The guest speaker at the 2025 SIM-Zambia Spiritual Life Conference convinced me of the compelling concern and call God has placed on missionaries. We are compelled by the love of Jesus. We are concerned for those dying without hearing of Jesus. We are convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news.
We were privileged to have Dr. Joshua Bokunjoko as our speaker this year. The theme verse for the SLC was 2 Corinthians 5:14
“For the love of Christ controls us, because we have concluded this: that one has died for all, therefore all have died.”
2 Corinthians 5:14
SIM Purpose, Vision and Mission
On the opening night of the SLC, Joshua reminded us of the SIM purpose statement, the vision of the preferred future, and the mission that we seek to fulfil. Joshua’s passion about this was visible and had a great impact on me. As the international director for SIM from 2013-2021, Joshua was hugely instrumental in defining these statements together with the leaders from various regions and countries.
SIM Purpose
“Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, we believe that He has called us to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known.”
SIM Vision
The vision of SIM is to see:
- A witness to Christ’s love where He is least known
- Disciples of Jesus expressing God’s love in their communities
- And Christ-centered churches among all people.
SIM Mission
“Therefore, compelled by God’s great love and empowered by the Holy Spirit:
- We cross barriers to proclaim the crucified and risen Christ, expressing His love and compassion among those who live and die without Him.
- We make disciples who will trust and obey Jesus, and become part of Christ-centred churches.
- We work together with churches to fulfil God’s mission across cultures locally and globally.
- We facilitate that participation in cross-cultural ministry of those whom God is calling.
A Pertinent Reminder
Joshua spoke passionately and convincingly about these guiding statements; this inspired me deeply and persuasively. I was also encouraged by hearing that these statements were thought out carefully and prayerfully in light of Scripture by many SIM international leaders. It was really a pertinent reminder to me because I have been wrestling with a decision to either stay in the city of Lusaka and help REACH-Zambia grow or to continue with ministry to rural pastors I believe God has called us to Zambia for.
Do you really believe this?!
If you really believe this, why are you not out in the least-reached areas telling people about Jesus?! Joshua rebuked us as he fought back tears. He was referring to Acts 4:12.
“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
“Do you really believe that there is no other name by which people can be saved?!” Joshua persisted. “If you believe this you would be out there ensuring that people hear of this name”.
An Upper Room filled with Light
Joshua reminded us of the early church, after Jesus had been crucified, raised from the dead, and ascended into heaven. The only ones at that time who knew of His name, the Name by which people are saved, had locked themselves into the upper room. The upper room was filled with light; the city of Jerusalem was dying in the dark. But when the Spirit of God came upon them, they went out into Jerusalem to proclaim: “There is salvation in no other Name!”
Today, we cannot be ‘locked up in an upper room’ when we have the light of Jesus. We cannot keep the saving knowledge of Jesus to ourselves and within the walls of our churches! We are compelled, we are concerned, we are convinced that everyone should hear of the salvation in the Name of Jesus.
When the Jerusalem church was keeping the Name of Jesus to themselves, God sent persecution among them. The result of this persecution is that the Church was scattered far and wide. This had a huge impact on the spread of the knowledge of the salvation that is found in no other Name.
What conviction are you compelled by?
Are you convinced that Jesus died for all? Are you convinced that there is no other Name by which people must be saved? Are you convinced that Christ has loved you? Are you convinced that Christ wants others to hear of His love?
This is the convincing truth: The love of Christ compels (constrains/controls) us.
His love is seen in Him dying for us. His love is seen in Him saving us through His death, His resurrection, His ascension.
Love for Christ and Love for dying souls
If you are convinced that those who don’t hear of the loving Name of Jesus will not be saved, but will be condemned for all eternity, you should be compelled to ensure they hear of Christ’s love.
Do you love Jesus? Do you love dying souls?
Then go out and tell someone who has not yet heard of the salvation and love found in the Name of Jesus.
I felt God clearly speaking to me through His Word convincing me of His call to share His love with those who have not heard.