| Monday, January 24 Open House Evangelism Be hospitable to one another without grumbling.
1 Peter 4:9 Jonathan and Rosalind Goforth, missionaries to China, practiced "Open-House Evangelism." Since the Chinese were curious to see the interior of their home, the Goforths opened their house for tours. Visitors came from miles around. Jonathan would give a brief presentation of the Gospel, then Rosalind would speak with the women afterward. On one single day, more than 2,000 people showed up; and during a particular five-month period, some 25,000 people came to visit. Rosalind later said, "Some may think that receiving visitors is not real mission work, but I think it is. I put myself out to make friends with the people and I reap the results when I go to their villages to preach."1 Few of us would invite 25,000 people to tour our home, but too many of us overlook the gift of hospitality. It's a great blessing to open one's home, and family, and table to those in need--whether the need is financial, spiritual, or relational. If it's impossible to open your home, there are lots of other ways to be hospitable. Just remember that hospitality is one mark of a generous life. Entertaining says, "I want to impress you with my home...." Hospitality, seeking to minister, says, "This home is a gift from my Master...." Hospitality aims to serve.
Karen Maines 1Ruth Tucker, From Jerusalem to Irian Jaya (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1983), 190. Read-Thru-the-Bible
Exodus 23:1-25:40  |
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