What Does It Mean to Be an Ambassador for Christ?
At GFA World, we answer the question, “What does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ?” this way: It means representing God’s love, truth and grace to a world that needs it. This mission is the heart of GFA, where passionate pastors and missionaries enlighten people living without the hope of Christ. Rivka, a young woman from a tea estate, is a perfect example of what can happen when someone meets an ambassador for Christ.[1]
Rivka’s life was not easy. She and her husband, Benaiah, worked hard as daily laborers but barely earned enough to survive. Benaiah was also an alcoholic, spending most of their meagre wages on alcohol, which exacerbated their financial worries and created much tension in their house. Rivka grew and sold vegetables to help make ends meet, but her life was one of strife and struggle.
One day, as GFA-supported Pastor Elan was riding his motorcycle through Rivka’s village, he stopped and offered Rivka a pamphlet about the Good News. This started a fire in Rivka’s heart! The words she read touched her deeply and made her yearn to know more about Jesus. Unfortunately, Rivka could not attend church since there was not one nearby, and she had no means of transportation to go to another church elsewhere … until God intervened through Elan for the second time.
The following week, Elan returned to visit Rivka and Benaiah’s house. He prayed for Benaiah, who had a fever, and shared Jesus’ love and healing powers with him. Two days later, God healed Benaiah. At that point, Benaiah promised to take Rivka to church.
Renting an auto rickshaw for the trip, Rivka and Benaiah went to a GFA-supported church for the first time. During the service, Rivka accepted Christ as her Savior. Elan began holding prayer meetings with four neighbors at their home. Benaiah saw changes in his wife and decided to trust in Christ! God transformed a house of sorrow into a house of love, joy and peace.
“I thank God for His grace and mercy on me and my family,” Rivka said. “Even though we are poor and live in a small house with fewer things, I am happy for the peace and joy that the Lord Jesus gave to me … I am so joyful for my husband, whose behavior has changed, and [who has] stopped drinking alcohol. Now we are able to take care of our little daughter together.”
Rivka’s story demonstrates the might of Christ’s ambassadors. Through Elan’s faithfulness, a family has been healed, a community has been touched, and a testament of faith has been established. Today, Rivka and Benaiah have joy and peace in Christ.
Learn more about how GFA missionaries are ambassadors for Christ![1] “Curious Woman Persistently Pursues Christ.” GFA World. November 2024. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/curious-woman-persistently-pursues-christ.