In this last installment of our series on the proper focus of the ministry and the believer, we are drawn to our Lord's last command, given to His disciples immediately before His ascension:

"Go into all the world and make disciples of every nation, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe those things that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the age". (Matt. 28:19-20 NKJV)

Our first observation is that these statements are not mere suggestions, to be fulfilled or not depending on our whims. They are imperatives, given as a commander would issue battle orders to his soldiers. Indeed, ever since Eden, the devil has waged a vigorous campaign to steal, kill, and destroy the hearts of men. However, the Lord's intervention on the cross paid the penalty for sin, making possible the restoration of the relationship that we were created to have with Him. In turn, we have been entrusted and commanded as God's soldiers to disseminate this glorious Gospel message.

Therefore, let's take a few moments to briefly analyze the fundamentals of this "Great Commission". The first clause is very basic: "Go into all the world...every nation". Since all men are of one blood, through Noah and back to Adam, there is no preference or exclusion from the blood of Christ because of nationality or ethnicity. The atoning work of Christ is for all people, everywhere. We are not to keep this news to ourselves.

As we are going into the world, we are to "make disciples". A "disciple" is more than just a student. A disciple, in a very real sense, has no life of his own, but rather immerses himself in and endeavors to emulate the thought patterns, attitudes and motives, words and actions of the one he is following. This is what we are called to be, and what we are called to produce in others: not just students of the Bible, but imitators of Christ.

In this pursuit, we are to "baptize" these disciples in the Name of the Triune God. In the Scriptures, physical baptism was to be an outward sign and testimony of a repentant heart and complete dedication to follow the one in who's name they were baptized. Likewise, we are to encourage and provide an opportunity for new disciples to publicly display their renunciation of their old life and their commitment to follow Christ.

"Teaching them to observe those things that I have commanded you" is the next directive. As children must be carefully fed and nurtured to grow strong and healthy, so it is our responsibility to teach the commands and precepts of Christ - by word and in action - with accuracy, thoroughness, and passion. In so doing, we must be diligent to grow in our own walk with the Lord, for just as children physically resemble their parents, so will those whom we are "discipling" be influenced to spiritually resemble us.

This "Great Commission" then concludes with the great promise, "and behold, I am with you always, even until the end of the age". It is this promise of His presence that gives us the courage, boldness, wisdom, and power to be obedient to His command. In reality, we cannot fulfill this or any of Christ's commands on our own. He is the one who works in and through us as we seek and learn to rest in His presence with us.

In closing, remember that the specifics of how and where you and I fulfill our part of the great commission are not up to ourselves. As disciples, we are followers. Our part is to seek the Lord for His direction in what we are to do, where we are to go, and whom we are to influence....

...and may He, in every way possible, truly use us to

Glorify His Name,
Strengthen His Church, and
Extend His Kingdom.

In His Service,
Stephen P. Tecklenberg
President

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Who Are We? Introducing Our Directors...

With this issue, we conclude our series of introductions with the newest member of the Board, Mr. Tom Simon.

Born into a military household, Tom went to California as a young man to take up a job as a salesman in the construction industry. It was there that he met his wife, Joyce, who herself had just come to faith in Christ. Having convinced her that he was indeed a Christian, she accepted his proposal of marriage, only to discover very quickly that his "testimony" was entirely of outward works and rituals and not representative of true repentance or conversion of the heart.
Joyce began praying earnestly for her husband. God graciously answered her prayers within their first month of marriage, and Tom was won to Christ through her testimony and through the teaching of the Word he had started to receive while attending church with her.

A few years later, after moving to Maryland, Tom and Joyce began attending Fellowship Chapel in Jarrettsville. It was there that Tom heard of our Romanian summer camp program, for which he enthusiastically applied, and in which he served with his whole heart.

Tom's faithfulness, boldness, and godly character displayed in that mission were brought to the attention of the Board of Directors, who in December of last year voted unanimously to bring him on as a Member.

We are very thankful for Tom and the influence that he brings, and look forward to much time of service with him in the future.

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Ministry Reports

Mini Creation Seminar - April 2 and 3, we were privileged to host Mr. Geoff Stevens of Answers in Genesis for a lecture series on Creation. Up to 300 people attended those sessions on "Genesis and the Authority of Scripture", "A Creationist Answers His Critics", and more.

Spring Round-Up - On April 29, approximately 150 people joined us for a day of family-oriented activities. The evening featured a Chuckwagon supper and Gospel sing-along with The Beachmont Boys, with their distinctive Old-West style of music.

Grand Western Adventure - On May 20, we embarked on this unique educational tour with 23 individuals from all over the country. Our itinerary included such notable places as Grand, Zion, and Bryce Canyons, Cedar Breaks, and Lake Powell. In addition to our studies on the Biblical interpretation of the origins of these landmarks, we were joined by Geoff Stevens of Answers In Genesis, who provided a captivating series of lectures on the relevance of what we were observing to the Christian faith.