Nestled in the stunning green mountains of Cabunga-an, Leon, Iloilo, Philippines lies a hidden gem you won’t find on Google Maps, a small Baptist Church. Located in a small barangay of only 200 people, the church has nearly half of the town attend every service. Before the service, the pastor makes announcements over the PA system in their essentially open-air building, which effectively can be heard throughout their entire town to let his members know church is about to start. The building, made up of gray cinderblocks, rebar, and a corrugated metal roof, sits on the small one-lane dirt road going through the center of the barangay. As the sun sets, the service finally begins, and a familiar sound can be heard. Although a completely different people, different location, and different culture than we’re familiar with, the singing of the church family is instantly recognizable—God’s people praising God for his goodness and grace with harmonious, heart-filled singing. Though some songs are in a foreign language, the spirit of the church is unmistakable.
Have you ever felt alone or despondent in the work, or ever felt as though your work was insignificant? Can I encourage you, fellow Christian? There are brothers and sisters around the globe serving the same God! Although in a different time zone and perhaps in a different language, there are Christians striving their best to serve God and please Him. You are not alone in your service. You are not the only one. No, not every church will sing the same songs, preach with the same disposition, or even conduct their service in the exact same way. If they are proclaiming the gospel and preaching the doctrines of God’s Word, I say, “Preach on!” It was so refreshing on that Wednesday evening to be with fellow believers, to open the Bible, and to worship the same God. This church is not the exception. There are Christians and churches located in the remote jungles, metropolitan cities, closed countries, and everywhere in between. How encouraging to the believer that the power of the gospel is not defined by borders! There are brothers and sisters around the globe!
However, when contemplating those Christians around the world, one point becomes extremely clear. That distant church had someone who was willing to go and to reach those people. Romans 10:14 says, “How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Yes, there are Christians around the globe, but there are still so many more to reach. Estimates say that there are still over 3 billion people who are considered “unreached” and have never heard a clear presentation of the gospel.1 I am grateful and encouraged by the millions of Christians around the world, but our task to “preach the gospel to every creature” is far from complete. Sadly, it’s not personally possible for a Christian to be everywhere at once preaching to everyone. But every Christian can reach at least one. Whether or not you have been able to experience what I’ve been blessed to experience several times now traveling to foreign fields, and regardless of the people you serve, the church you attend, or your occupation, we all can do more in reaching our neighbor, coworker, or acquaintance. Don’t be discouraged that your efforts are in vain; God’s work is happening around the world. Consequently, let each of us not become complacent in our work, but let us grow and desire more than ever to reach the globe with the gospel.
Sources: Globalfrontiermissions.org
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Luke Flood, Bus Director
Luke Flood serves on staff as the bus director and is responsible for seeing hundreds of people in church on a weekly basis. He is a true product of North Valley Baptist Church. Having grown up in a wonderful Christian family, he attended North Valley Baptist Schools from kindergarten through twelfth grade. After graduation, he attended Golden State Baptist College where he earned both his bachelor’s and master’s degrees.
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