CTG 0027

I created CALLED TO GO on Blogger in March 2013, though I didn't publish my first post until January 2014.

The heading is inspired by words from the Bible: "By faith Abraham, when called to go ..., obeyed and went ... (Hebrews 11:8 NIV)."

This statement has been an encouragement to me since 1980. It was during that year when I unexpectedly heard the Lord say to me: "I want you to go."

I immediately and intuitively knew what he meant, as he had been preparing my wife and I for that moment over a period of time. It resulted in us moving to mainland Western Europe, where we ministered among another people group for 25 years, loving them and learning their language. During that time doors eventually opened for ministry among various nationalities. From 1994 this included travelling to various places within what earlier had been called the USSR. And since returning to the UK it has also included a few trips to the continent of Asia.

We returned to the UK in 2005 and to working with churches among our own people.

In August 2011 I was diagnosed with pulmonary embolism. And I was told that residual sounds, which could be heard when I was being examined, indicated that I'd had earlier blood clots without knowing it. Whatever the cause is of the recurring physical exhaustion that I still experience, the Lord's promise of providing his power in the middle of my weakness is something I keep on relying on him for (2 Corinthians 12:9).

As mentioned above, I started writing occasional blog posts. My objective was twofold:
   - to encourage those serving Jesus in difficult places or circumstances.
   - to play a part in reaching those who still have not yet heard the good news about Jesus.

With gratitude to God, I have been very encouraged to see how many nations, across the continents, where the blog is being read. I pray that God will bless you in the name of his Son Jesus. 

I am now 67 years young ☺ and I'm excited to see the current generation rising up to take their place in the ongoing mission of spreading the gospel of Jesus Christ, locally and worldwide.

The opportunities that continuing developments in communications provide can be used with God-given love, wisdom and courage.

Nevertheless, there will always be the need for people to go and work cross-culturally, face to face. If you are considering this possibility, seeking the advice of someone you can trust is always good. However, ultimately, whether you go or stay where you are, is personally between you and God.

Biblical examples

Isaiah responded to the call to go, but it was to his own people (Isaiah 6). He was given little hope of immediate success, but what he wrote has had far-reaching effect across the generations and nations.

Jesus told a man, who wanted to travel with him, to go home and describe to his friends what the Lord had done for him (Mark 5:1-20, Luke 8:26-39).

Paul wanted to concentrate on reaching his own ethnic people in Jerusalem, but the Lord sent him to take the gospel to many other people groups in places far away (Acts 22:1-21).

Paul's call was totally unexpected and specific, as well as being an ongoing development (Acts 26:4-23).

Isaiah heard a general call, and responded to it (Isaiah 6:8).

Whether we are aware of a specific call or not, it is good for every christian to be ready to speak for our Lord (1 Peter 3:13-17, Luke 9:23-26, Matthew 10:32-33).

Encouragement

If you are anything like me, you may feel that what you have done through the years is small in your own eyes. Don't be discouraged. Remember that it is God who gives the growth. Talk to him about it. Ask him to keep on using you and others by his Spirit.

And if you have been sowing the seed of the gospel while you've been travelling on holidays. Even if it was just one conversation, simply, wisely, boldly. Ask the Lord to cause it to bear fruit. One day you might discover that what he did through you has multiplied beyond anything that you could imagine.