In 18th century England there was virtually no zeal in the church to participate in reaching “every nation” with the gospel. But William Carey (b. 1761) had different ideas than most of his contemporaries. His heart was stirred for the unreached.
While working as a shoe maker, William Carey made a simple map and marked out the areas of the world where the gospel had not been preached and continued to spend much time praying over this map.
As Carey began to make his intentions known to actively participate in the Great Commission he was strongly opposed. Once at a church meeting when Carey suggested the discussion-topic “The conversion of the heathen“, a minister in the church stood up and said, “Young man, sit down! When God pleases to convert the heathen, he will do it without your help or mine!” Yet Carey was not deterred by this discouragement. He persevered with his God-inspired purpose by making statements such as “Expect great things from God: attempt great things for God.”
The focus of his early missionary work was India. Another man who shared Carey’s passion for the unreached was Andrew Fuller. But Fuller knew that His calling and role in the mission was to be different than Carey’s. Andrew Fuller said to William, “It is clear that there is a rich mine of gold in India; if you will go down I will hold the ropes.”
Carey defied the complacency of his age and went to India to reach the unreached. In doing so he is now known as “The Father of Modern Missions”. His life was incredibly fruitful despite the intensely difficult circumstances that make his story an inspiring read.
Just as it was then, so it is now. Missionaries still need someone to hold the ropes.
Not every one is called to the same role that William Carey was called to within the mission, but all followers of Christ are called to the same mission: reaching the lost and making disciples of all nations.
Facilitating the “rope holding” for me are those at the Every Nation Ministries office in Nashville, TN. I’m thankful to know that there are people there who are just as passionate about the gospel and the mission as I am and who are committed to serving within their role with all their might!
I’m thankful for a local church that believes in and supports, both in word and deed, missions efforts both in our city and around the world.
Still more, I am thankful for all the people that God has brought together with us in ministry partnership, supporting us in prayer and finances.
I certainly can’t do much alone. I need people holding the ropes.