Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China for over 50 years. Today he is seen as an incredibly effective soul-winner and church-planter.
One day he was traveling on a boat from Shanghai to Ningpo. He had been witnessing to a man named Peter who rejected the Gospel but was under deep conviction. In the course of events, Peter fell overboard, but no one made any effort to save him. Taylor sprang to the mast, let down the sail, and jumped overboard in hopes of finding his friend. But no one on board joined Taylor in his frantic search.
Taylor saw a fishing boat nearby and yelled to them to help, but they wouldn’t do it without money. Finally, after bartering for every penny that Taylor had, the fishermen stopped their fishing and began to look for Peter. In less than a minute of dragging their net, they found him, but it was too late. They were too busy fishing to care about saving a drowning man.
It’s easy to sit here and condemn those selfish and apathetic fishermen – but by doing so – are we not also condemning ourselves? Are we too busy with our jobs and other activities to take the time to rescue those who are perishing without Christ?
We are engaged in the One Initiative this year – dedicating ourselves to each reach one person for the cause of Christ. Begin asking God to show you the one person (who needs to commit their life to Christ) who you can help bring Home. The harvest is plentiful. Let’s make sure that the workers aren’t few.
You are loved! And I’m praying for you!
When Dr. Jay Cook is asked to share a little of himself; his reply is, “Good question. I ask it a lot.” His delight is sharing that he is a blessed man – married to a wonderful woman (Kristi Cook) – and awed by his two amazing kids (Jameson & Amelia Rose). He has served in ministry for over 30 years and loves to help others in any way he can. Jay is the Associational Missions Strategist for the Leake County Baptist Association, and a part of an amazing new church (3:16 church) in Canton, MS. He also helps other churches (as he is able) through revivals, conferences, or however God leads. He shares his thoughts of a man just trying to live for Jesus (and wanting to help others do the same) through his blog at Dr. Jay Cook.
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