Go and make disciples of all nations is the clarion call of the Great Commission. We who are followers of Jesus are to GO.
The great commission is a journey that brings new life to a dead world-as St. Paul says: "How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news". But wait-there's more. Paul presents a series of questions in reverse order to demonstrate the importance of going:
How can they believe-if they have not heard?
How can they hear if no one preaches?
How can they preach-if they are not sent?
I sat down the other day with my friend Dishan Wickramaratne who has GONE-Gone to Sri Lanka-where death-disease-civil war and terrorism confront him frequently. This isn't Dishan's first rodeo in Sri Lanka-he was born and raised there. Our conversation turned towards his life and ministry on the small island. I summarized the conversation below:
Bob: How would you describe the people of Sri Lanka?
Dishan: First of all Bob, I can't get over the fact that you're all dressed up. In Bible College all you wore was jeans and a casual shirt.
Bob: Thanks for noticing Dishan-I think. Now how would you describe the people of Sri Lanka?
Dishan: The large cities are pretty modern with the latest technology. There's a large contingent of young professionals that are upwardly mobile and seek a better life for their families like you and me. But there is also abject poverty and a strong "socio-class system"-as it always has been-the poor are very poor and poverty is in your face. It's not hidden like on the outskirts of town.
Bob: Like the movie Slumdog Millionaire?
Dishan: Exactly. Yeah that's reality.
Bob: What's the major religion?
Dishan: Buddhism is the major religion then Hindu-then Muslim and only 1% is Christian.
Bob: What impact does Christianity have in the culture?
Dishan: Christians are in the minority. They are often targeted with violence and persecution-churches were burnt down recently by Buddhist extremist.
Bob: Come at me again-Buddhist what?
Dishan: Yeah I know-even in Buddhism they have an extreme element.
Bob: Wow that's an oxymoron
Dishan: What'd you call me?
Bob: No not you Dish-when I think of the "Buddha"-I think of peaceful thoughts and food-but not violence
Dishan: I know it's crazy but since they are the majority religion there are some who love power more than peace.
Bob: What about Christians-what impact do they have?
Dishan: Christians are very active in social service. Our church reached out during the 2004 tsunami-we helped with housing, clothing and food for the victims. Our church has about 10, 000 that attend. We are very involved in the community-we practice lifestyle evangelism.
Bob: What's an example of lifestyle evangelism?
Dishan: Believers in Sri Lanka can't be overt because of the persecution. So we have creative ways of being a witness. For example I have a radio spot called "Think a Minute" where I discuss moral lessons about family, faith and life. It has been a positive influence. One time I was going through customs at the airport and the guy saw my passport and said "Hey are you the Dishan on the radio?"
Bob: Who were your Missionary Influences?
Dishan: My Dad (Colton Wickramaratne). He really lived the Great Commission. He was poor-no home and no means for work. He traveled to the U.S. and was stranded. But God provided for his needs and since then he has been serving God fully. (A Biography of Colton is called: "My Adventure in Faith") see link below
Bob: What is God saying to you nowadays?
Dishan: God gave me this word recently: "Live right and walk straight and I will take care of the rest"
Bob: God really breaks it down to a simple proposition-huh?
Dishan: Yes, we complicate things and God's say's "I have an easier way."
Bob: How did this word impact your life?
Dishan: Last time when I was in the states, I was invited to preach in this church and I was going through my sermon files and praying which one would be applicable. Then I heard God say-"you don't need a sermon-you need a word." And that's when I received the "live right and walk straight" word. So I was at the pulpit and I began to preach-a few moments later I stopped preaching-and called for all those with back problems to stand up-22 people stood. I prayed for them and afterward I asked who was healed-22 people raised their hands. I always remember what God said that day: "live right and walk straight" he will take care of the rest.
Bob: That's a great word to end on Dish. It was great to connect with you, bro after all these years-any parting words?
Dishan: I'm still impressed by your dress attire.
Bob: Now I'm nervous.
As I left Dishan that evening-I realized how much more I need to tune in to the Great Commission-here in my own backyard.
