The term ‘witness’ is multifaceted and can be used as a noun and a verb. In ordinary circumstances, a person who saw or was present when something happened is referred to as a witness. This is because he or she was present at the time of such an occurrence. This may further mean that since the person was present or saw something happen, they have the evidence or proof of the occurrence or event. Secondly, the term witness may refer to the action of seeing or having knowledge about something which took place. As Canadian Baptists celebrate 150 years of formal service among different nations of the world, it is a great moment to also share and reflect on the different experiences, achievements and milestones CBM has undergone. As we look back at CBM’s journey of faith and service to God and humanity across the nations, we reflect on the meaning of Christian witness and its importance in the lives of Christians.
In this reflection we are guided by the following questions: What does the Bible say about witnessing? Who is a witness according to the Bible? When does witnessing for Christians begin and when does it end? Acts 1:8 states: “But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit has come on you, and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” This is the instruction that Jesus gave to his disciples. He sent them to be witnesses in all the earth, as individuals as well as a team of witnesses. In the Bible, a witness is someone who believes in the Lord Jesus Christ, experienced the love of God and tells it to others. As followers of Jesus Christ, we are called to serve at witnesses to our faith. The disciples had lived and seen Jesus teach, do great miracles, and wonders. Even in His death, they also met the resurrected Christ several times before he commissioned them and ascended to heaven. Matthew 28:19-20 says, “Therefore go and make disciples of all Nations” and in Mark 16:15 he says, “Go into all the world and proclaim the gospel to all creation”. They were to become witnesses of the good news of salvation, because they had real-life encounters and experiences with the Saviour of the world for about thirty-three years. Their lives were also transformed after meeting Jesus Christ, and they also saw the transformative work of Christ in the lives of the people.
Today, this calling and commissioning is for all who have been redeemed, the children of God and in extension, the Church. We may not have been eyewitnesses to the events around Christ and his disciples in the first century, but we are heirs of the kingdom of God together with Jesus through his death and resurrection. We are also believers born of Christ through faith and have become God’s children, saved by grace. Every Christian should have rich, transformative encounters with Christ, such as redemptive love, forgiveness of sins and empowerment of the Holy Spirit to live a successful Christian life. Therefore, Christians are called upon to witness Christ in all the world by sharing the message of salvation and the love of God with all.
So, what is Christian witnessing? Jesus Christ set a perfect example of witnessing as the bearer of God’s truth revealing the love of God to humanity through his obedience. Following the model of Christ, it is important to note that effective witnessing is not just mere words but a combination of both words and deeds. Jesus preached the Good News of salvation and called upon sinners to repentance (Luke 5:27-39). He showed mercy upon the hungry and fed them (Matthew 14:13-21, John 21:1-17). He healed the sick – here is just a few examples: the woman with the severe bleeding (Mark 5:25-26), a crippled man (John 5:2-9), a man born blind (John 9:1-7), a sick boy (Mark 9:14-29). He offered hope to the hopeless (Luke 12:7) and resurrected the dead (John 11:38 Lazarus and Jairus daughter Mark 5: 21-42). Jesus eventually laid down his life for the redemption of humankind. Witnessing is not possible without sacrificial love for God and others, no wonder the love for God and neighbour is the greatest commandment of Jesus to Christians (Matthew 22:37-39). This model set by Jesus is holistic witnessing, which involves balancing both words and good deeds, or matching our words with our actions – this is effective witnessing. In fact, the most influential witnessing is what I call “silent witnessing” when actions speak louder than words! Christians are called upon to do the same, and this is exactly what Canadian Baptists have been doing for the last 150 years.
In Kenya for example, CBM has worked in partnership with the Africa Brotherhood Church (ABC) for the last 53 years, and following a covenantal partnership with ABC in 2007, a lot has been achieved through programs that have touched and changed lives with Christ’s love. These include providing food to the hungry through the food security program when there was a severe drought in Kenya; medical support to the sick; hope to vulnerable orphans and HIV victims and guardians through the
“Following the model of Christ, it is important to note that effective witnessing is not just mere words but a combination of both words and deeds.”
Guardians of Hope program (GoH); psychosocial, material, spiritual and social support through training those affected and infected by HIV/AIDS with home-based care and improved agricultural methods for food security. Also, empowering the poor through income generating projects, education programs and scholarships, both secular and theological, including access to basic education for vulnerable individuals and children. As well as equipping leaders with theological and ministry training to better understand mission work and effective witnessing.
Today, we celebrate 150 years of Canadian Baptist’s faithful witness and the selfless commitment of CBM’s partners and supporters in spreading the love of God globally – this is witness. As we do this, we need to ask ourselves some questions: Have we attained? Have we fulfilled the call to witness according to Acts 1:8? Have we gone to all the earth? What about in Jerusalem, Judea and Samaria? Those close and those far from us? Have we succeeded?
We may have done some substantial work over the years, however a lot remains to be done. We have a long way to go. Witnessing to all the world calls for more effort, more unity among Christians, more strategies, and more commitment of time and resources, and of course the power of the Holy Spirit, who guides and provides spiritual direction. When Christians come together with one purpose of sharing the love of Christ and for the expansion of the kingdom of God, God is honoured and witnessing becomes effective. There is need for strengthening the spirit of ecumenism in order to witness to the ends of the earth, “Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. A cord of three strands is not quickly broken.” (Ecclesiastes 4:12). It is imperative to maintain healthy strong partnerships and teamwork for effective witnessing.
The Great Commission of Jesus Christ to all his disciples is to witness and propagate the gospel, to all nations, until the end of the age. Jesus sent His disciples to help people understand the Good News and then live according to the values of God’s kingdom, thus extending the witness. Witnessing is a lifelong commitment and focus that calls for deliberate choices and commitments. Witnessing has no limitations. It’s a calling for all Christians and should be understood as a mandatory, urgent and direct command from our Lord Jesus Christ to holistically transform human lives and expand the kingdom of God.
Historical and biblical evidence show that Christian witnessing has faced many obstacles and opposition. Christ stated that it was not going to be easy for the disciples and believers to witness. Which is why his final prayers before his death was for the unity of the disciples and all believers and for their protection from the evil one (John 17:6-26). This affirms witness and promotion of the kingdom of God as the sole mission for the disciples of Jesus Christ (John 17:6-26). In this vein, it is therefore important to note one of the successful ways of witnessing is through the unity of believers. Though challenging and difficult, witnessing is possible because of the power of the Holy Spirit who dwells in us. The disciples faced a lot of opposition, difficulties, suffering, persecution and death for being witnesses (Acts 12:1-2); “For it has been granted to you on behalf of Christ not only to believe in him, but also to suffer for him.” (Philippians 1:29). Christians should be prepared to witness the Good News of Christ, even during the most difficult times and through various challenges. Witnessing Christ and the love of God is imperative and sacrificial. “Let us not grow weary in well doing, for in due season we shall reap, if we do not faint.” (Galatians 6:9).
Witnessing may be done through various forms, such as: word of mouth (proclamation); giving generously to support mission work; and praying for the mission work and those dedicated full-time as ministers of the gospel; and finally exhibiting an authentic Christian life and love for all. Doing small acts of kindness can go a long way in effective witnessing and winning souls to Christ. If you cannot witness globally, you can do it locally; if you cannot witness at the macro level, you can do it at micro level. Therefore, there is an opportunity for each believer to witness according to one’s ability and calling, for at the end we shall give an account. Arise and shine.
Pause and Reflect
- How is the contemporary believer, church and mission bodies/organizations fulfilling the command of Jesus in Acts 1:8?
- What are the qualities of a faithful, effective witness?
- How does ecumenism and unity of believers in the world influence Christian witness?
- What is the contemporary meaning of Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria and the ends of the earth as indicated in Acts 1:8?
- When does witnessing begin and end?
Share your Reflection
Submit your own thoughts as we Reflect Light on our past and explore all the possibilities of our future as Christ leads us.