A task unfinished
Go into the world and make disciples of all.
With the Spirit's power this task was enacted,
the Ethiopian was baptised in response to this call
and Cornelius, a gentile, to the Church was added
The apostle Paul then took up the reins
Travelling the Roman Empire proclaiming Christ crucified
Preaching and writing, as he took great pains
To encourage the growing Church to commit their lives.
The ensuing centuries saw a continuing spread of the Church,
sadly including division and acrimony between those who would lead.
However at all times there were those who were true to the Word,
who, guided by the Spirit, expressed their faith in both word and deed,
By the nineteenth century in Britain, a new impetus was needed
William Carey expressed a concern to take the gospel to lands overseas
As a result he dedicated his life to serve the Lord in India
To be known henceforth as 'the father of modern missionaries'
The twentieth century expanded the range of missionary endeavour
to include translation of the Scripture into the tongues of unknown tribes
five young men gave their lives to reach the Aucas of Ecuador
as a result thousands more committed themselves to dedicate their lives.
Missionary tasks remain to be done in our world today,
both in the wealthy West and in the so called third world.
The continued need for the gospel has changed in no way,
but how shall they hear if they are never told of God's Word.
So we too must be prepared to be witnesses to the Word
For it is by our words backed up by action that the Church will grow
And hasten as it does so, the glorious coming of the Lord
As the victorious King of creation when every knee to Him shall bow.
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