In the fourth chapter of the book of Luke, we see Jesus standing in the synagogue on the Sabbath and reading from the scroll of Isaiah:

¹⁸ “The Spirit of the Lord is on me,
    because he has anointed me
    to proclaim good news to the poor.
He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners
    and recovery of sight for the blind,
to set the oppressed free,
¹⁹     to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor” (Luke 4:18-19).

     We find a few interesting things in this fulfilled prophecy.  Jesus was the “Anointed One” sent to proclaim the good news to the poor, free prisoners and the oppressed, and provide sight for the blind.  While on this earth, Jesus did all of those things.  Just imagine witnessing His power!  Just imagine the miracles that took place.  Would you be quick to believe or quick to judge?

     After the resurrection of Jesus and before His ascension into Heaven, Jesus commanded His disciples to “go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, and teaching them to obey everything I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).  This is known as the Great Commission.  The same authority given to Christ was given to His disciples.  Today, we followers of Christ are His disciples.  We have a job to do, and we have the authority of Christ and the anointing of the Holy Spirit to carry out this holy work.  Take a moment to think about your neighbors, your family, the strangers that you encounter in all the places you go, and ask the Lord how He wants to use you.

     As you read the following report from the Covenant Messenger Outreach Team, we hope that you are encouraged and spurred on to continue sharing the Gospel with whomever the Lord  puts in your path.

The CMM outreach team traveled to Saltpond in the central region of Ghana on August 31, 2018.  Saltpond is the capital of Nfantsiman District and has a population of 25,000 people.  Residents of Saltpond are friendly, and thankfully the Gospel message of Jesus Christ was well received.

     The team passed out over 300 tracts and explained the messages written in them to many.  A popular tract was titled “Free Lunch.”  The Lord moved as the team shared, listened, and prayed for many.  That day, one Muslim decided to commit his life to following Jesus after hearing!  Praise the Lord!

      There were also a couple of Jehovah Witnesses who were out and about that day.  After a theological debate, the team shared the Gospel message in the tracts, and the men received it with joy.

     We never know what the Holy Spirit will do, but we do know that He does the Father’s will and will use willing vessels to accomplish His good work to transform the hearts and lives of people everywhere.  We praise you, Lord, for all that you’re doing in Saltpond!  All glory and honor to Your holy name!