A former missionary to Tonga revisits the island for a final time. Pastor Athal Tolhurst faithfully served God all his life. Special Thanks: Wes & Dean Tolhurst.
“This gospel of the kingdom shall be preached in all the world for a witness unto all nations; and then shall the end come.”
“Go ye therefore, and teach all nations.”
It was 102 years ago, February 3 of 1915 that my father with his bride by his side sailed out of Sydney harbor bound for the little island kingdom of Tonga. It is good to be back in Tonga again. I’ve always treasured the fact that I was born here in Nuku’alofa.
So we have ties that hold us close to you people, the Tongan people. Jesus said “you have not chosen me but I have chosen you that, that ye should go and bring forth fruit.”
That means He’s depending on you and me to do that work! Who else? That’s why He gave the Holy Spirit along with the gifts of the spirit so this work could be carried on year after year, generation to generation until it’s finally finished. That’s why He raised up the Church. We are to be a link in the chain. There are other links in the chain. I see them all around the table here this morning. Various links in the chain let down from heaven to reach those who are needing the saving grace of Christ.
Reflect upon your own relationship with Jesus and how real that really is. Whether it is a compelling force in your life, for your personal life and for your ministry. Jesus made the statement, “I am the light of the world.” Then He went past that and said not only is He the light of the world but He said “Ye are the light of the world.” You and I, every one of us is to be a light in the world. That what Jesus says.
What can I say but that God is looking for each of us to fulfill His divine plan. Many of you have parents and others who have gone to their rest, gone to sleep. They await the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ when they will hear His voice. When they will respond to that voice and come forth from the grave glorified to have a part in the kingdom of God. I trust that you and I until we breathe our last breath will be faithful to the gospel commission.
And this gospel of the kingdom will be preached in the whole world as a testimony to all nations. Therefore go make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. And teaching them to obey everything I command you. And sure I’m with you always to the very end of the age.
