“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel”

Mark 16:15

Our Missions Conference is next week, and I believe the story below is a great illustration of both our desire to share the gospel with others, and how our effort is all part of our service too!

In a remote village in Central America the word got out among the peoples of the region that one of the missionaries that had served this country for many years was about to return to the US to live out the remaining years of her life.

The nationals desired to honour her for her years of service with a time of appreciation.  News of the event went to all parts of the country in which the missionary was known to the people.  One very old and very poor man walked to the ceremony over mountainous terrain for 4 days to bring his gift to the missionary.

The gift consisted of 2 coconuts, but it was all the man had.  The missionary recognized the man as coming from the remote village in the mountains.

"Brother, I cannot believe that you would walk so far to present me with this gift," said the missionary to the man.

His response?

"Long walk part of gift."

Let’s remember that every time we make the effort, when we endure difficulty, to share the gospel… “Long walk part of gift.”

“Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel”