Committed to the Harvest Field

Jonathan Goforth spent his life fulfilling his name, a man who would “go forth” into the world to preach the Gospel. In her history of Christian missions, Ruth Tucker commented that “of all the missionaries who served in the Orient during the 19^th and 20^th centuries, none saw a greater immediate response to his personal ministry than did Jonathan Goforth.”

Born on this day in Ontario in 1859, Goforth felt the call to East Asia after he “was overwhelmed” after hearing Dr. George Mackay describe the needs in Formosa. Even before leaving for China, he impacted believers with his testimony, moving many by his zeal for missions.

But he also encountered critics. One student said that the idea of starting a mission in China was a “crazy scheme.” At the time, the student “needed a new overcoat.” So he went to Toronto to buy a coat, but he was also hoping to stop the mission field idea.

Everything changed when he heard Goforth speak. “He swept me off my feet with an enthusiasm for missions which I had never experienced before.” Instead of buying a coat, he gave his money to support missions.

Today, the mission fields are white and ready for harvest. But many Christians remain focused on pleasures and comforts more than God’s Kingdom. Who, we wonder, will have the kind of zeal that motivated Jonathan Goforth? Who will commit their lives and resources to spreading the Gospel?

Dedicate your time, talent, and treasure to the work of evangelism. Do your part to reach souls in your community, across the nation, and around the world. Ask God to show you what you can do to answer the call.