The Deed is the Word

Wouldn’t it be wonderful if, as Disciples of Christ, we would set goals and follow through in achieving them? What would happen if each of us prayerfully considered the direction in which God is leading us, made that our goal, and took steps in faith toward its fulfillment?

Sometimes I wonder if we have created a false dichotomy for ourselves: evangelism over here and justice over there. We want to “win souls,” walk someone through the “sinner’s prayer,” and “save people from burning in hell.” While this is a decent attitude, it gives us the opportunity to set a goal for others and for God—but not for ourselves. The eternal salvation of others is not something we have much say in, and setting goals for others or for God is a frustrating exercise in futility.

So which goals are obtainable? Start by setting a goal you can achieve. How about getting to know your neighbor? As someone whose passion is getting to know immigrants, might I suggest investing in the lives of immigrants in your neighborhood? Help them practice their English or show them around town.

If you, like ourselves, live in a college town, get to know some international students. One day we met a young man named Sunil, who came from India to study for his MA at the University here. As we talked, he said to us, “I have been in America for two years, and I have never seen the inside of an American home.” Needless to say, we immediately invited him to our house for dinner. There is something like 50+ churches in the city of Stillwater, and yet not once had anyone made friends with him, nor invited him to their home.

A great way to get to know someone is to let them be the teacher and you are the learner. Ask questions. Learn a few words of their language. Ask about their culture. Ask about their foods and borrow new recipes. Let them know they are welcomed. (“…I was a stranger and you took Me in…” Matthew 25:35)

This goal will develop into a relationship. That relationship will transform into a friendship. Soon they will see how much you care, and they will want to know why. Your goal, your deed, becomes the evangelism. The deed is the word.

You can’t separate word and deed, evangelism and honesty. If you do, you create a gulf that will leave you wishing you could evangelize, but not doing much about it other than sitting in a pew on Sunday mornings. So, set some goals. Pray that God will lead you. Then, go do it!


--Russ Sharrock

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated

 

Supporting Indigenous Missions

Our goal is to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those who have never heard His Name. To date, millions of people in the 10/40 window have not heard the gospel of Jesus Christ. And Less than 10% of Christian giving is provided for missions to unreached people.

In contrast, most of the church giving today (general funds, funds for the needy, etc.) are spent within

2013 Christmas Service

first world nations. Christian churches build large facilities, and spend hundreds of thousands of dollars on music systems, air conditioning, cushioned pews and carpet.

While there may be nothing wrong with this, the faithful believer must always ask God to guide him/her to where true ministry needs to be done, and the wise use of the resources at our disposal. Isn’t it better to allocate funds for missions and evangelism?

In Hebrews 9:27 we are reminded that, "Just as man is destined to die once, and after that to face judgment…”

People all over the world are dying and going to hell. Is not missionary work the one task we cannot do once a person has passed away? And isn’t it better today, for cultural reasons and given the difficulty and expense of sending first world missionaries to third world countries, that God is now using local evangelists, missionaries, and pastors to reach out to indigenous and other developing world communities?

It is God's imperative to us to spread the gospel of Christ before His second coming. In fact, if mission support given to first world missions in developing countries is discounted, only 1% or less of giving is being used to support native missions.

Is this good stewardship? Are we prioritizing our resources the way God wants us to?

Native pastors are suffering great hardship. Their families often have only one good meal a day. Yet they go to new villages and preach the gospel, care for people, and befriend those who are in need. We hope to help them with only $40 USD a month. This amount allows the family to purchase their monthly supplies. The evangelist can then spend more time on the mission field.

 Tribal Village Women

There are many native missionaries serving in places such as the mountains of Odisha, like brother Bihit, where he and his fellow workers have been able to reach hundreds of Tribal villagers with the gospel and plant dozens of house churches.  We need to support these fine workers in the Lord.

Will you prayerfully consider being a part of this ministry? If you lead a church or are a leader in your home group or Sunday school class, please consider allocating finances to this project.  

                                     Partner with us in reaching the unreached for Christ.

Would you like to help raise awareness for the needs in India? We have begun scheduling this year's speaking engagements. Please email us to schedule a visit from a representative from Asia International Mission to share at your church, group or club!

Midwest: June & July
East Coast: Sept-Oct
West Coast: August

  Contact us at Here for more information or to schedule a date.

Asia International Mission is an IRS approved 501(c)(3) non-profit ministry.

All gifts are tax-deductible and 100% of donations are used as designated