Make disciples.

I met a Pastor this week. She’s not qualified in the sight of authorities, she’s not a Reverend, she’s not been to Bible College but God is using her to build a church and she is doing really well at it! She is passionate, committed and is throwing her whole life into the work of God. She is a joy and a walking lesson for many a Pastor! During the conversation she said that her biggest givers and participants were those who were not Christians yet. Those who were following her had not yet professed Christ. Isn’t that refreshing?! Disciples on the path to their conversion.

“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” (Matthew 28 v 19)

Jesus tells his disciples to GO.

This letter was written by Southern Baptist Missionary to Iraq, Karen Watson, prior to leaving for the Middle East. The letter was dated March 7, 2003. Karen was killed, along with four other missionaries, on March 15, 2004.

Dear Pastor Phil and Pastor Roger:

You should only be opening this letter in the event of my death.

When God calls there are no regrets. I tried to share my heart with you as much as possible, my heart for the nations. I wasn’t called to a place. I was called to him. To obey was my objective, to suffer was expected, his glory my reward, his glory my reward.

One of the most important things to remember right now is to preserve the work….I am writing this as if I am still working with my people group.

I thank you all so much for your prayers and support. Surely your reward in heaven will be great. Thank you for investing in my life and spiritual well-being. Keep sending missionaries out. Keep raising up fine young pastors.

In regards to any service, keep it small and simple. Yes, simply, just preach the gospel….Be bold and preach the life-saving, life-changing, forever-eternal gospel. Give glory and honor to our Father.

The Missionary Heart:

Care more than some think is wise.

Risk more than some think is safe.

Dream more than some think is practical.

Expect more than some think is possible.

I was called not to comfort or success but to obedience….There is no joy outside of knowing Jesus and serving him. I love you two and my church family.

In his care,

Salaam, Karen

To make disciples it may cost you your whole life as with Karen or it will cost you the kind of life you could have chosen, like my Pastor friend.

The disciple of Jesus loves to invest, they know what it is to pour out their life, they coach, mentor, demonstrate, ‘do what I do’ to others.

We must carry on where Jesus has left. Let your “do” and your “teach” match together. It is your calling. This is what it is to make disciples.

Think about what happens after you have gone. What have you left behind? Is there anyone going to carry on what you are doing? Is there anyone who is speaking the language of love that you speak? Or does everything die when you die?

There are things in you that need to be revealed. You operate out of these beliefs, values and goals. There is a hidden DNA in you that people only see the benefit of. Reveal what is hidden. What is most important in life? How do you do what you do? Why do you say what you say?

Don’t pass on all that is in you to people who will not do anything with it. Give it to those who will also follow. Give to people who will go further than you and do and say more than you. Build a legacy that reaches far and beyond you would ever possibly achieve on your own.

Look not through the eyes of man. Look at potential. Look for the willing. Look for those who will follow. Find some people. Choose someone.

There will come a day when you will no longer be here, you will have been taken to heaven. Until that day carry on. Until that day do the work. Until that day speak up and speak out. For when that ‘day’ comes then your opportunity will be gone. But your work will carry on.

The disciple makes disciples who make disciples. Are you that disciple? Are you that Pastor or that missionary who both know what it is to lay their life down?