As a pastor, preacher, teacher and missionary I am challenged daily by this Great Commission of Jesus in the Gospel of Matthew 28:19 to “…Go out and train everyone you meet, far and near, in this way of life, marking them by baptism in the threefold name: Father, Son and Holy Spirit.” (The Message).
The daily challenge for me is the part about “everyone you meet.”
On the mission field here in Brazil there is a home for young girls who have been rescued either from living on the street or from abusive or violent living conditions. On a recent visit I met Fabiana, a 15-year old resident. Fabiana came to the home when she was 12-years-old. Fabiana’s mother was allowing the boyfriend of Fabiana’s grandmother to have sex with Fabiana for money, starting when Fabiana was just 10-years-old. This went on for two years before Fabiana was rescued.
Fabiana’s story is all too common here in Brazil. As I looked closer into Fabiana’s life before being rescued, I could see numerous flagrant violations of the sanctity of human life from the womb to the tomb. As fellow pastors, I am sure many of us are aware or should be of those in our congregations that are suffering in silence with the fear and guilt of being violated or perpetrating the violation of the sanctity of human life. We only need to ask and the Holy Spirit will reveal those in our midst that long to be set free from the sin and self-hatred that separates them from God’s presence, so they may experience the unconditional, redemptive love and healing power of God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit, three-in-one.