October is missions month in many congregations across the United States, making it a wonderful opportunity to reflect on the privilege we share in God’s mission to the nations. When Dave preached for National Missions Day at Puerta Abierta in Mexico City, he explored a truth that shapes our ministry: the God who desires the nations to know Him is the God who pours out His Spirit and sends His people to bear witness to Jesus.
Our recent travels gave us opportunities to serve this mission in different ways. On September 20, we ministered at Family Life Church in Hermitage, Pennsylvania, with Pastors Chris and Jessica Massey. Then, from September 25 through October 1, we were in Springfield, Missouri, where we welcomed 37 new career missionaries and participated in the training of 26 new missionary associates with Assemblies of God World Missions.
One of our primary responsibilities was teaching the Bible in Ministry Competency–helping new missionaries engage Scripture so that their love for God and growing understanding of His ways become the foundation for their worldview and ministry. This matters because the Bible reveals more than our message; it reveals the heart of the God who sends us:
- Through Micah, we see God?s vision for all nations to draw near and learn His ways.
- Through Joel, we hear His promise to pour out His Spirit and offer salvation to all who call on His name.
- Through Acts, we see that same Spirit empowering Jesus’ followers to bear witness far beyond their own borders.
When Scripture shapes how missionaries understand God, it also shapes how they understand their calling. We want those we train not simply to communicate biblical truths, but to see people and cultures through the lens of God?s Word, depend on His Spirit, and serve faithfully as participants in His mission.
On October 3, we also had the privilege of advocating for global missions at Union Grove Church in Hampton, Arkansas, with Pastors Sam and Christina Gunn. These opportunities remind us that God?s mission involves both those who go and those who send. The churches and individuals who pray, give, encourage, and sustain missionaries share fully in the work of making Jesus known.
As you reflect on missions this month, remember that your partnership helps prepare and send workers who are grounded in God?s Word, dependent on His Spirit, and committed to making Jesus known among all peoples. You may be called to go, to send, or to bear witness where you live, but we all have the privilege of responding to the same Lord.
We don’t create God’s mission; we join Him in it. Thank you for joining us as we trust God to transform lives and establish His Church among all peoples.
Together across borders, for the glory of Jesus.
