Reaching the Nations Within Our Nation

Romans 10:14 says, “How, then, can they call on the one they have not believed in? And how can they believe in the one of whom they have not heard? And how can they hear without someone preaching to them? And how can anyone preach unless they are sent? As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” It was this verse that spoke to Anna Smith, a Blue Mountain College Senior, and convicted her heart to serve on the mission field this summer.

Serving in Ocean City, Maryland, Anna had the chance to minister to children through Vacation Bible School and to work with international students in the afternoons. From the States, only hours from home, Anna was able to speak with students from across the globe who had come to America with open minds, ready to learn. Thinking back on this opportunity, she stated, “While I was there, I was able to reach the Nations in just one place. The [international students] come searching and open to just about anything. Why not reach them where they are?”

So, that was her drive, to get to know these students and through knowing them share the good news of the Gospel with them. Anna told the story of an important memory of the need for Christian’s hearts to be turned towards missions. On a day when several of the international students had the opportunity to go on a tour of Washington D.C. along with the missionaries, a student named Allen from Thailand told Anna that her and the team of missionaries were the only American friends that he’d made during his time in the States thus far.

“Honestly that broke my heart,” Smith recounted. “It hit me that Americans are so stuck in their ways and don’t want to reach out to people who might not be from here.” As usual, however, there is always a lesson to be learned when on the mission field. Anna went on, “But then this situation also reminded me so much of Jesus and how he loved everyone no matter where they were from.”

Finally, Anna spoke of the lesson she learned about God’s sovereignty. For many years she had wrestled with the thought of so many that have not yet been saved, a reality that working with international students brought to light. However, Anna learned she could trust in the power of God to call those who will come to Him, and this, she said, taught her patience to allow the Gospel to run its course. If we go, God will take care of the rest.