World Mandate Update

21 years ago around 60 students gathered in a cafeteria in Waco, Texas to ask God to send His presence and then send them to the nations of the world. They called the gathering World Mandate. This weekend Im here with 10 people from Mosaic to join with 3000 other students still asking for God to do the same.

The mission is massive.  Around the world there are 2.1 billion people yet to hear about Jesus.  Moreover 27 million are trapped in modern day slavery and around 800,000 are trafficked every year to be used in the sex industry. 

However, God is at work.  I have just been to a small meeting where Steve Smith (a church planting movements trainer) told us about some of the largest moves of God being experienced around the world. 

The largest (he knows of) is in SW China where in the last 8 years, 1.5-2 million people have been saved.  It started with one man being saved and realising that the Holy Spirit wanted to either convert people or train people. 

Therefore he aggressively sought out unbelievers, they were saved and then sent them out to find more unbelievers and then do the same again!  They were totally convinced that the Holy Spirit would convict people of their sins (1 Thess 1:4-5 For we know, brothers loved by God, that he has chosen you, because our gospel came to you not simply with words, but also with power, with the Holy Spirit and with deep conviction…) and then teach them to live Godly lives (Jn 14:26 But the Counselor, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you).  So far, the multiplication of salvations goes on.

Steve believes that we have the potential to see an unprecedented revival across the planet.  With only 600 people groups left untouched by missionary efforts the up and coming generation may have the opportunity to literally see the gospel go to every tribe and tongue.  Matt 24:14 tells us that this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in every nation and then the end will come. 

I wonder what would happen if English Christians shared this sense of faith for world mission?  Our desire is for each of us in Mosaic to see ourselves as either senders or goers. 

If we are senders then we live missional lives in Leeds and offer prayer, resources and support for those preparing to go.

If we are goers then we are called to invest, live the missional life here in Leeds, but get training, discipleship and eventually get sent to help plant churches across the globe.

Please pray for us this weekend, we want to come back changed and envisioned for the Great Commission (Matt 28:18-20).  And please pray for Mosaic that together, we would keep focused on the task of loving Jesus and making him famous in every people group around the globe.  The harvest is out there, we simply need to trust God for it.  John 4:35 Do you not say, there are yet four months, then comes the harvest? Look, I tell you, lift up your eyes, and see that the fields are white for harvest.