J . Christy Wilson was a model of humility , love , and courage for Jesus Christ , even in the midst of fierce opposition .

’ ve loved studying church history through the years because of what I can learn from great men and women of God who walked with Him faithfully . Many have been His instruments of grace , love , and forgiveness as they proclaimed and taught the Word of God to a world that needs the good news of the gospel of Christ .

I was privileged to know one of the men featured in the special section of this issue , Pioneers of Mission . J . Christy Wilson served as a missionary to Afghanistan for many years before being expelled after watching the authorities raze his church to the ground . He was a model of humility , love , and courage for Jesus Christ , even in the midst of fierce opposition .

Surely , the words of Hebrews 12 , verses one and two , are just as motivating today as when they were written : “ Therefore , since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses , let us also lay aside every weight , and the sin which clings so closely , and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us ...”

This passage inspires me to ask myself , “ What can I learn from great saints of the past to equip me to endure in my love for Jesus Christ ?” These words inspire me to take inventory of “ weights ” and sins that will slow me down if I don ’ t take swift

action . God has given us real examples of devout men and women so we can succeed in living as His faithful disciples ; therefore , I dare not neglect careful study of these saints .

Truly , there has never been anyone like Jesus Christ . Who else could inspire and equip so many to live such remarkable lives through the ages ? Seeing this is nothing less than astounding , filling me with great awe and admiration . Nothing is too great for Him . If He has strengthened countless souls through the years to endure in the faith , then He can do the same for me and anyone who calls on His name . As you read this issue of our magazine , I invite you to consider , and emulate , the lives of some of the saints mentioned . We are telling their stories to glorify God , to honor them , and to provide all of us examples of godly lives .

Many blessings to you in Christ ,

Matthew W . Bennett

matt bennett is the founder and CEO of Christian Union . He earned undergraduate and MBA degrees from Cornell , and launched Christian Union in 2002 in Princeton , New Jersey .

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