The Missionary is Necessary

In the Word of God nothing is clearer than the longsuffering of God which seeks and waits for individuals to repent of their sins before His holiness requires judgment for those sins. He rises to judgment only when iniquity is full. Pray daily that many sinners will find cleansing through the blood of Jesus Christ. Intercede earnestly for unsaved individuals that they will come to God by the “new and living way” (Hebrews 10:20). Pray for the SMS missionaries that they would rise to any occasion to proclaim the Good News “that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners” (1 Timothy 1:15).

To Cornelius the centurion at Caesarea the message came, “Send to Joppa and have Simon, who is also called Peter, brought here; and he will speak words to you by which you will be saved, you and all your household” (Acts 11:13-14). But was not Cornelius a devout man? Did he not fear God? Did he not give much alms and pray always?

It is recorded in the eleventh chapter of the book of Acts that his prayer was heard and his alms were acknowledged in the sight of God. But his works did not guarantee Him a place in heaven with God forever. He was told to send for Peter who would tell him words by which he would be saved. The missionary was necessary in order that he might be saved.

Can the missionary have greater value than shown in this story? The missionary speaks the words whereby the people may be saved. This was the way God chose to bring salvation to Cornelius. If there had been no Peter to send to Cornelius, what would have become of him and his household? Would God have sent another one to speak?

Ponder this powerful message very carefully. The missionary speaking to the people words by which they might be saved is the greatest need on the fields today. “And He said to them, Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15). That is why Slavic Missionary Service supports national workers in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus and Moldova. They are missionaries. They have the message. Now, God must lead them to men and women who need to hear words by which they would be saved! Will you support SMS in this great endeavor?

Jesus replied: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind."

Matthew 22:37

Pray that God will add to “the church daily such as should be saved” (Acts 2:47) and will continue to “build” (Matthew 16:18) the church in Russia, Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and the whole inhabited world. Intercede for new believers that they will attend church regularly and will “grow in grace and in the knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ” (2 Peter 3:18). Ask God to empower and equip the missionaries of SMS, as they minister for His glory, that they may not grow “weary in well doing” (Galatians 6:9) but know that their “labor is not in vain in the Lord” (1 Corinthians 15:58).