Before I started running Crossroads full-time, I worked at a factory where every Friday a Xhosa minister brought God’s message to the employees. But when he was not available, I did it.

Fortunately, Vusi could interpret for me and we were familiar with the way in which each of us spoke. Before I even finished Vusi would jump in with the interpretation, and in a way I could hear that he not only interpreted what I was saying, but the emotions as well. We normally ended on a high note as we motivated one another.

What a privilege.

But it is not always that easy, because you don’t always know if you’re connecting with the ball. Some would sit with their eyes closed – I wondered whether they had fallen asleep. Others would stare out the window, but a few did nod their heads now and then.

Then I chased doubt out of the door, because I had to sow the seeds. The growing would be done by Someone else.

Sometimes even Vusi got stuck and I could hear he was making up his own story, but that was also good, because I knew the Holy Spirit did not depend on interpretation or translation.

Paul helped me and Vusi to bring the message to the employees: Be united in bring the Message: ²⁷… Your conduct must be the same whether I show up to see things for myself or hear of it from a distance. Stand united, singular in vision, contending for people’s trust in the Message …

The audience before me and Vusi was very diverse: Xhosa, English, Cape Afrikaans, and more, and we used three Bibles. I would read the Afrikaans, Vusi English and one of the women would read from the Xhosa Bible. And all we were trying to do was to bring the Message of God as a team. Even though the audience sometimes burst out laughing at Vusi’s crooked interpretation, I know that God was smiling, because his team was trying very, very hard. And it doesn’t matter how crooked the stick, it’s a hole in one!

Each of us has work to do: To stand united as a team and to take God’s message to the people out there. And the world really needs it. They long for it! One by one people are dying without God’s message.

Why do you hold back, even though you know you are often confronted by the calling to simply say something to someone? Are you afraid that people will make fun of you? “No, Lord. I’m not a pastor.”

Sorry, pal. You are called as you are.

Get the team together and start. Do you realize how many around you need it?

Anna, a factory worker, was very quiet, but worked hardest of all. One morning, after we had brought God’s Word, she came to me with tears in her eyes: “Sir, my husband and child have been addicted to drugs for five years. They do not earn any money and steal mine to buy drugs. I simply cannot go on any longer. Thank you for this morning’s message,” she said. “It meant such a lot to me.”

Vusi and I and the others stood united to spread the Gospel. It was much more than playing at interpreting. The Gospel reached the target only when we as a team in a way could reach out to Anna and make a difference in her life through God’s grace!

Bible Reading

Philippians 1:27-30

Reflection

To whom should you take the Message?

Do you believe that God will give you the strength to do so?

Who are your teammates?

Prayer

Lord, I know your Message must get out there. I know there are so many people out there who need your Message of salvation. Please help me help with the Great Commission. Please help me to make a difference together with the people around me everywhere we go. Amen