When the spring rains begin to fall in northern Georgia, I enjoy retreating to the sofa with a cup of coffee and a good book. There's nothing like being drawn in by a good story and escaping from the real world if only for a moment. I have always loved stories. They have the power to transplant us to another time and place, to inform us and to inspire. But nothing compares to the story of our Creator.
From the moment God spoke the universe into being, He has been weaving together an incredible story of justice, love, hope and redemption. It's the unfolding drama of how God brings salvation to His creation, and it has the power to transform lives. Since the beginning of time, God has invited men and women to take part in His story-Abraham, Israel, Jesus' disciples, the early church-and He is inviting each one of us as well.
When we become His children, He writes His story on our hearts and calls us to tell it to others.
The North American Mission Board was formed to help Southern Baptists more effectively reach North America with the gospel. Taking an Acts 1:8 approach, NAMB is uniquely geared to help churches reach their Jerusalem (city), Judea (state) and Samaria (continent). As you read this issue of On Mission, we hope you'll be inspired and encouraged to take part in the mission of telling His story. Getting started may be easier than you think. Some ideas to try:
1. Make a list of at least five people you know who are not Christians. Ask God to open their hearts to the gospel and give you opportunities to share the amazing story of Jesus' love and sacrifice with each of them. The article "Bridging the Gap" on page 44 provides some insight on how to develop relationships with non-Christians in order to journey with them toward a relationship with Christ.
2. Create opportunities. Start a home Bible study for couples in your neigh- borhood and make an intentional effort to invite nonbelievers. Take an unchurched friend out for lunch and begin to invest yourself in his or her life. Turn to page 28 for more ideas on how to make evangelism good news again.
3. Get involved in missions. Volunteering for a mission trip with your church will open up a whole new world for sharing Christ's story with others. Whether it's building churches, repairing homes, preparing hot meals or leading Backyard Bible Clubs, mission trips provide ample opportunities to share the gospel. "Hammering Out the Gospel" on page 36 is one example.
4. Help your pastor discover people groups or population segments in your community that are not being reached. Take the lead in encouraging your church to sponsor a new church start that specifically meets the needs of a particular unreached people group. In "Building More than Sandcastles" on page 32, read how a Florida church gave of themselves to tell His story in a nearby community.
5. Give to the Annie Armstrong Easter Offering®. When Southern Baptists contribute to the offering for North American missions, they are putting hands and feet to the gospel by supporting missionaries who are serving across North America.
In order to reach the more than 235 million people in North America who don't know Christ, it will take every one of us to take our part in telling His story.
Carol Pipes, editor, cpipes@namb.net