November 7, 2024 | Silver Spring, Maryland, United States | Ted N.C. Wilson, President, General Conference of Seventh-day Adventists
As Christ’s followers, we are familiar with our Lord’s promise and command given just before His ascension:
“All authority has been given to Me in heaven and on earth,” He said. “Go, therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age” (Matt. 28:17-20, NKJV).
As Seventh-day Adventists, we have taken this command very seriously, and by God’s grace, have entered 212 countries and territories around the world. While we praise God for His leading, we also pray especially for our members who live in areas where religious freedom is very limited or even non-existent.
In one such country, persecution has recently been on the rise, with the burning of churches and merciless beatings of Christians. It is within such an atmosphere that our dear members are called to carry out Christ’s command to reach those within their communities for Him.
We praise the Lord for the courage and strength He has given to His people in this country as they move ahead despite the risk of persecution.
Since public evangelism is highly risky, our members in this country are embracing Global Total Member Involvement as a way to reach their friends and neighbors.
Multiple TMI trainings have taken place, empowering leaders to teach others, giving them tools, and making sure that the philosophy of personal evangelism is embedded within the culture. So far, more than 3,000 people have received training. To help facilitate this outreach, the Global TMI Church planner has been translated into the multiple languages of this country and is being implemented in an organized effort across this territory.
As a result of planning, 1 million Adventist members are engaged in literature distribution to their friends and neighbors. Furthermore, 1,182 small groups are being formed for the purpose of Bible study and fellowship. And in two of the regions of this country, the Discipleship Handbook, translated into the local languages, is being used to mentor new members.
Despite the difficulties of this region, young and old are participating in Global TMI, where lay members play a pivotal role in carrying out the Gospel Commission.
Inspiration affirms, “To us also the commission is given. We are bidden to go forth as Christ’s messengers. . . Whatever the difficulties with which we may have to contend, whatever the trials we may have to endure, the gracious promise is always ours, ‘Lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world’” (Evangelism, p. 15).
Wherever you live, you too are called to reach others with the last-day message God has entrusted to His remnant church. If you would like to learn more about Global Total Member Involvement and access resources, such as the Global TMI Church Planner and the Discipleship Handbook, I encourage you to visit globaltmi.org [Insert: globaltmi.org] today! Now is the time to get involved! Jesus is coming soon! Maranatha!