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Newsletter | Dec 2022 | Encouragement

NEWSLETTER | ISSUE NO. 02 | DEC 2022


AN ENCOURAGEMENT
REV. WALTRUDE DANTES

Luke 2:10-11 (NIV) reads, “[…] Do not be afraid. I bring you good news that will cause great joy for all the people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; he is the Messiah, the Lord.”  There has never been greater news destined to fill the hearts of men with hope and abundant joy. After this wonderful news from the angel, a great company of angels appeared suddenly, praising God saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favour rests.”—Luke 2:14 (NIV).

A dear friend of mine pointed out the fact that there are places that are overly saturated with the Gospel and therefore may not need to hear the good news because they would have heard it before. This brought be back to the moment when I heard the gospel and responded to it. At that time, I remember saying to myself, “Wow! Where was this gospel all along that I had not heard of it?” I Would like to remind you that though this may be true in certain areas, not everyone will respond immediately to the gospel.

In my world view, it appears that the church of Jesus Christ has adopted a similar posture when it comes to proclaiming the Gospel, as many believers have eased off on sharing the good news in a world that seems ‘gospel saturated.’ To get a better sense of this, one can simply listen to the news to notice that we are surrounded by darkness.

Many hold to the ideas that Missions should only take place in countries, regions, or areas where the Gospel is not being preached. Some have even concluded that missionaries should not be sent to countries like the USA or Canada, but I would like to reiterate that as long as darkness exists in the world, there is need to share the good news of the Jesus Christ.

I have made all these points to emphasize the fact that there is a great need for Missions. We must be intentional and deliberate in sending persons to various parts of the world, armed with the good News.
Garry Friesen defines missions as “Christian missions is the spread of the Gospel to those who are non-believers of Christ around in accordance with the command of Christ. God’s mandate for the individual saints is the Great Commission in Mathew 28. The body of Christ must never become secondary unfortunately many churches have lost their way. Social issues become the main purpose for existence. Our mandate is to call people to the kingdom of God.”

The ECWI Family must continue developing its Missions arm—Advance International—as a means of preaching the gospel and reaching the lost.

Let us keep actively Praying, Giving and Going. Let us herald the Good News of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ!!!
Rev. Waltrude Dantes
Moderator
ECWI Saint Lucia

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