20:4 And Sopater of
Berea accompanied him to Asia—also Aristarchus and Secundus of the
Thessalonians, and Gaius of Derbe, and Timothy, and Tychicus and Trophimus of
Asia. 5 These men, going ahead, waited for us at Troas. 6 But we sailed away
from Philippi after the Days of Unleavened Bread, and in five days joined them
at Troas, where we stayed seven days.
Is this important? I believe it is. I believe God wants us to
see and know that the team is building. Not only do we see a long list of
names, but they are from all over. They are living proof that the gospel is
spreading all over the world. They are living proof that Paul is not a one man
show. He is building leaders. He is training evangelists and pastors and
teachers. Men who will do as he has done and more.
As a Seventh-day Adventist I believe in spreading the Gospel.
I believe the entire world needs to know how much God loves them and everything
Jesus has done, is doing, and will do for them. I believe that because I
believe the Bible. I believe what Jesus said. I believe when the good news goes
to all the world as a witness Jesus will return. I believe the book of
Revelation that repeatedly says the good news will be taken to every nation,
every family, every language, and every people.
This past summer I was at the Alberta camp meeting. For those
who don't know what that is, it's a week long retreat full of guest speakers,
activities, and ministry opportunities all designed to recharge our faith. It's
like a vacation spa retreat for the soul.

I had the privilege of sharing some things with the young
adults and as I was walking back to my campsite one evening a young adult
stopped me to ask me a question. She had two friends with her. She was from
Iran, one of her friends was from Albania, and the other from Bolivia. So there
we were standing on the grass under the setting sun of the prairie sky. None of
us were from Alberta but we had been brought together by our common faith in
Jesus.
Every nation. Every family. Every language. Every people.
It's happening. The mission Paul was one almost 2000 years
ago continues. The number of missionaries and the scope and vastness of the
mission is beyond anything Paul could have imagined.
What's the lesson? God knows the end from the beginning and
HiStory is unfolding just as He said it would. The only question is whether we
are going to part of His Story or plotting against Him and His team of good
news sharers.
I know where I am and I hope you're with us too.
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