Never Got Over It

“Be very careful, then, how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil.” Ephesians 5:15-16, NIV.

As a new worker among a Muslim people group in Pacific Rim, Tom* told a Muslim man that Jesus was his God. More experienced personnel told Tom that he had blasphemed the man’s god, and that he would never have a witness among the people.

After that, Tom was very cautious about sharing his faith. There was one man in particular that Tom cared about very much. He worked very hard to develop a relationship with the man so that he might share the gospel. Then the man suddenly died before Tom could share the gospel with him.

“I knew exactly where he was,” said Tom. “He died without God and without hope, and because of fear, I let him die without hearing the gospel.” God broke Tom’s heart, and he never got over it. He decided from that day forward to be bold, regardless of the cost.

Tom is not foolish in his witness. He has no desire to die, but he also is unwilling that his people should die without hearing the gospel. He still works at building relationships, but at this point he doesn’t wait for a relationship before he shares the gospel. He knows too well that every chance may be the last for his people to hear the gospel before they enter eternity. If it’s within his power, they will hear the truth at least once.

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Fear of mistakes will not keep Pacific Rim personnel and volunteers from being bold in sharing the gospel.

Tom’s people group will respond in large numbers to the gospel message that is being shared in village after village.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.