The words of Christ are familiar to His followers: “Go ye into all the world, and preach the gospel to every creature” (Mark 16:15).
What is so striking about this powerful command? The everlasting gospel is go to ALL the world—“unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people” (Revelation 14:6).
The number of Christians (of all denominations) worldwide is around 2.4 billion people—among a world population of nearly 7.8 billion. Within these vast numbers, many have been exposed to the present truth, but the majority have not.
“How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” (Romans 10:14). So many precious souls are in deep darkness and utter confusion! Yet “God still has a people in Babylon; and before the visitation of His judgments these faithful ones must be called out, that they partake not of her sins, and ‘receive not of her plagues.’ . . .
“But not one is made to suffer the wrath of God until the truth has been brought home to his mind and conscience, and has been rejected. There are many who have never had an opportunity to hear the special truths for this time. The obligation of the fourth commandment has never been set before them in its true light. He who reads every heart and tries every motive will leave none who desire a knowledge of the truth, to be deceived as to the issues of the controversy. The decree is not to be urged upon the people blindly. Every one is to have sufficient light to make his decision intelligently.”—The Great Controversy, pp. 604, 605.
How will they hear? All of us can reach out to friends, relatives, neighbors, acquaintances, and strangers for free. But there’s still much more to do in places beyond our reach: Our monetary gifts can be used to establish missionary activities in new areas. So, when the First Sabbath Offering is gathered for World Missions, please remember this need and give generously—and may your faith be bountifully rewarded!
The General Conference Missionary Department
