Jesus’ parting words to His disciples about missions are recorded in Acts.
But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth. (Acts 1:8 NIV)
Slightly over 200 years ago, several Christians obeyed Jesus and went to Tonga as missionaries. Tonga is a small country in the South Pacific. The work that these missionaries did transform this tiny island even till today.
Recently, I had the chance to travel there for work. The first thing that caught my eye was the large number of churches. For just a small country of 100,000 people, about 80% of the population identify themselves as either Protestant or Catholic.
It was during lunch with a customer that I learnt how fervent the people are for Christ. When our food arrived, he immediately said, “Let’s give thanks to God for the food” and proceeded to say grace without bothering to find out if I was a Christian or not.
While we were eating, he started to share the gospel with me. I smiled and told him that I am a Christian. His act of faith is something that I have not seen in many settings while in Singapore. It made me ponder whether I am too comfortable in Singapore.
There are still many people groups and countries that have not heard the Gospel. We can do our part by sharing the gospel, praying for missionaries as they share the gospel to the unreached, and by contributing financially to the local churches or mission organizations.
Two hundred years ago, no one would have known the impact of the missionaries on this tiny nation in the Pacific. This country could have been very different both in culture and in faith today.
The Lord can use our obedience to transform the lives of others.
How beautiful on the mountains are the feet of those who bring good news, who proclaim peace, who bring good tidings, who proclaim salvation, who say to Zion, “Your God reigns!” (Isaiah 52:7 NIV)
Deacon Bryan Tan
