THURSDAY July 13, 2023

Count the Cost in the Mission Field

Now it happened in Iconium that they went together to the synagogue of the Jews, and so spoke that a great multitude both of the Jews and of the Greeks believed. But the unbelieving Jews stirred up the Gentiles and poisoned their minds against the brethren.
Acts 14:1-2

Paul traveled to reach the pagans with the Gospel. Even though there arose opposition and persecution, the disciples had experienced blessing, excitement, and joy as they saw God moving among the people. A great many of them were coming to Christ. However, missionary journeys can end up in tragedy. Paul and Barnabas, knowing they were not called by men, but called by God, counted the cost.

People called to the mission field often do not realize that they have to count the cost. Missionaries can be mocked, suffer beatings, and can even pay the cost of being a missionary, with their lives. Before anyone dares to venture out into the mission field, they have to consider the cost.

In the days we are living in, doors to do mission work are closing. We are living in the Last Days, and it is going to be harder to proclaim the gospel of Christ. Europe has been flooded with people from Muslim countries known to oppose Christianity. In Muslim countries, Christians are persecuted, unjustly prosecuted and killed.

God calls a person by the Holy Spirit to be a missionary. Some people are called to Africa or China. I believe we need missionaries in the United States––in our own backyard! There are so many people from all over the world that live in America that need to be evangelized. Many do not know Christ.

Have you noticed the increase of Muslim and Buddhist temples? Sadly, we seem to be going in the same direction as England. I have traveled to see the old churches that used to have over 6,000 people attending services. Now churches are becoming derelict, as they cannot afford to keep them open. People have no interest in God’s Word. These buildings are being bought and turned into mosques, or they are being torn down––sad. Are you willing to count the cost in the call to be a missionary?

When Christ calls a man, he bids him come and die.
~Dietrich Bonhoeffer~

For more from Raul Ries, please visit SomebodyLovesYou.com!