In Matthew 28 we are commanded, “Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." (Matthew 28:19-20 NASB)

 

Acts 1:8 provides us with a perfect philosophy of missions: “…and you shall be My witnesses both in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and even to the remotest part of the earth." (NASB) This verse gives us a great outline of how we are to conduct missions through the local church. Understanding these four areas (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the rest of the world) helps us understand how we are to fulfill the Great Commission of Matthew 28. It is easy to think of these areas as circles of influence – each encompassing a greater area to which we are commanded to spread the Gospel.

 

(1) “Jerusalem” would be our local mission field – the area comprised in the Roanoke Valley and Southwest Virginia

(2) “Judea” would be the larger area involved in missions throughout the state of Virginia

(3) “Samaria” would be even a greater influence within our country – on the level of national missions

(4) “remotest part of the earth” would involve our presence in international missions.

 

Why do we travel internationally to serve on the field?

Simple – to fulfill the command given to us in Matthew 28 and Acts 1.

 

As the Missions Pastor of Bethel Baptist Church, I believe God has called us to have hands-on involvement in all the four areas of missions as demonstrated in Acts 1:8 – not just involvement by sending money alone.

 

Pray that we will be the “hands and feet” of Jesus to the people of the Roanoke Valley, Virginia, the United States and all around the world.

Opportunities to Serve in Missions

LOCAL:
Food Pantry - ministry of Bethel Baptist Church
Straight Street - ministry to the Roanoke Valley

STATE:
Involvement through the Virginia Baptist Association projects

NATIONAL:
College - WorldChangers (Summer) - Work-Related Projects
Youth - Mission Serve (Summer) - Work-Related Projects

INTERNATIONAL:
Adult Missions Trip (Summer) - Minister to Children & Youth
Adult Missions Trip (Winter Trip) - Work-Related Projects