Recently, I was asked to write a column for the youth group website on missions. I accepted the offer, and I'll be writing and updating this column semi-regularly. I hope you'll read it; mainly because I think it is SO easy to get caught in the trap of thinking, "Who really cares what's happening on the other side of the world?" I've fallen into that trap several times, but I know it really is important what's happening on the other side of the world. It's important to know what's taking place around the world when it comes to winning souls for Christ.

I love the idea of people all over the world hearing the gospel, and having a chance to know Christ. Whenever I think about the verse in the Bible that says, "Every knee shall bow and every tongue shall confess..." I get goosebumps! And with as exciting as that verse is, it has a sad element to it as well. For some of those who will bow their knees and confess with their tongues, it will be too late. Yes, they'll do it, but it won't count. That saddens me.

So for me, missions means that the people who get out on the "mission field" are giving all those(mostly clueless) people a chance at bowing their knee and confessing with their tongue now!

Being a part of that, whether it be through prayer, financial support, or being a missionary yourself, is exciting! And the purpose ofthe articles I plan on writing are to awaken us to what is really going on all around the world and even in our own cities with the missionaries that we support. I want us at Living Word Fellowship to be aware of who we are supporting, where they are at, and what they are doing. Hopefully it will inspire us to pray for them, and to question our own lack of courage when it comes to the mission field around us. Whether or not we ever leave our counrty or town, there is a mission field right where we are at.

God has commanded us to "Go into all the world and preach the gospel"(Mark 15:16) so we need to do it. No questions asked.