Recently, I've been reading through the Psalms in my devotions and noticed the recuring phrase "all nations." In fact, this phrase is found in many places throughout the Scripture. So, I wonder, why does it typically seem like a somewhat strange idea to preach the Gospel to all nations, and go out into all nations?

I say this because it seems that more and more, the idea of going out to all nations, especially long-term, is becoming less and less of a concern with many churches. This is simply my own personal observation, but having been a long-term missionary overseas, and having been back in my own home-culture for a couple years now, this is how it seems. In fact, at times, when I mention the great need in the world for missionaries, especially in the area of equipping and training national leaders, I get the sense from some people that I'm trying to put them on a "guilt-trip." Of course, if that were the case, I would be putting my ownself under the same, supposed guilt trip since I'm not overseas now. I would like to be in many ways, but that's not what the Lord seems to have for me (us) at this time.

It isn't about guilt or "shoulda/oughtas", it's about reality. There really is a tremendous need for long-term missionaries who are capable, gifted and called to equip and train national leaders. So often it seems the focus is on evangelism, church planting and mercy or relief ministry. Those are all good and needed, but the greater need, in terms of an overall long-reaching view, is training national leaders in pretty much every nation other than the US or maybe North America (Canada).

How I long to see a "revival" of concern, a burden for the lost beyond our national borders for reaching those in ALL nations!