Mission Accomplished

“I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.” (II Timothy 4:7-8)

Crest Bible Church is actively involved in the support of missionaries who take the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ to other lands and cultures. We take an annual trip to Belize every year, and we have 21 missionaries who receive regular financial support from our church. This missions emphasis was established by our founding pastor Dwight Johnson, and has continued unbroken since he started the church in 1950. In fact, some of the missionaries sent out and supported by Crest Bible Church in the 1950’s are still “on the payroll” even today. It is testimony and legacy, and an aspect of our ministry that we feel is vital to the health of any local assembly.

One of our missionaries is returning from the field. Most of the time, this happens for the wrong reasons (doctrinal problems, character issues, cultural or ministry ineffectiveness, etc.), but there are times when a missionary has successfully done what God asked of them and it is time to move on. Such is the case with Greg and Sue Kedrovsky. Fifteen years ago, God moved in their hearts to take the gospel to the people of Latin America. After a couple of years in Columbia learning the language, culture, and Latino ministry, God moved them to Costa Rica. Greg and Sue planted a church “from scratch” on the East side of the capital city of San Jose. Implementing Biblical discipleship and leadership training, they were able to raise a generation of spiritual leaders to take charge of the church, and now they are “coming home”. I put that in quotes, because I am sure that Greg and Sue consider Costa Rica their home by now. Their three children were born on the mission field, and know nothing of the United States other than where Grandma lives. The next phase of their ministry and lives is before them, and they are trusting God for direction and blessings just as they did fifteen years ago when they left home on this adventure. Coming back to the US will be just as difficult as moving to Latin America was, and in some cases even more so. Teenage children will have to adjust to a life and culture they have never known. The cost of living is far greater. Snow shovels and winter coats will have to be welcomed as new members of the family. The list is longer than we would imagine. Pray for the Kedrovskys that this new phase of their lives would bear fruit as the last one has.

We will welcome Greg and Sue home with a celebration and party this Sunday from 11am-3pm at the Kansas City Baptist Temple, their sending and home church. While we congratulate them on a job well done, we also want to be reminded of certain lessons in this for all of us.

First, no one is indispensible in the mission of God. Sometimes we wonder why a founding senior pastor of a mission work like Eastside Baptist Church of San Jose Costa Rica would be directed by the Lord to leave that work. I am sure the emotions are difficult to deal with on both sides. We tend to think that this church and work would suffer hardship with the departure of its pastor. But we must remember that we need God. He doesn’t need us. We are laborers with him (I Cor 3:9), but it is his mission, and he is quite capable of carrying it on with or without us.

Secondly, all of us are “missionaries” in this life. As a believer, you are already on foreign soil because this world is not your home. Run your race looking unto Jesus (Heb 12:1-2). Some day he will call all of us home. The party and welcome for Greg and Sue Kedrovsky this Sunday will be awesome, but it will be nothing like the celebration around the throne of God on that day.