November in these United States is when we celebrate the wonderful holiday of Thanksgiving – and we certainly have many things for which to be thankful! Christians should be the most thankful of all people because we recognize that all of the benefits and blessings we enjoy (and even take for granted) have come from God, including (most importantly) our salvation. This gift of eternal life, received through faith in Jesus Christ, should never be taken for granted nor kept to ourselves.
From September 20th – 24th eleven men launched into a Northeast SURGE to proclaim the blessings of God. Two teams headed out to different cities in four northeastern states – New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts. The goal was to Rescue the lost and Revive those who are saved. Both teams accomplished great things in the name of the Lord! Over 5,500 gospel tract were given out. The gospel was preached in the open air at universities and marketplaces across the Northeast. Several prayed for salvation and healing. Agnostics and atheists were challenged in conversation and the open air-proclamation of the gospel.
While my team was on the campus of Yale in Connecticut for 4.5 hours preaching the gospel, I was in awe that we were given this opportunity. We had free reign on many of the campuses. At one point three of us were preaching simultaneously at Yale a block away from each other. Many in other countries would literally have been jailed or martyred in this scenario. Yet we have an open door that is set before us (Revelation 3). “Freely you have received, freely give.” (Matthew 10:8)
These words of Jesus echo in my ears and heart as we offer the Good News of salvation and eternal life that only comes by faith in the finished work of Christ on the cross. The realization of these truths ought to have us in a state of thanksgiving all the time.
My friends how much longer do we have? How much longer do you have? Tomorrow is not to be taken for granted. Life is but a vapor. You may not be called to open air preach around the Northeast, but you certainly are called to share this gospel of grace with others (Mark 16:15; Matthew 28:18-20).
A sincere “Thank you!” to all who supported this Crusade. Many prayed, many gave, and many will be rewarded for their efforts in sending forth the gospel. It is humbling to know how many different saints were part of this work that has God’s fingerprints on it. All glory and honor to Christ alone!
What does the future hold? Lord willing, in September of 2018 The Rescue and Revive Crusade will preach the gospel to the rest of the Northeast in Maine, New Hampshire, the Cape Cod section of Massachusetts, and Vermont. In the meantime, remember that time is short. Continue praying and continue giving thanks to our most gracious God!
