I am sitting here at my desk while on lunch and just catching up on some emails from the day. As I am reading, a very typical and regular email comes across my screen.
It is from a person in Africa that would like for us (StartCHURCH.com) to hold a conference and/or provide services for them in Africa. (It rarely says what country) However, on this particular day, at this particular moment; this email stood out among the rest.
In very broken english it says, ” in my country many people need to understand more about Jesus so even us in Africa we need to share with you the words of God. Look at us Africa.”
My heart broke. What is a very normal thing to see come across my email, grabbed my heart like a vise grip. Though our company doesn’t provide services or conduct conferences outside the U.S., we receive countless emails just like this. What is the difference then from this email and the others? It is simply, how it ended.
This email ended with a plea; “look at us Africa.” Wow! As I read, I am reminded that there is a world, there is a people, there is a tribe, there is a tongue that has never heard the story of Jesus! Under conviction, the Holy Spirit says to me inwardly, “how dare you pass over, ignore, and without thinking, delete this email.”
I am reminded of what Christ said to His disciples, “Say not ye, There are yet four months, and then cometh harvest? behold, I say unto you, Lift up your eyes, and look on the fields; for they are white already to harvest.” (Jn 4:35)
Lord, may I always be sensitive to the fact that there are people with no purpose, no hope, and no gospel. May I be Your light, and Your messenger of the grace of the Lord Jesus Christ! Help me to never overlook, never ignore, and never grow cold. Help me to “look at us Africa!”
Stephen Underwood
Acts 20:24
www.stephenunderwood.net
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