The Urgency of the Gospel

March 1, 2003 - There's nothing like a visit to the poor side of Africa to quicken your pulse for evangelism.

by Franklin Graham

When I visited Sudan recently to deliver gifts through Operation Christmas Child, I was reminded of what a privilege, responsibility and urgency we have as ambassadors for Christ.

At the Samaritan's Purse hospital in Sudan, I met a young boy named John who was probably within days of dying because of tumors in his neck. The hospital was doing everything possible to ease his pain and suffering, and we were able to brighten his day with a shoe box full of toys and candy. Children in the hospital community were scheduled to receive their gifts a couple of days later, but we realized that John probably could not wait.

Thanks to the witness of that Christian hospital, John and his family do not have to face his death without knowing the hope of eternal life through Jesus Christ, who has defeated death. But it was sobering to think of how many die without ever hearing the Gospel. And it was challenging to think that many of us live so comfortably—so far away from little John—that we see evangelism as something that can wait.

There is nothing more urgent than telling the world about the incomparable love of Jesus Christ and the saving grace of God. There is no greater way to demonstrate Christlike compassion. "For Christ's love compels us," Paul said, explaining his motivation for telling the world about Jesus (2 Corinthians 5:14, NIV). We need no other reason.