Our Vision comes from the Great Commission which says:

"Therefore, go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely, I am with you always, to the very end of the age."

Matthew 28:19-20

Jesus said go and do. To "go" necessitates our moving. "Moving," means to change places. As we fulfill the Great Commission, we express our love for God and our love for people, especially the children. In a recent survey of church membership, 89% believes that the number one purpose of the church is to "take care of my needs and those of my family." Only 11% said, "The purpose of the church is to win the world for Jesus Christ." Much less, see reaching children as their priority.

We must reach out to the world around us, if we are going to remain healthy and growing. We must help people understand the saving power of Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. We must proclaim the transforming power of Jesus. Otherwise, we become self-centered and maintenance minded. We will stop growing and eventually die.

I want to give three reasons "WHY WE SHOULD BE CONCERNED ABOUT THE GREAT COMMISSION?".

1. Because Jesus commands us to reach MORE CHILDREN
   
   The Great Commission is not a suggestion – they are commandments. Once we are on board with Jesus – He tells us to help Him. Jesus tells us that we are to reach out – if we don’t reach out, we are disobedient.
   
   Go, make disciples, baptize, and teach them -- are not suggestions. These are commandments. We have to do what Jesus called us to do. Bring them in, build them up, train them up, send them out, is the command – it is not optional.
   
   

   "Go out into the country ...
   and urge anyone you find to come in, so that My House will be full." Luke 14:23 (LB)
   
   "... you will be my witnesses ..." Acts 1:8

2. Because church growth means MORE NATIONS
   
   Jesus could have instructed the apostles to disciple all individuals or all men, but instead He instructed them to disciple all nations. This fact is significant. The word for nation in the original language (ethnos) means a multitude of individuals of the same nature, race or nation. It indicates multitudes of people that are distinct from other groups in various ways such as language, customs, heritage, culture, geographical location, etc. "I (Jesus) will build my church." (Matthew 16:18)
   
   How large will His church grow? How strong? Only God knows that. Our job is to tell children about the love of Jesus – to bring them into the family of God. To teach them – to show them how to live a victorious Christian life – and to send them out to tell others about salvation in Jesus. It’s not our job to grow the church – that’s what God does. Our job is to share the transforming story of Jesus with those around us.
   
   
3. You are already in YOUR MISSION FIELD
   
   I want you to know a very simple secret. Most of us will not be called to become a missionary in some foreign country. Some of you may be – but each of us has a mission. God expects you to be a missionary where you are.
   
   We are surrounded by both Christians and non-Christians every day. Some people know Jesus – some don’t. Where you are is no different than India, China, or Africa. In the world you will find two types of people. Those who know Christ and those who don’t. Our mission therefore is simple as this – to help people know Jesus. You have several advantages to reach this mission field where you are. Mission at your doorstep.
   
   You already know the language – you already know the culture – you already know some of the people you are trying to reach. You don’t have to travel far, half way around the world to get there.
   
   Most people perceive of a mission field in some foreign land – it’s not. It’s right where you are. The first phrase of Matthew 28:19 says this "Go therefore and make disciples". Matthew 28:19 (NKJV)
   
   That phrase "go therefore" could also read "As you are going." In other words – as you are going about your daily business – as you are going to school – as you are going to work – as you are going to the doctor - as you are going to buy groceries – as you are going to get gas – as you are going to visit relatives – as you are going on vacation – as you are going out to eat – as you are going wherever you are going - you are going as well into your mission field. The Message Bible puts it. "Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life" Matthew 28:19 (MSG)
   
   You can reach out to the children around you this week. Be sensitive to their needs. Can you do that? Can you share God’s love and forgiveness to children around you this week? Will you commit to tell a child this week that God loves him/her? Jesus didn't say, "Make believers," though believing in Him is an essential part of discipleship. Nor did Jesus say, "Get people to clean up their lives". Genuine disciples become more holy as they grow in Christ. Jesus didn't say, "Get people to go to church", though faithful participation in the community of Jesus is absolutely crucial to discipleship. Rather, Jesus said, "Make disciples." This means, "Make people who enter into an intentional, intimate relationship with me and with my other disciples, in which they put their trust in me as Savior, in which they submit their life to me as Lord, in which they allow me to teach them both how to live and how to serve me in the world."

Conclusion

Statistics show that 19 out of every 20 who become Christians do so before they reach the age of 24. After 25, only one in 10,000. After 35, only one in 40,000. After 45, only one in 200,000. After 55, only one in 300,000. After 65, only one in 500,000. After 74, only one in 700,000. (Leadership, V. 1, p.55.)

There is an urgency in the Great Commission. Our children are vital because they are ripe for the gospel. More children – More Nations! Let us focus on them NOW.

Rev Tan Cheng Huat
Outgoing Regional Director
CEF AP Family News
Jul-Sep 2007