God’s Invitation

“But we should always give thanks to God for you, brethren beloved by the Lord, because God has chosen you from the beginning for salvation through sanctification by the Spirit and faith in the truth.” 2 Thessalonians 2:13, NAS.

Along with a medical team from First Baptist Tulsa, Caleb* and his entire family hiked several miles into a remote village on the earthquake stricken island of Nias. The traditional religion is Catholicism, but the village was so remote that the area priest only visited once a year. Following the medical clinic, the team was asked to come into the church and share a message from God’s word.

The building was packed with over a hundred villagers of all ages. Caleb expected the typical Asian service with dogs, chickens, and children running up and down the aisle and people talking while the message was preached. Instead the building was silent to the point of hearing a pin drop. All eyes were fixed on Caleb and the local believer who led the services.

Before the local believer started to preach, an elder from the village stood up. He was in his late fifties, but his weather beaten face looked at least a decade older. He said, “Tell us what to do, and we will do it.”

Pastor Stephen began preaching. He shared a simple, straight forward Gospel message. Villagers asked several questions. Pastor Stephen referred some of the questions to Caleb. Caleb answered the questions and explained the Gospel again. Caleb asked, “Is that clear to everyone.” Heads nodded in agreement all over the sanctuary. Caleb led in the sinner’s prayer. After the prayer Caleb was about to ask for a show of hands to see who had responded, but the Spirit checked him. He felt the Spirit asking him, “Why do you need to know?”

Caleb responded in his spirit that he didn’t need to know; this was God’s invitation and he felt privileged just to be a part of it.

*Names changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

The decisions made that night will swell into a revival all over the island of Nias.

God’s servants will be content to serve without knowing the “results” of their labor.

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