Until All Have Heardნიმუში

Namibia is said to be the country in Africa with the largest percentage of Christians. Even so, I grew up in a nominal Christian home; but, during my teenage years, I drifted away even from my nominal Christianity. When I came to faith through Isaiah 43:1-8 (NIV) during my university years, I was overwhelmed by God’s love for me, that He had called me by my name (v. 1), and I experienced His overwhelming presence, forgiveness, restoration, peace and joy.

A short-term outreach to Mozambique and the teachings that surrounded it opened my eyes to the latter half of that passage: “Bring my sons from afar and my daughters from the ends of the earth — everyone who is called by my name, whom I created for my glory, whom I formed and made” (v. 6-7). These words brought a deep conviction that the transformation I was experiencing wasn’t meant only for me or those in my country but for those ‘afar’ too — especially those with no access to the gospel. And I knew it was something God was calling all of us — including me — to be involved in.

Today, we talk about two billion people who still need to hear the good news of Christ. Being back in Namibia means I can visit the very same student dorm where I came to faith and was discipled. As I get to share these places and stories with my children, none of whom were born in Namibia, I can literally feel that early joy of my salvation. And the conviction that ALL, especially those who have had no exposure to the gospel, need to experience the transformative power of this good news grows only deeper.

As I reflect today on the poverty and injustice in my own country and continent, as well as the many places where the unreached find themselves, here’s what I believe. ‘Bringing them from afar’ or for ‘all to hear’ includes bringing people into the Kingdom of God through a gospel witness that reflects the work of Christ to “reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven” — Colossians 1:20 (NIV). That means reconciling individuals, communities, societies and systems, including economic, environmental, etc. systems, with the original intention of God.

As I articulate my growing understanding of the fullness of gospel proclamation, I see something exciting happening. My friends start to realise this is not just for some such as myself whom they always saw as ‘the missions worker’ who was sent to proclaim the gospel out there. They now realise that they, too, have a role to play beyond praying for and supporting missions workers financially. That they too can, and should, use all their God-given gifts and talents here and among the least reached to ensure ALL have HEARD.

This excites me. As I reflect on what it means for 'all to hear', my prayer is that we may be faithful witnesses to all in its fullness and activate and equip all believers to participate in this calling.

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Reinhold is married to Natalie and they have four children. He initially trained and worked in the medical field as a radiographer and now holds a Masters Degree in Global Leadership in Intercultural Context, which combines his passion for culture and leadership. Reinhold currently serves on the Ships Area Leadership Team.