History-Makers
It is good to reflect on the past at the start of a New Year. We can learn much from our brothers and sisters in the Lord who have lived before us. People like Hudson Taylor, Gladys Aylward and Oswald Chambers. Ordinary people serving an extraordinary God! The following quotes are from various missionaries and Christian leaders. I pray that, this New Year, we would be willing to serve God where ever He leads us.
“For everything that was written in the past was written to teach us, so that through the endurance taught in the Scriptures and the encouragement they provide, we might have hope.” Romans 15:4.
“The Great Commission is not an option to be considered; it is a command to be obeyed” – Hudson Taylor
“A congregation that is not deeply and earnestly involved in the worldwide proclamation of the gospel does not understand the nature of salvation.” – Ted Engstrom, World Vision
“To stay here and disobey God – I can’t afford to take the consequence. I would rather go and obey God than to stay here and know that I disobeyed.” – Amanda Berry Smith, Former slave / Founder of an orphanage
“We will only advance in our evangelistic work as fast and as far as we advance on our knees. Prayer opens the channel between a soul and God; prayerlessness closes it. Prayer releases the grip of Satan’s power; prayerlessness increases it. That is why prayer is so exhausting and so vital. If we believed it, the prayer meeting would be as full as the church.” – Alan Redpath, Missionary
“The whole idea of the prayers of the saints is that God’s holiness, God’s purpose, God’s ways may be brought about irrespective of who comes or goes.” – Oswald Chambers
“It is true that Bible prayers in word and print are short, but the praying men of the Bible were with God through many a sweet and holy wrestling hour. They won by few words but long waiting.” – E. M. Bounds
Gladys Aylward, Missionary to China
“I believe it will only be known on the Last Day how much has been accomplished in missionary work by the prayers of earnest believers at home … I do earnestly covet a volume of prayer for my … work – but oh! for a volume of faith too. Will you give this? – James Fraser
“Expect great things from God; attempt great things for God.” – William Carey
“To know the will of God, we need an open Bible and an open map.” – William Carey
“The spirit of Christ is the spirit of missions. The nearer we get to Him, the more intensely missionary we become.” – Henry Martyn, missionary to India and Persia
“He is no fool who gives up what he cannot keep to gain that which he cannot lose.” – Jim Elliot, missionary/martyr
“Today Christians spend more money on dog food then missions.” – Leonard Ravenhill
”I wasn’t God’s first choice for what I’ve done for China. I don’t know who it was. It must have been a man—a well–educated man. I don’t know what happened. Perhaps he died. Perhaps he wasn’t willing. And God looked down … and saw Gladys Aylward. And God said, ‘Well, she’s willing.’” – Gladys Aylward, missionary to China
Ed Slonchka
