There are two quotes from history that I find deeply inspiring. The first is from William Carey, often called the “Father of Modern Missions.” He said, “Expect great things from God, attempt great things for God.” This 18th-century missionary sought to encourage followers of Jesus to have high expectations of God’s power and to take Spirit-led, bold actions to advance the Kingdom of God.
The second quote comes from President Theodore Roosevelt, part of a larger speech he delivered in Paris on April 23, 1910. Roosevelt said:
“It is not the critic who counts; not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles, or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs, who comes up short again and again, because there is no effort without error or shortcoming; but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions; who spends himself in a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
What do these quotes have in common? I would argue that, though these men came from different generations and served in different arenas, both possessed a profound understanding of the need for a vision worthy of commitment. That same principle is evident in the words of Jesus just before His ascension. In Acts 1:6-8, we read:
“So when they had come together, they asked him, ‘Lord, are you restoring the kingdom to Israel at this time?’ He said to them, ‘It is not for you to know times or periods that the Father has set by his own authority. But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.'”
The followers of Jesus were still thinking in terms of an earthly kingdom, focused on Israel. But Jesus pointed them to something far greater and eternal — the Kingdom of God.
As we look around our communities and region, we see much growth and change. According to information provided by MissionInsite, the growth rate of the three counties that make up the Ogeechee River Baptist Association is projected to be 8.28% over the next five years. This exceeds the State of Georgia’s projected growth rate of 6.29% for the same period. Reaching those who are coming to this region — as well as those who are already here — with the Gospel will require the same boldness advocated by William Carey and Theodore Roosevelt. And it will require a vision worthy of commitment, just as Jesus commanded.
It is my privilege to serve as your associational missionary. Alongside your Strategy Development Team, we are seeking to discern God’s vision for His Association and discover how our 37 congregations can partner in advancing the Kingdom and fulfilling the Great Commission.
I’m here to support you and your church in a variety of ways, including consultations on church life and ministry. If you ever need someone for pulpit supply or a ministry event, I’d be honored to help.
In Christ,
Jeff