Have you ever wondered about the meaning of The Mission Society logo? President Phil Granger explained its significance in the fall 2006 Unfinished: “The left side of the globe and fish (an ancient Christian symbol) are incomplete, signifying that the task [of global evangelization] is unfinished.” The Mission Society’s commitment to finishing the task of global evangelization continues to become more and more pronounced. From our logo to the renaming of our quarterly publication (Unfinished), we are intentionally increasing our emphasis on the unreached and least-reached peoples of the world. Yes, we are called to the reached places of the world, and we will continue to send people to these parts of the globe. However, with more fervor and focus than ever, we will ramp up our efforts to send individuals and families to the parts of the world where the name of Christ is unknown.

Statistics show that approximately 1.8 billion people have never heard the Gospel. These people have no church in their culture, no Bible in their language, and no Christian in their life. Today, nearly 2,000 years after Jesus gave His pre-ascension charge, the Church must refocus, retool, and rethink the task that lies ahead. By God’s grace, The Mission Society has been, and will continue to be, a part of this process. Would you consider joining us in these efforts by going as a missionary to the unreached people of the world?

Specifically, we are looking for likeminded believers who sense a call to the unreached and least-reached parts of the world. We are looking for cross-cultural workers who are passionate about Jesus and passionate about people. We are looking for flexible, teachable, servants who are willing to be team players. If these words describe you, we would be glad to talk with you and help you to discern your call to cross-cultural service.

Willing to go
Such was the case with the Parker* family. Joe and Nancy Parker contacted us and told us about their interest in becoming full-time missionaries. They didn’t have a desired country of service, but they were leaning toward Latin America. After all, they had been to Latin America before. During Missionary Candidate Week, the Parkers learned what God was doing in the Middle East. To our delight, they stated a willingness to explore the possibility of serving there. They soon discovered that although the willingness was there, so were the fears: Will my kids be safe? What will our parents think? What role will Mrs. Parker play in a society that has a different view of women? The Parkers wrestled (and continue to wrestle) with these and other issues through prayer and godly counsel. Nonetheless, of one thing they are certain: God is calling them to join Him in the Middle East.

Available to go
Like the Parkers, are you willing to go?** Willingness doesn’t mean that you have all the details worked out; nor does it mean you have no concerns. It simply means that you are available.

In the words of our beloved Savior, the one who sent laborers to preach to us: “this Gospel of the kingdom WILL (emphasis mine) be preached in the WHOLE WORLD as a testimony to ALL NATIONS, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14) Come, join us, and together, in the power of the Holy Spirit, and along with the worldwide Body of believers, we will finish the task.

Richard Coleman is The Mission Society’s director of mobilization and candidacy.

* Real name not used for security reasons.

** Due to the sensitive nature of these assignments, you will not find them listed in the personnel needs section of the Unfinished, nor will you find them on The Mission Society website. Please call one of the missions coaches at 800.478.8963 for more details.