William Carey is often called the father of modern missions. Before he began his ministry in the late 18th century, the Great Commission was so largely ignored by the Church that when he proposed it as a discussion topic for a Baptist association meeting he was chided for his youth and told to sit down.

Yet he would not be dissuaded. A few years later he would go to India with the message of the Gospel, inspiring other with his famous words, “Expect great things from God. Attempt great things for God!” He started a movement of western missionaries that continues to this day.

Carey was not from America. He was from England. It may be hard to believe today, but for over 150 years, England was the world’s premiere mission sending country. It was not until the 1950’s that the Untied States would take that title. And today, though the US still sends out the most missionaries, South Korea sends out the most per capita. England has changed so drastically that it is now a missionary receiving country more than a sender.

Missions is a necessary part of the Church. When an organism stops reproducing, it is evidence that it is beginning to die. The same is true of the Church. If missions ceases to be a priority, then we can expect to see the decline in the American Church to accelerate as it did in England. Eternities are at stake! We must not fail in our calling to share the gospel with the nations. The church especially needs young people to take up this calling. Yet too often they get the proverbial “sit down” that William Carey received.

In the last year ReachGlobal approved 26 new long-term missionaries. Only 6 of them are in their 20’s. Due to attrition, some fields are in desperate need. The Latin America/Caribbean division, for example, had no new missionaries this year. Additionally, The Middle East has a great need for missionary kid teachers. This is a vital ministry that helps young families thrive on the mission field.

There is good news though! Getting to the mission field for the first time has become easier for young adults. Explore ReachGlobal provides an opportunity for young men and women to go to the field for a few months while being mentored by missionaries. This not only allows an opportunity to contribute to the Great Commission in meaningful ways, but to also grow in their walk with the Lord. More and more high school graduates are taking a gap year before moving on to college or careers. Think what a great impact the church could make by sending out young adults for a year!

Missions needs to be a priority for the Church. There is no plan B for salvation. Jesus is the only way! “There is salvation in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given among men by which we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) It would be no small impeachment on our honor if we turned back from such a calling.

If you would like to learn more about Explore for yourself or share it with the high schoolers and young adults of your church, you can find more information on their website.