Go into all the world...!

In what is known as the Great Commission, Jesus gave His disciples this remarkable instruction, “…All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you. And surely I am with you always, to the very end of the age” (Matthew 28:18-20).

Evangelism, including world outreach, has always been at the forefront of the Assemblies of God. At the Second General Council in November 1914, the Assemblies of God delegates approved a resolution to achieve “the greatest evangelism that the world has ever seen.” This was quite a daring goal to set for such a small group of around 300 people. However, much progress has been made in reaching that goal as currently over 69 million people worldwide belong to an Assemblies of God church.

Assemblies of God World Missions, whose mission is “establishing the Church among all peoples everywhere by reaching, planting, training, and serving,” is one of the largest missionary-sending ministries in the world. 2,708 Assemblies of God missionaries serve in many capacities of expertise in 252 countries, territories, and provinces.

Did you know that being involved in world missions outreach can make a difference in your life also? I came across this list of some of the Benefits from being connected to “Missions” at outreachcf.org/missions.

You fulfill the Great Commission.

Taking the good news of Jesus to all people everywhere has always been a part of God’s plan for each of us.

You increase your Kingdom perspective.

The Kingdom of God is so much bigger and broader than any one people group, denomination, practice, or perspective. The many ways people love Jesus, serve, pray, sing, worship, and minister is just a glimpse of what heaven will be like.

You grow in cultural understanding.

The way people live, work, dress, play, and even eat can be a great learning experience. “Whenever you go into a town and are made welcome, eat what is set before you” (Luke 10:8). Welcome other cultures and learn.

You learn that you have family around the world.

Connecting with others who experienced the love, forgiveness, life and freedom of Jesus is life transforming. Witness the tears from people who have only known one another a few days but have had their hearts connected through the love of Jesus. Watch this connection of love crush the barriers of age, language, skin color… and create family! I promise this will change your prayer life.

You get a new value orientation.

You quickly realize how blessed you are in almost every area of life. You realize the “sacrifice” of giving to missions is not really a sacrifice, but is one of the best investments you will ever make. You realize that going on a missions trip is an extreme honor. You realize you gain so much more than you could ever give. You realize that you are the one who learns, is ministered to, and who grows by serving Jesus through serving others.

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This Sunday, August 17, AG missionaries to Japan, Chris & Lindsey Carter, will be with us in both the 9:30am Adult Bible Class and the 10:35am worship service. Don’t miss their exciting reports of what the Lord is doing in that very needy nation. Please invite someone to join you in the building or online for the Live broadcast on either Facebook (Honolulu AG) or our YouTube channel (Honolulu Assembly of God). We Livestream every Sunday to both locations and would love to have you join us!

Coming Up: Everyone is invited to a Labor Day Potluck Lunch in the Fellowship Hall right after the 10:35am service on Sunday, August 31. Bring your favorite foods to add to the table. It will be ono-licious!

Aloha ke Akua!