Missionary Bill Norton, a veteran of 26 years on the field in Colombia, Argentina, and Mexico, delivers a stirring message on the urgency of global evangelism. Drawing from his family’s deep roots in missions and the timeless truth of Scripture, he challenges believers to confront the missionary crisis facing the world today. Through personal stories and biblical insight, Bro. Norton reveals how persecution scatters the gospel, yet vast needs remain unmet.
Therefore they that were scattered abroad went every where preaching the word. Then Philip went down to the city of Samaria, and preached Christ unto them. And the people with one accord gave heed unto those things which Philip spake, hearing and seeing the miracles which he did. For unclean spirits crying with loud voice came out of many that were possessed with them: and many taken with palsies, and that were lame, were healed. And there was great joy in that city (Acts 8:4-8 KJV).
In this passage, persecution fails to halt the gospel’s advance. Instead, it propels Philip to Samaria, where miracles accompany his preaching and joy fills the city. Yet Bro. Norton expands this example to the global scale, identifying a profound missionary crisis that demands action from every Christian.
Limited Opportunities
The mission field stretches far beyond what technology suggests. While devices connect us instantly, the physical world grows larger with expanding populations and unreached souls. In Samaria, Philip’s timely arrival meant life-changing hope for the elderly facing eternity, youth cut short by uncertainty, and children without biblical teaching. Bro. Norton recalls efforts in Ixmiquilpan, Mexico, through vacation Bible schools, clubs, and camps that produced lasting fruit, including former child converts now pastoring churches.
Personal encounters underscore the urgency. One man heard the gospel only after travelling to Vietnam, despite years in America. In Argentina, Bro. Norton visited a hospitalized woman named Pearl, nearly leading her to Christ before interruption. Persistent, he later shared at her home amid store distractions, praying for uninterrupted moments. God granted them, and Pearl trusted Christ, only to pass away soon after. A church’s “death meter” during a conference tracked souls entering eternity, a number still rising today. These stories highlight how few chances many have to hear of salvation, compelling believers to act swiftly.
Limited Labourers
Jesus declared the harvest plenteous but the labourers few, urging prayer for more workers (Matthew 9:37-38 KJV). This truth endures. Every Christian bears missionary responsibility under the Great Commission. Yet shortages plague North America and beyond, leaving places like Mongolia, Ivory Coast, Egypt, Morocco, Thailand, and Latin American towns without witness.
Bro. Norton faced scepticism when preparing for Colombia, explaining the call amid labour gaps. Church maps with lights for missionaries reveal vast dark areas. Travels through 47 U.S. states, Canada, Chile, and more exposed cities lacking gospel light. Attrition compounds the issue: veterans pass away, health fails, cultures overwhelm, or false calls lead to departure. Some prioritise worldly comforts or face spiritual battles. In 24 years, one missionary saw 28 families come and go. Prayer, as in 2 Thessalonians 3:1, equips frontline soldiers against darkness. The hymn “Ready” inspires willingness for any service, great or small.
Limited Resources Available
Paul addresses giving in 2 Corinthians chapters 8 through 10, noting constraints from lack of commitment, understanding, and courage. Emotions fluctuate, but God’s Word stands firm. Faith promise pledges must root in Scripture, fulfilled faithfully. Bro. Norton shares an envelope marked “overdue missions offering” for 600 pesos, where a believer caught up on lapsed giving after God’s prompting.
The Great Commission never expires, unlike milk in a shop. It spans Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the uttermost earth simultaneously. Misunderstanding this balances local and global outreach. A bulletin quote reminds that heavenly rewards replace earthly missions giving, with sacrifices yielding eternal faces around God’s throne. Like a hotel elevator sign promising help on the way, churches signal gospel advance through steadfast support.
Conclusion
The gospel advanced through Philip despite persecution, and it must advance today despite crises of opportunity, labour, and resources. Missionary Bill Norton calls every believer to respond: pray earnestly for workers, go where God leads, and give sacrificially as unto the Lord. The fields remain white unto harvest, souls hang in the balance, and the Great Commission knows no expiry. Let us hold the ropes in prayer, send forth labourers, and resource the work until Christ returns.
