Brother Rufus Bucher, a noted Brethren minister and evangelist of decades ago, lived in the Quarryville area of southern Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. He was particularly active in evangelism, and conducted 216 revival meetings across the Brotherhood. Because of his evangelistic efforts, at least 2,930 came “into the Kingdom.” It is said that one day Brother Rufus was returning from a two-week meeting, and found the house empty. He wondered where his wife could be. Rufus searched the house, but to no avail. After waiting a while, finally the kitchen door opened and his wife came in. “Where have you been, Naomi?” queried Rufus. Her response was, “Well, Rufus, I was across the fields leading your BROTHER to the Lord!”
Herein is a valuable lesson for all of us. We become agog at the thought of going (or sending our dollars) “overseas” for mission effort there, while many times neglecting everyday opportunities of witnessing and leading others to Christ right where we are!
Jesus provided the formula for the sharing of our faith. “Jerusalem, ” He said, “is where it all needs to begin.” He continued, “And when you’ve been faithful there, go out into the surrounding regions of Judea and Samaria. And when you’ve shared your faith there, then (and only then) go into all the world with the good news of salvation.”
Undoubtedly many in the church have felt that the sharing of faith and that soulwinning are only for others. “Not so!” says Jesus. “I never intended that the ‘Go ye‘ in my Great Commission be only for those called to go overseas, but also for those who stay at home.”
Perhaps today there are loving words
Which Jesus would have me speak;
There may be now, in the paths of sin,
Some wand’rer whom I should seek.
O Savior, if Thou wilt be my Guide,
Tho’ dark and rugged the way,
My voice shall echo the message sweet,
I’ll say what you want me to say!
July/August 1986
