Called To The Mission Of Jesus - How to Live as a Disciple of Christ

“Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” (Psalm 96:3, NIV)

“Then I heard the voice of the LORD saying, ‘Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?’ And I said, ‘Here am I. Send me!’” (Isaiah 6:8, NIV)

“Establish for me an organization whose goal would be to declare my glory to the nations and his marvelous deeds among all peoples. You shall call this organization, Life in Abundance.” These were the audible words I received while on a beach prayer walk on the shores of the Indian Ocean, now 30 years ago. This was a milestone in my missional journey. Until that time, I knew the Lord had called me to cross-cultural missions, to serve the poor and the vulnerable, but now, He was directing on how that will be done and what the outcome will be. This invitation to start a missional journey has been a God-sized adventure.

The prophet Isaiah outlined the mission of Jesus in Isaiah 61. He came to preach the good news to the poor, bind the brokenhearted, free captives, release prisoners, provide for those in pain, restore their dignity, grant joy and praise to those who are in despair and establish righteousness.

Why? Because God loves justice and hates robbery and wrongdoing. In many places and among many people, much has been stolen, killed and destroyed. But Jesus came on a mission to change this so that the poor and the vulnerable can have life and life in abundance. Jesus did all this so that God may be glorified.

After that encounter on the beach in 1993, I was invited to partner with the global mission of Jesus in this task. I took my medical career and my young family with two children and moved to serve the poor where they live. My mission was to declare God’s glory to the nations.

I recently visited one of the 14 nations where Life in Abundance International serves. I saw the poor and the vulnerable testifying their transformation with joy and praise. I saw God’s faithfulness in giving salvation and restoring heritage to the poor. Today more than 2 million have been reached with the good news just as Jesus intended it to be preached.

Reflection: The poor will always be with us. In our neighborhoods and in the nations. Ask Jesus how He would like to use you to advance His mission to those around you.