Zambia Hunt

When we talk about missions, we must begin where all true missions begin, with God Himself. Before we speak of strategy, geography, or calling, we must look at the One whose plan shapes our lives and directs the course of history.

At its core, this is what the book of Ephesians is all about. Track Paul’s argument through this incredible letter, and you will be struck by how deeply theological it is, especially in the first three chapters. I use the word “theological” in the sense of theology proper: the study of God. Who is God? What is He like? What is He doing in relation to His world? Ephesians pulls back the curtain and reveals the Father’s magnificent plan. The whole Trinity is involved, but Paul draws our attention especially to the Father’s role in this great redemptive work.

We can summarize the entire book of Ephesians in two sentences:

God the Father designed a Great Salvation through His Son, manifested in the Church, Christ’s body (Ephesians 1–3). Because of this, only a walk that is worthy should be presented to our Great God (Ephesians 4–6).

This is the foundation of missions: God has a plan, and He equips His people to carry it out. And wonderfully, we can be absolutely sure that His plan will be fulfilled. One day, at the end of all things, people from every tribe, tongue, people, and nation will fall on their faces and worship King Jesus (Revelation 5). That worship will continue forever and ever.

Of course, when we look at the world today, at language groups with no known believers it can be difficult to imagine how all of this will unfold. I don’t know about you, but I want to be involved in this harvest of souls.

Thinking About God’s Plan and Our Part in It

If the first part of the mission is marveling at God’s plan, the second part is thinking carefully about how we enter into that plan. God’s mission involves every believer, so how should we approach it?

• How do I discern what God wants me to do?
• Should I move to fulfill this plan?
  Have you ever heard the expression, “God can only steer a moving vessel”? If that’s true, then where do I start moving to?

And then there is the question of strategy. Is the place I’m considering strategic in terms of gospel need? I heard of a young missionary who changed fields because he felt the first country did not need additional church planters from the USA, but the second one did. These are not small considerations.

The reality is that your thinking is crucial to effective cross-cultural ministry. Some missionaries are incredibly busy, but not necessarily effective. The same can be true for those who serve here in Zambia, or in Kenya, Malawi, or wherever you call home.

Missions demands more than activity; it demands thoughtful obedience rooted in the character and purposes of God.

Conclusion

Ephesians reminds us that God’s plan for the nations is unstoppable and anchored in His own glory. Our task is to understand that plan, worship the God who designed it, and step into the part He has assigned to us. Whether we go, send, disciple, give, or pray, every believer has a role in this great story.

And the end of the story is certain:
Jesus will be worshiped by all peoples. The only question is how we will participate in fulfilling God’s plan for that great day?