After two thousand years of church history and all the advances in human technology, still there remains many places on earth where the name of Christ has never been known. This cannot be.
“…and thus I make it my ambition to preach the gospel, not where Christ has already been named, lest I build on someone else’s foundation, but as it is written, ‘Those who have never been told of Him will see, and those who have never heard will understand.’” Romans 15:20,21
While all Christians should live their lives faithfully serving in their local churches, some of those Christians need to go plant churches in other locations of the world. God deserves glory from every tribe and tongue.
“And they sang a new song, saying, ‘Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation, and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.’” Revelation 5:9,10
How will people know the living God and be saved from their sin when they have no access to the Scriptures? Who will give them access?
“How then will they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how are they to believe in Him of whom they have never heard? And how are they to hear without someone preaching? And how are they to preach unless they are sent? As it is written, ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who preach the good news!’” Romans 10:14,15
Missions is a command from the Lord. Whether one trudges into the tribe himself or “holds the ropes” for his friend, the whole church must be involved.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’” Matthew 28:18-20