As Martha and I have been reflecting on Psalm 67, a simple yet profound truth continues to weigh on our hearts: “May God be gracious to us and bless us and make his face to shine upon us, that your way may be known on earth, your saving power among all nations” (vv. 1-2, emphasis mine).
We often pray for God’s blessing, for his provision, and for his peace, especially in uncertain times. But why do we pray for these things? The ultimate goal of all we ask from God is not merely our own comfort or safety—it’s that his glory would be made known among the nations.
I know many of us feel a burden for our country and the world right now. When we look at the headlines, the cultural unrest, and the tensions between nations, the grief we experience can be overwhelming. But as believers, our hope is grounded in something far greater than circumstances: our confidence that God’s way will be made known, his name will be glorified, and the knowledge of Christ will reach the farthest corners of the earth. When we remember that, our prayers take on new purpose and power.
Our ABWE teammates around the globe are zealous for this divine cause. We exist specifically to serve the local church in order to grow the global church. Our work is not merely about sending missionaries or funding projects; it’s about partnering with you, the body of Christ, to see the gospel reach every tribe, tongue, and nation. It’s a humbling and awe-inspiring calling, but we know that Christ himself is building his church. As Jesus said, “the gates of hell will not prevail against it” (Matthew 16:18).
That is why we serve. He will bless us, he will make his face to shine upon us, and he will use us so that his ways may be known—across every land and people.
This is why I’m especially excited to introduce this new missionary issue of Message. We are celebrating 76 new workers with ABWE and two with ABWE Canada who have answered the call to serve Christ in some of the 89 countries where ABWE has an active ministry presence. These new missionaries, alongside the churches who send them, are part of the great work our God is doing to make his name known among the nations.
As you read this issue of Message, be encouraged by the stories of how God is working relentlessly for his glory, even in a chaotic world, through his servants who answer the call to go to the ends of the earth. And by his grace, we are privileged to participate in our God’s mission.
