DECEMBER 14, Acts 13:2-3

It was time to extend the Gospel beyond Syria by sending missionaries out. The church in Antioch of Syria worshipped and prayed and by the guidance of the Holy Spirit, Barnabas and Paul were called to this task. Taking along with them John Mark, they set off on their course.

They brought the Gospel to places such as Cyprus, Pamphylia, and Pisidia. During the journey, the missionaries met with strong opposition. One setback was the breaking up of the team. John Mark left Paul and Barnabas when they were in Perga in Pamphylia (Acts 13:13). He could not cope with the rigors of missions work. From a 3-man team, it was reduced to a pair.

It must be very hard to be a missionary. What will you be when you grow up? A missionary? There is a story told of Meng who wanted to be a missionary. When he was only six years old, he told his dad, “Daddy, I am going to be a missionary doctor when I grow up, and I am going to Tibet and help the people there know about the Lord Jesus Christ.”“That’s fine,” his father said.

The boy grew up, studied in medical school and graduated! However, instead of going to Tibet, the Lord told him to go to Africa. He went to Africa and helped the people there with their medical and physical needs. However, more than that, he was preaching the Gospel to them! And when he visits or gives them medicine, he talks to them about the Lord. Many accepted Jesus as their Saviour because of him. This boy grew up, and did not give up.

Thought: May I not give up doing things for God!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, please help me to do things for You according to Your will and not to give up! In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.