Contagious, Passionate Disciples, Where are They?

Contagious, passionate followers of Jesus! Have you ever met one?

You know it when you do. Recently one of our pioneering SIU partners from Nepal came through town to visit our team and other U.S. organizations that support his overseas ministry. He is a soft-spoken, humble “Man of Peace” who smiles often. The light of Christ and the joy of the Lord are evident in his life. He and his leadership team from Nepal are doing something unique.

First of all this fearless leader and his team of passionate disciple-makers from Nepal are pioneering the use of Story and the Oral Arts. Furthermore they use stories based on the living Word of God to plant house-churches and make new disciples of Christ. Additionally, they ministry specifically among Buddhist-worshiping people groups in Laos, Cambodia, Mongolia, Bhutan, Myanmar, China and other countries in close proximity. Most noteworthy, his passion for the Lord and positive attitude are truly contagious. He has so many stories of great courage and faith in entering places where most would walk the other direction because of the risk involved. Hollywood could not write a better script from some of his travels and experiences.

What Really Inspires?

During one of our meetings, I had a chance to ask him what really inspires him to do what he does and to have the courage and strength it takes to go into risky, unreached places. I thought I might hear him say something like “the love of Christ” or “the lost needing a Savior” or another response I have heard before. But he responded with something that moved me deeply.

“Kent – I found this Pearl of Great Value. I sold everything I have to obtain it, and now I get to share it with others!”

This man of God said it with such passion and genuine, childlike simplicity that to be honest, it caught me a little off guard. After finding Jesus and the salvation that comes with the Lord, this leader had left his previous life to pursue a life of giving everything he has for the calling of Christ Jesus.

His surprising response immediately brought a big smile to my face and the parable of the Pearl of Great Value to my mind. Let me share Jesus’ words with you from Matthew 13:45-46 (NIV):

“Again, the kingdom of heaven is like a merchant looking for fine pearls. When he found one of great value, he went away and sold everything he had and bought it.”

What joy, contentment and peace I witnessed in this dear brother’s testimony and courage. It encourages me much to “get out of my comfort zone” and share the same Pearl of Great Value with others.

So have you found that Pearl? What treasure will you give up on this earth to possess it? Consider the value of this life versus the next. … Is it worth it to you?