Who Will Go for Us?

One of the foremost reasons the Church exist is for missions. The Church today needs missions within and outside ofits fold. Many Churches have become so weak that it is no longer focusing on theouter world. Missions can exist if only the Church is strong. The zeal for missions is waning because the Church is dying within. A dying man can never give life to someone else. Today many churches are living on the defence rather than on the offense. Satan seems to have tricked us with silly little fights, ego clash, and ministry-competingwith one another. That’s undoubtedly the spirit of the world. It is earthly, unspiritual, and devilish. Spiritual pride seems to have killed our sense of unity and oneness among believers. Satan’s agents are slowly enticing and invading the Church (not of Christ). Jesus said that even the kingdom of darkness stands because they are united. But we, Christians today, can’t agree even on a single point. Maybe that’s overstated! But then how do we expectto achieve mighty exploits for God in such a muddled state? The plundering of hell to populate heaven can only be done when the Church fights on the same battle line. The church may be involved in a whole bunch of activities but that does not imply that it is spiritually strong. The health of a Church is not measured by Church attendance or programmes but by missions and evangelism. Many Churches today seems to have become an entertainment room for scores of un-regenerated souls. The preachers are afraid of offending and so watered down the gospel and the call to walk in sobriety and holinessare kept in suspense. “Entertainment is the devil’s substitute for joy” says, Leonard Ravenhill. Nagaland goal of missions should be achieved by combined efforts of all denominations. The denominational barrier should be removed for God’s glory. In this, we don’t mean that the Church merged together and form another group of dissidents or camp. But that the church should work together in accomplishing the missions of God. We believe that in the last days, the true church will rise as one irrespective of denominations. If theChurch can’t let go off the small little doctrinal differences, they have no right to be teaching the word of God to the world to reconcile, forgive or to come to a point of peace. Denomination is a disease, too painful and excruciating to touch but the healing balm is too precious to be unused. Denominational disease in our land needs healing and this can be washed with the oil of the Spirit. The call to pray for revival in our land is stirring within the souls of many remnant believers. It is this hope that is keeping our Churches alive. The way out of our own socio-moral-political maladies will not be solved by any human deliberations and talks. It will be by revival and prayer alone. We firmly believe that with all our hearts! One field that the Churches are bypassing is in the area of mission to the drug addicts, alcoholics, HIV patients, prisoners, physically disabled, mentally retarded, old age and orphans. Paying a visit would not do much, the Church need to fully support and grant them assistance. The participation of government in missions will prove very beneficial. The government of Dutch, Portuguese and Spanish in the 18th and 19th Century send their own missionaries under the flag of their countries with full sponsorship. It was through them that the missionaries were able to accomplish much for Christ. Without financial aid, missions can do very little. Today, the secular world is trying to separate the religious aspect in its domain. But we do not hold on to that view. We believe the Church and the government should work hand in gloves to establish the kingdom of God on the earth. The government should work together with all the Churches irrespective of denominations in fulfilling the promise and the Great Commission of God. According to statistics, Islam is the fastest growing religion in the world and is expected to outstrip Christianity by the end of the century. Now, as Christians, that’s alarming. Although, missions in the past centuries have been so radical, there is a looming sleepiness and enchantment that has hovered among the Christendom in this generation. No doubt the Church has grown in wealth and possession but the question is, “Are we content with our Christian missions within and to the outside world?” If not, then whom do we expect to encompass the mission field for God’s glory and fame? Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, “Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?” (Isa. 6:8).

Pavi Pao, Husezo Rhakho and Vebu Khamo Kohima Bible College