By: John Kerr
I have previously told of some of my adventures while we were living in Northern BC. As much as I enjoyed the beauty of where we lived, we didn’t move from Ontario to Hudson’s Hope to admire the scenery, even though we were surrounded by it! We went to minister to the people of that town. People are people no matter where they live. Places like Hudson’s Hope exist because of Hydro, logging and ranching interests. I met a few who had moved there because it was at the end of the world or close by!
We had a difficult time in the end before we finally returned to Ontario. However, during that time we sought to continue to minister as much as possible and to live above our circumstances. I was working at a gas station and got to know a number of people. Men like Jim who was a rancher and a truck driver. We became acquainted and after a time he said that he would teach me how to drive if I got my air brake certificate. Much to Jim’s surprise, I told him one day that I was ready to drive truck. He was stunned but the next time he stopped for fuel he told me to be ready to go trucking!
It was a winter afternoon when he pulled up at my door and I jumped into his truck. We set out to Chetwynd where there was a pulp mill. I was to drive the truck home because it was much easier empty. So, on the first trip, he set the ground rules. He knew I was a minister, so he warned me “No preaching!” I said fine. A few minutes later he started telling me what his beliefs were (which were an interesting amalgamation of several ideas). Then a while later he said, “So what do you believe?” Well, talk about a wide-open door! So, I went through it and succinctly shared with him the Gospel of Jesus Christ! I would like to say that Jim came to know Jesus, but I can’t and as the winter logging season gave way to spring, Jim stopped trucking for the most part and I eventually lost contact with him. That summer we returned to Ontario.
As churchgoers, we often tend to pigeonhole people. We have pastors, evangelists, missionaries, and laymen, to name a few. The reality as committed followers of Jesus Christ we are all participants in His mission. Jesus said: “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God…for I was sent for this purpose” (Luke 4:43). In another place He tells His disciples: “If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me.” (Mark 8:34) Mission work belongs to all of us.
I often remember one of the first Christian songs I learned back in Scotland: “Silver and gold have I none, but such as I have, I give unto thee. In the name of Jesus Christ, rise up and walk!” It came from the story of the early ministry of Peter, Acts 3:1-10. As Peter and John were at the temple, they met a beggar who was seeking alms from them. Peter had nothing to give, such as was the circumstances of the early believers, but he had the Good News and he ministered to the man in a miraculous manner. Now you and I might not be able to heal someone like Peter did, but we can share the Good News with people that we meet. Turn negative circumstances into positive allowing God to use you no matter where you find yourself.
Learn how to share your testimony in a minute or less. Memorize some key Bible verses that will help turn someone’s attention to the Word of God. Jesus will use you wherever you are.
