“Final call for United flight 457 to Baltimore,” you hear over the intercom as you exit the jet bridge from your plane.
Oh no, that is your next flight. Unfortunately, you have only just landed, and the gate you need is three terminals away. You will miss your connection. You groan.
Connections are crucial. When traveling, connections get you where you need to be.
This is no less true in following the Great Commission. Jesus has commanded us to go, to make connections, and teach them about Him, helping them to become His followers. Making connections gets the disciple of Jesus where he or she needs to be—in the time and space of the unreached.
Our missionaries are always looking for ways to make connections with their people groups. They get out where the people are: in nature, hiking together (Williams p. 18); in cafés where students and young professionals gather, hoping a few friendly comments will lead to future conversations (Babienco p. 24) or Bible studies (Solis p. 16); or in serving the community by feeding the homeless (Nyamwange p. 35).
Classmates become friends with whom they share life and the gospel (Gomez p. 36). Teachers become friends with whom they pray (Mamoulelis p. 32). And friends become those they care for during moments of need (Sharma p. 40) or grieve with during moments of loss (Murphy p. 11).
Jesus is eager to help you make your next connection with the unreached. The final call is sounding. Many would gladly choose the destination of Jesus’ eternal presence if they only knew how to get there. Join us and help the unreached make that connection.
