Missionary Shane Tasker delivers a powerful call to action, urging believers to answer God’s call to share the gospel in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation of 120 million with fewer than three known gospel witnesses. Rooted in Matthew 9:36-38, this sermon stirs hearts to embrace the harvest field with compassion and obedience, whether across the globe or in local communities. This blog post challenging readers to surrender to Christ’s mission and make an eternal impact.
The Urgent Need in the Congo
Missionary Shane Tasker opened his sermon by highlighting the immense spiritual need in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, a nation with a population of approximately 120 million, roughly one-third the size of the United States. He shared updated statistics, noting that fewer than three gospel witnesses are currently known to serve this vast population, based on 18 months of research. Tasker emphasized the potential for transformation, particularly among the 49% of Congolese who are under 14 years old. He explained that sharing the gospel with these children could lead to generational change, fostering healthy, godly families and churches rooted in biblical truth, moving away from tribalistic and animistic contexts.
Opportunities in Crisis
Bro. Tasker pointed to the opportunity within the crisis of 6 million internally displaced people in northeastern Congo due to ongoing conflicts. He suggested that ministering in refugee camps could spread the gospel to remote villages and languages inaccessible to missionaries. He requested prayer for wisdom and guidance as he and his wife, Emily, prepare to apply for visas and pursue their mission to lead people to Christ, disciple them, and establish churches to be led by equipped local leaders. Bro. Tasker emphasized the urgency of this work, given the limited window of opportunity to make an eternal impact.
A Call to Christ-Like Compassion
Quoting Matthew 9:36-38 (KJV), Bro. Tasker read, “But when he saw the multitudes, he was moved with compassion on them, because they fainted, and were scattered abroad, as sheep having no shepherd. Then saith he unto his disciples, The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest.” He explained that Jesus’ compassion for the lost serves as a model for believers. With the global population exceeding 8.2 billion, yet fewer missionaries and pastors answering the call, Bro. Tasker challenged the congregation to view the lost with Christ-like compassion, asking, “If God calls you, will you go?”
Rejecting the “Me, My Monster”
Bro. Tasker introduced the “me, my monster,” a self-centered mindset that hinders believers from fully serving God. He referenced Jude 1:22-23 (KJV), “And of some have compassion, making a difference: And others save with fear, pulling them out of the fire; hating even the garment spotted by the flesh,” to highlight the eternal impact of sharing the gospel. He contrasted temporary humanitarian efforts with the lasting change of salvation, urging believers to prioritize spiritual outcomes. Bro. Tasker warned that pursuing personal happiness is fleeting compared to the peace, joy, and purpose found in serving Christ.
The Urgency of Obedience
Citing 2 Corinthians 5:13-15 (KJV), “For whether we be beside ourselves, it is to God: or whether we be sober, it is for your cause. For the love of Christ constraineth us; because we thus judge, that if one died for all, then were all dead: And that he died for all, that they which live should not henceforth live unto themselves, but unto him which died for them, and rose again,” Bro. Tasker stressed that Christ’s love compels believers to serve. He shared examples of couples over 60 on deputation, illustrating that no one is too old to serve, referencing Caleb’s conquest at 84. He urged the congregation to surrender fully to God, regardless of life’s stage.
God Equips the Called
Bro. Tasker directed the congregation to Philippians 2:13 (KJV), “For it is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of his good pleasure,” assuring them that God provides the desire and ability to fulfill His calling. He cited 1 Corinthians 1:26-29 (KJV), “For ye see your calling, brethren, how that not many wise men after the flesh, not many mighty, not many noble, are called: But God hath chosen the foolish things of the world to confound the wise; and God hath chosen the weak things of the world to confound the things which are mighty; And base things of the world, and things which are despised, hath God chosen, yea, and things which are not, to bring to nought things that are: That no flesh should glory in his presence.” He encouraged believers to trust God’s equipping power and step out in faith.
Overcoming Doubt with Faith
Referencing Matthew 28:16-20 (KJV), Bro. Tasker highlighted the disciples’ doubt despite witnessing Jesus’ miracles, reading, “Then the eleven disciples went away into Galilee, into a mountain where Jesus had appointed them. And when they saw him, they worshipped him: but some doubted. And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you always, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” He urged believers to reject doubt, trust Christ’s all-encompassing power, and obey the command to “go ye therefore.”
Living for Eternal Purpose
Bro. Tasker concluded with James 4:13-14 (KJV), “Go to now, ye that say, To day or to morrow we will go into such a city, and continue there a year, and buy and sell, and get gain: Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away.” He likened life to the fleeting steam of a London Fog tea, emphasizing its brevity and the urgency to serve Christ. Bro. Tasker reminded the congregation that works done for self will burn as wood, hay, and stubble at the judgment seat of Christ, but those done for Him will endure as gold, silver, and precious stones. He closed by asking, “What on earth are you doing for heaven’s sake?” challenging each believer to live for eternal rewards.
Conclusion
Bro. Shane Tasker’s sermon was a stirring call to action, urging believers to respond to God’s call with compassion, obedience, and faith. Whether called to the mission field or to support those who go, every Christian has a role in advancing the gospel. Bro. Tasker and his wife, Emily, invite prayer as they prepare to serve in the Congo, encouraging all to consider how they can make an eternal difference in their communities and beyond.
