In this era, an increasing number of people prefer to "stay at home" because doing so allows them to save time for pursuing their own interests and hobbies and also to avoid social interaction and societal pressures.
Pastor Qiu Yi (pseudonym) in East China encourages Christians to go out and not "stay at home," urging them to imitate Jesus by traveling through various cities and towns.
Jesus’ last words to His disciples before ascending to heaven were, "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." Jesus not only commanded His disciples to do this but set an example by doing so Himself. At the age of 30, he began his ministry, not staying in familiar places or in places where he was welcomed but traveling through various cities and towns.
Pastor Qiu believes that going out is crucial for a preacher. "In going out, one will see the needs of souls. When you see those who are distressed and wandering, you will develop a compassionate heart."
Qiu emphasizes that even if you are not a preacher, you can still go out, especially while you are still young and able to walk. He first became a preacher through this process and eventually a pastor.
Between the ages of 16 and 17, Pastor Qiu left his hometown to do business and earn a living. He traveled all the way from the south to the north by train and encountered many difficulties. For example, he could not get a seat on a train trip that lasted for dozens of hours due to overcrowding. During times of exhaustion, he would fall asleep while standing, and on some occasions where he was lucky, he would lie on someone else's seat. Initially, he set out with the intention of earning money but never expected that he would begin to harvest souls for the Lord.
Before leaving his hometown, Pastor Qiu only heard many sermons and became a Christian, but he never aspired to be a preacher. However, when he finally arrived in a small northern city, the Lord led him to encounter souls thirsty for the Lord. He boldly shared with them the story of Jesus’ crucifixion, which he had heard from the pastor back in his hometown and was registered in his heart. As a result, they all wept together because of God’s love.
Just like that, Pastor Qiu, who initially shared the gospel while living in a guest house, was soon invited to live with the local believers and share the gospel in their homes. The meeting attendance gradually increased, starting from just two or three, then growing to seven or eight, and eventually reaching over a dozen. Eventually, it continued to increase.
As he went out, he saw the spiritual distress and needs of the locals and the longing of their souls. He began to pray, "Lord, send forth laborers to reap the harvest." He noticed the Lord answered his prayer by sending pastors and fellow workers from his hometown who were willing to come to this remote place to serve. The gospel was revived in rural areas and spread far and wide.
Pastor Qiu went on to say that if one does not go out, their focus tends to be on themselves and their church. The content of their prayers may be for their peace, that of their family, and their daily needs, and they may go one step further to pray for their relatives and church members.
Pastor Qiu emphasizes that young Christians should not stay at home only considering their needs, but should go out to see the needs of souls and the mission that Jesus has given us. He thinks that the Lord can easily transform young people compared to middle-aged and elderly people. They are more energetic and have fewer burdens. Additionally, they are more able to use the Lord's resources effectively because they have a better understanding of the current time.
Pastor Qiu also observed that, compared to the physical hardships endured by the older generation, children of today experience more emotional pain. He sees many children struggling with various mental illnesses, like depression, and he feels great compassion for them. Therefore, he hopes that youths who are closer in age and mentality to these children can reach out to them and lead them to the knowledge of the Savior, where they will find liberation from their struggles.
- Translated by Nonye Nancy
