By Pastor Samuel Sinyangwe
The Bible opens with a portrayal of God not only as the gracious creator and sustainer of the universe (Gen 1:1,2; Col 1:16), but also as the missional God who searches for the lost with the intent of finding and securing them (Gen 3:9; Luke 15:3-7; Mat 15:24). In like manner, God desires those who are named after His name to have a mission mindset (Gen 4: 9; Mat 15:24; 2Cor 5:15).
The last quinquenium saw the Church mainstreaming evangelism with emphasis on “REACH THE WORLD” and “TOTAL MEMBER INVOLVEMENT.” During this quinquenium (2020-2025), the world Church will still continue with the reach the world theme but with renewed emphasis on the understanding that before all can be called upon, God is calling upon all believers to take mission personally. The theme – “I Will Go Preach the Three Angels Messages” is premised on the call Isaiah received from God (Isa 6:8). Under the “I Will Go” strategy, emphasis will be placed on three focus areas, which are:
- Mission
- Spiritual Growth, and
- Leadership
It is our firm belief that, as church leaders at every level of our Church we will take it upon ourselves to ensuring that the preaching of the everlasting gospel as summarized in the three angels messages is prioritized in all our planning.
As a Church, we cannot afford misappropriating this golden privilege of being the light and salt to the world like Israel of old did (Isa 5; Ezek 22:14-22). As leaders serving under God’s guidance we implore you and play that all Seventh day Adventist Church Members in Northern Zambia Union and beyond become animated by the Spirit of Christ and begin to live God’s mission as experienced during the apostolic times. Ellen G. White testifies to this fact by pointing out that, “One interest prevailed. One object swallowed up all others. All hearts beat in harmony. The only ambition of the believers was to reveal the likeness of Christ’s character, and to labour for the enlargement of His kingdom” (Christ Object Lessons, p. 120).
I Will Go, Will You?