“In his name the nations will put their hope.” Matthew 12:21 NIV

Few verses in scripture move me as deeply as Rev. 7:9: “After this I looked, and there before me was a great multitude that no one could count, from every nation, tribe, people and language, standing before the Throne, and before the Lamb.” These words bring me to tears and prayer. This vast multitude arising from every part of the globe, from all generations, rising to come to the Lamb of God who was slain for their sins. His love is breathtaking in its scope. His mercy an endless resource freely given to all mankind. It is the picture of a family. It is the picture of a Kingdom.

More than four decades ago I was first drawn to attend full time Bible school. I had no idea why I was there. I knew I had a call to study and prepare for ministry, but did not have any idea what that ministry might look like. This was a time when in most pulpits women were not welcome. And I in my blue jean overalls with long untamed hair did not look like a ‘woman of the cloth,’ to be sure. But I was SO drawn to be there. “Learn of Me,” He said.

I found that my call was to the unreached parts of the world; the countries and people where the gospel had not yet been. I was burdened, that after 2000 years of Christianity there were still places where one could go and find MANY who had never one time heard the name of Jesus, or the Good News about Him. “Send me to them” I prayed. “To the darkest places, the furthest ones. Let me go to them for You.”

Mark Geppert, our Missions pastor at that time was known for his great love of the souls of men. He and his wife Ellie were my greatest influences… He had a phrase that he repeated in nearly every pulpit or podium where he was invited to speak: “If world evangelization is not your number one priority, then you are DIAMETRICALLY OPPOSED to the will of God!” He said this many many times, often to the great discomfort of the pastors and leaders he was speaking to. He was relentless, and through his commitment to this message, a great movement was born, and we saw dozens and dozens of teams sent from the churches in the Pittsburgh area to fulfill “The Great Commission”.

Jesus and I bonded in this: His great love for the world. No favoritism, for in His Kingdom the first shall be last and the last shall be first. In His Kingdom everyone counts, every soul precious. We are to be His Ambassadors to the least and the lost, because His love is for EVERY Nation. Lord!!

Send us! We will go!

~ Debbie Ecker