A Call to Prayer

Dear COGH Follower of Christ,

At General Camp this year, the theme was focused on the question, “What is the church?” One truth that was shared over and over was this:

“The church is a gathering of believers who are called by God to reach their communities, country, and world.”

On Thursday mornings the World Missions Board knows that I take extended time to focus on praying and connecting with God. The hours spent in His presence have been so precious to me. Part of my time with Him is spent discerning His will for COGH World Missions. 

This morning the following phrase touched my heart deeply: “These are the days of the harvest.” I sensed, again, that we are living in crucial times. Harvesting needs to take place.

The Need

There is so much more that needs to be done in regards to evangelizing this world—new fields need to be reached, more missionaries are needed to disciple and equip the saints. We need believers to respond to God’s call to go. The COGH has some really great missionaries, but if we’re honest, they are few in number.

 The Bible tells us that we are to pray to the Lord of the Harvest for workers (Matthew 9:38). I know God is calling. But are believers in the Churches of God (Holiness) responding to His call? 

Around a year ago, I asked the Churches of God (Holiness) to pray and fast for individuals within our churches to respond to the missionary call. Reporting back to you, I received only one response. 

The Challenge

I like reading the works of Oswald Smith, but sometimes what he writes is deeply convicting. Here is one of his quotes:

“Any church not involved in the Great Commission has forfeited its Biblical right to exist.”

I have been praying to the Lord of the harvest. I have been praying for believers to respond to the call to go. Will you join me?

Now Is the Time

I am setting the month of July for us to focus our prayers on World Missions. Why? Because many camps are taking place during this month. I am praying that, during camp meetings, the message of GOING will be preached and there will be affirming responses from those attending the camps.

If you will join me in praying, please let me know. My email address is jim.lo@coghworldmissions.org. During July I will plan to send out prayer requests and encouragements.

Thank you for listening to this ordinary servant of God who has a burden for the lost.

Sincerely,

Dr Jim “Umfundisi” Lo+

World Missions Director