Christ said in Mark 16:15, “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature.” He said in Matthew 28:19-20, “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Ghost; Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you.” This is called the Great Commission. It takes many forms, utilizing the myriad of gifts each has been given under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. As we close out this very difficult year, where those who follow Christ were demonized as bigots, hatemongers and more, let’s think about how we make disciples, and what we are up against in “The Mission.” In some places, it can be very dangerous.
The mission work we do in Ghana, West Africa is both difficult and dangerous. We have documented some of what we are dealing with regarding human trafficking. It’s a big problem. It’s a problem that is Islamic-based. Not all Muslims are into human trafficking and drug smuggling, but when you look at who we are dealing with in West Africa in the rural areas, it is the Muslim influence. They are aggressors. They steal land and dare the authorities to do something about it. They steal children and often nothing can be done about it. The authorities do not have the resources to fight the traffickers of drugs and humans. When we, as Christians, stand against them, it is with considerable risk. Please understand this.
For example, we have heard stories from time to time about the Boko Haram terrorist group nabbing children in Nigeria—right next door to Ghana. Boko Haram is affiliated with the Islamic State. On Christmas Eve, this group came into a village, killed seven people, nabbed a pretty teen girl, and stole food. In 2014, they abducted 276 school girls in the very same area. The Fulani is a tribe also associated with Boko Haram. They operate in the rural areas of Ghana and are often behind the violence, kidnapping and theft of land in areas where the Daily Jot and Redeem West Africa ministry provides food, clean water, clothing and the Word of God to children and their families. The churches in nearby Accra want no part of the dangers we face. The Islamic influence is like a massive organized crime network, and you know what that means.
Our latest feeding program of over 250 rural underserved children had a new twist inspired by 13-year-old cowboy Bronc Hibdon of Missouri. We fed children nutritious food, the Word of God, AND educated them on how to avoid being nabbed by the deceptive tricks of a human trafficker. This is a great formula for making disciples. Over 60 children accepted the gift of salvation and who knows how many may have been saved from a life of slavery, sex slavery, or even death from the harvesting of their organs. This is our mission. When you support The Daily Jot, this is how your money is spent, how your prayers are answered, how the Word is preached, how disciples are made, how people are clothed, fed, and loved. It makes a difference. Are you with us? ‘Just something to consider as we enter the new year. We want to step it up.
