“Around the World-Across the Street”

Last week I was at a children’s camp on the campus of ASU in Jonesboro. That’s not particularly unusual in that I’ve been at around a 100 camps through the years.What caught my attention was that, while we adults were chaperoning some 400 3rd-6th graders, there were other camps, events, and students from ASU. Again, not so unusual except for the makeup of those students. As I looked around I saw students from the Far East, Mid-east, Central & South America & Africa.

Even my own small community is home to people from many places around the globe. We have people from China, Japan, Middle East, South Korea, and Mexico that I could name off the top of my head. I have a new friend on the ASUN campus that came from Colombia. I suppose you could say it’s a great big, little world out there.

While I was at the camp I met a missionary to the Middle East on medical leave. He shared that the most effective witnessing tool he has implored & observed is simply building relationships & sharing the heart of Christ with those around him. It’s not in pamphlets & literature or through particular events. It’s simply sharing the heart of Christ from his heart to others.

“Jesus came to them and said: I have been given all authority in heaven and on earth! Go to the people of all nations and make them my disciples. Baptize them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit, and teach them to do everything I have told you. I will be with you always, even until the end of the world.”
Matthew 28:18-20 CEV

I’ve had an opportunity to be involved in around 25 mission trips in both the U.S. & two foreign countries & helped start over a half dozen churches through the years. From my experience the missionary is right on the money. What God has called Christians to do is not simply have someone make a ‘decision’ & fill out a card, but rather to help make ‘disciples’ or followers of Christ.

You may never set foot on the soil of another country or visit another people group outside your hometown, but in this fast changing world, realize the world is all around you. Do you recognize other ‘people groups’ in your corner of the world.

This fall I will be helping to launch some ‘life-groups’ to help in your discipleship. I strongly encourage you to dive into God’s word to truly know more about God & His plan for you.

There was a song several years ago titled, “The Mission.” There is a phrase in the song that says, “Across the street or around the world the mission’s still the same; proclaim and live the truth in Jesus’ name.” If you follow Jesus, then share Him. If you are seeking to know who this man really is or perhaps you’re ready to make a life commitment, please call on me. We’ll head off in the journey together!

Dave Jackson-Campus Minister djackson@absc.org
Cell- 870-217-9376
http://www.myspace.com/davejacksonnewport
BCM Website: http://www.bcmasunewport.org
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