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The Pastor's Pen

And He led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up His hands He blessed them. While He blessed them, He parted from them and was carried up into heaven.  And they worshiped Him and returned to Jerusalem with great joy” (Luke 24:50-52). In 2014, Ebola ravaged parts of West Africa. A group of Christian medical missionaries from the United States chose to stay behind and serve the sick. One of them, Dr. Kent Brantly, contracted the virus. Before he became ill, he had written in a letter: “I’m not here because it’s safe- I’m here because I was sent.” That one sentence reflects the spirit of Luke 24. The disciples watched Jesus ascend- not to escape- but to enthrone, empower, and send. And in the shadow of His blessing, they went with joy.  Jesus’ commission is for every disciple of Jesus Christ. The Great Commission is not about personality- it is about participation. Wherever God has placed you is your mission field. Acts 1:8 frames this clearly: “You will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” In other words, begin where you are- your home, your neighborhood, your workplace. Evangelism starts locally and expands globally.

​            Being involved in genuine evangelism also means being present and real. People are tired of religious clichés. They long for authenticity. Sharing your faith is not about having every answer- it is about sharing your real story and pointing to the real Savior. Paul captures this heart in 1 Thessalonians 2:8: “We were pleased to share with you not only the gospel of God but also our own lives.". Evangelism also involves tangible service. Jesus did not just preach- He healed, fed, and walked with people. We can follow His example by serving others in love, which often opens hearts to the message of Christ. As Jesus taught, “Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to Your Father in heaven” (Matthew 5:16). Furthermore, evangelism should never be done in isolation. God designed the Church to operate as a body. Beloved, be a part of your local church’s outreach, support global missions, participate in Bible Study, invite others to be a part as well. Mission is communal. It is something we do together- prayerfully, intentionally, and joyfully.

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            Jesus instructed His followers to “stay in the city until you are clothed with power from on high” (Luke 24:49). This power is not human charisma but divine enablement through the Holy Spirit. Genuine evangelism is never done by human strength alone. The Holy Spirit gives boldness (Acts 4:31), wisdom (Luke 12:12), conviction (John 16:8-11), and love (Romans 5:5). This is why prayer must precede proclamation. Before we speak, we must be filled. Evangelism is not a task to check off- it is the Spirit’s work through surrendered vessels. The disciples went out with joy not because they were confident in themselves, but because they were empowered from above.

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            The ascension of Christ is not a historical footnote- it is our present spiritual reality. Jesus reigns from heaven, blessing and empowering His people. And His ascension is not an excuse to passively wait for His return; it is a command to actively go in His Name. In Acts 1:11, the angel asks the disciples, “Why do you stand looking into heaven?” That question still applies. We are not called to merely admire Jesus’ glory- we are called to carry His Gospel. To live the ascension life is to worship, witness, and walk in joy. It means allowing His glory to shape our purpose, and His grace to define our mission. It means believing that the One Who reigns is still sending, still blessing, and still saving. As Kingdom Walkers, we are people of grace and glory. Grace reminds us that we are forgiven, empowered, and called. Glory reminds us of the One we represent and the eternity we anticipate. Christ has ascended, and we are now His hands and feet in the world. So let us be Kingdom Walkers who do not just admire the Gospel- we share it. Let us move from standing still to stepping out. Let us speak life, live with purpose, and proclaim forgiveness to a world in need of hope. As Jesus said, “As the Father has sent Me, even so I am sending you” (John 20:21). The King has ascended. Kingdom Walkers let us advance.

Much Love,

God’s Peace,

Pastor Juanita A. W. Harrison

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