• Into Life Eternal
• 2006 Candidate Class
• Candidate Class 2006 (Testimonials)

Canadian Editorial

David W. Smith, Executive Director, ABWE Canada

I have a world population counter on my computer, and I check it regularly. The growth in world population is now over 6.5 billion people, which I find difficult to comprehend. The counter also shows me that by the end of this year, 87,406,159 people will be added to our planet. That is almost three times the population of Canada. I am challenged by the fact that each one of these people individually needs to receive the message about the Way, the Truth, and the Life.

Another total displayed on this counter challenges me even more. Just over half of the world’s people (3.3 billion) do not have an adequate opportunity to hear the gospel of Jesus Christ. Looking at these numbers can distract us from understanding that each number presents a living, breathing, eternal soul that will exist for eternity in heaven or hell. The command we have received from Christ is to reach those souls and make disciples of all nations. 

Should we still send Canadians as missionaries to other countries? Yes, because each believer has a responsibility to tell others who have not heard. Is it worth the cost and sacrifice? Yes, the cost of sending a Canadian missionary is far less than the worth of one human soul (Matthew 16:26). Should we help the national believers to reach their own people? Yes, every believer has the responsibility to share the gospel message. We in Canada need help from other countries too, because there are still many who have never heard the gospel here.

Boris Lesar, originally from Croatia and now one of our new Canadian career missionaries, recently shared how God spoke to him about becoming involved in missionary service. During the war in Croatia, he would listen at night with his short-wave radio held close to his ear, and he would hear of the killing, raping, and suffering of his people. “God, why don’t you do something?” Boris asked God. And then, he remembered John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son.” Boris sensed God was saying to him, “I have done something. I sent my Son. What are you going to do?” Boris’ response was to give his life to serve the Lord in Croatia as a missionary with his wife Wendy.  

My computer counter continues to silently display the growing world population, but I cannot remain silent. I must tell others and help send others until all the world hears. What are you going to do?