To the Ends of the Earth

Excitement was in the air. It was a time of discovery and exploration.

Driven by these motives, in August 1837 the U.S. Exploring Expedition set sail from Norfolk, Virginia. The expedition included scientists and sailors aboard a group of American ships whose mission was to explore new territories, particularly in the South Pacific.

On this day in 1838, one of those ships, the “Peacock,” was sailing further south than anyone had ever traveled before. Even though the seas all around them were rough, it was Sunday, and ship captain William Hudson led the men in a church service.

According to one observer, as the men listened they had to “hold on by whatever was near” to keep from going overboard. Hudson thought this might have been the first time a sermon had been read “within the South Antarctic Circle,” adding, ‘I should indeed rejoice to extend the requirements of the Gospel…from Pole to Pole.”

Today, millions of people around the world have never heard the name of Jesus. Millions live in spiritual darkness. Who will reach these lost Souls?

Reaching the Lost at “the ends of the earth” might be dangerous or mean braving difficult conditions. But God honors those who have a passion for Souls, who seek to reach the entire world with the Gospel.

Right now, pray for worldwide evangelism. And commit your time, talent, and treasure to God, asking that He might use you to help fulfill the Great Commission and reach the ends of the earth.