DAY THREE

Isaiah 6:8 And I heard the voice of the Lord saying, "Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?"  And I said, "Here am I. Send me!"

Recently, my family and I had the privilege of attending the first-ever National Evangelism Conference of the Assemblies of God in Veracruz, Mexico. It was a beautiful sight to see the more than 1,800 participants committed to spreading a message of love and hope in the location where, 500 years prior, the Spanish Conquista had unleashed a wave of oppression.

Even with the enthusiastic response in Veracruz, it’s still easy to feel overwhelmed when confronted with the unfinished task in Mexico: over 113 million who still don’t know Jesus, and the 3 million of them considered unreached in a nation that becomes more violent and less secure by the year. How can so few make a difference in the face of so great a need?

Then, I think of the Incarnation, how God came to Earth in the form of the baby Jesus, so small and seemingly insignificant. Even at the height of His popularity, He could be described as a homeless, itinerant preacher. His best friends were among the most marginalized of Jewish society. Yet, it was through that one life that God culminated His plan of salvation, and through those few followers that He literally changed the world. This is the hope of the Incarnation.

The hope that we share is that God will enter into Mexico's existence and bring to it fullness of life. But who does He have to represent Him in that? Many are like Lupita, my former student, in Sierra Papacal. Before her commitment to sharing her faith, she would not have been considered powerful or influential, but through her diligent visitation, she has led dozens to Christ. Against the sheer numbers of those who still don’t know, the 1,800 who attended the evangelism conference may seem a weak witness, but God’s weakness is stronger than the greatest of human strength (1 Cor. 1:25).

So take heart as you believe with us to reach The Other Five. The outlook may be grim, and the future may seem dark indeed, but the light has shone in the darkness and the darkness can never extinguish it (John 1:5). Experience the hope of the Incarnation and be sure to pass it on.

David Godzwa - Area Director for Mexico

Prayer: We ask you Lord to raise up workers to take the Good News of Jesus to those who do not yet know Him or His love and forgiveness.  Let them be carriers of the light of God's salvation to the places where the darkness has yet to be penetrated.  Amen.