A Palawano man named Silu recently reminded me of the first goal of missions.

Our missionaries’ first goal is not to get people to accept our beliefs or declare themselves Christians or even to come to church. It is simply to convince them to give God a try.

Silu’s problem was basic—he and his family were hungry. In his time of need, he remembered a Bible verse he had heard: “‘Bring the whole tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. Test me in this,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it’” (Mal. 3:10). It was a clear promise straight from the mouth of God, so Silu decided to give it a try. He borrowed some money, and, instead of taking the rational approach and using it to buy food, he gave it to the Lord to pay his tithe. Then he waited to see what would happen. He didn’t have to wait long (see p. 34).

Silu’s experience fits perfectly with how God relates to each one of us. His promises could not be clearer: He will forgive us, protect us, provide for us, walk with us, re-create us and redeem us. All He asks is that we take the small, often irrational step of trying Him; of claiming His promises by giving Him our money, our time, our hearts and our lives.

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