Korean youth pledge to missions

South Korea (MNN) — During a student-led mission emphasis week recently at the Korea Baptist Theological Seminary in Taejon, between 200 and 300 students made commitments to international mission service. Even more acknowledged that, though they may not sense God’s specific call to missions, they are willing and available to go wherever He may lead.

Jerry Rankin, President of the Southern Baptist International Mission Board , says, “We sensed such an outpouring of the Holy Spirit, particularly in the final session. I was personally touched by the numbers of students who were making commitments to mission service and by those who simply said, ‘I am willing to go.’ We look forward with great anticipation to the many ways God will use the willingness of these young people to accomplish His task around the world.”

In the final session, Rankin preached about those “of whom the world is not worthy,” noting that since 2002, eight IMB missionaries have been martyred in service to our Lord. Professors and faculty prayed for the students and specifically for those committing to international service.

Rankin also visited the Global Mission Center located on the seminary campus and met with small groups of students to answer questions about the future of worldwide mission efforts. “I was quite impressed by the depth of their questions and the level of their commitment to go to difficult areas to proclaim the Gospel of Christ.”

During his trip to Korea, Rankin launched the Korean translation of his latest book, “To the Ends of the Earth,” which explains the vision that drives the IMB and offers practical approaches for lay involvement.

Acknowledging the Korean Foreign Mission Board’s more than 500 missionaries in 44 countries, Rankin says, “It is our prayer that this book will be a catalyst to equip Korean pastors, churches and missionaries to develop strategies to reach a lost world.”