Ambassadors & Missionaries

Various Ways of Carrying Out the "Great Commission"

And Jesus came and spake unto them, saying, All power is given unto me in heaven and in earth. Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen. (Matthew 28:18-20 KJV)

Now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christ's stead, be ye reconciled to God. (2 Corinthians 5:20 KJV)

Evangelism and personal witnessing of the salvation and life-changing power of the Lord Jesus Christ is not totally the role of those called to be preachers of the Gospel. It is the duty and responsibility of every Christian to be prepared to witness of his or her relationship with the Savior. As represented in the person of Christian in John Bunyan's Pilgrim's Progress, we are indeed children of God, traveling to that Celestial City. But, as such, while we are yet in this world, we are ambassadors of Christ and His Heavenly Kingdom.

Beyond personal testimony, there are various Ways of Carrying Out the "Great Commission"

KENNETH ASHCROFT -- Missionary to Eastern Europe

KEN ASHCROFT has served as a Missionary to Eastern Europe for more than 55 years. Prior to the fall of the "Iron Curtain", Ken and his wife Kath were stationed in Rome, Italy, and frequently traveled into Communist Eastern Europe, preaching in Baptist churches and delivering Bibles and other printed materials to churches and seminaries. Since the late 1980s, they returned to their home in England and frequently travel to Rumania and Hungary, preaching and delivering printed materials and books to churches there. They have been involved in translation of significant works into Rumanian and Hungarian, and frequently visit Rumanian churches in the United States as well.

Ken and Kath have ben married for 65 years and have 2 children.

As the primary missionary supported by SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCH, Ken & Cath have made almost yearly visits to SGBC while visiting their son and his family in Virginia. Ken always has a challenging message when asked to preach, and they usually show videotapes of their missionary travels and work with the Eastern European churches.

A History of Missionary Endeavors:

Over the years, we have supported other missionaries to Mexico, South Africa, Nigeria, Martinique, and other places. For many years, SOVEREIGN GRACE CHURCH was one of the stopping points for a group of students & faculty from TORONTO BAPTIST SEMINARY during their annual spring itinerary through New York and Pennsylvania.

Prison Ministry at Hunlock Creek

Over the past 4 years, SOVEREIGN GRACE BAPTIST CHURCH has been involved in ministry outreach to prisoners at state institutions, primarily at SCI Retreat at Hunlock Creek, PA. This includes written correspondence, visitation, sending copies of taped sermons, and mentoring Christian inmates in further studies.

Spreading the Word -- In Print & Audio

LITERATURE MINISTRY

We have distributed well over 8,000 pamphlets during the past 15 years, including "ULTIMATE QUESTIONS" by John Blanchard, and other Christ-centered Gospel literature. Distribution has centered around truck stops, restaurants, gas stations, hospitals, and public events.

TAPE & CD MINISTRY:

Copies of tapes and CDs have historically been available to any who were unable to attend worship services or to anyone who desired to hear them. Plans are underway to expand distribution of tapes and CDs, including possible imminent placement of services on the internet.

Ken & Cath Ashcroft - Carrying the Gosepl to Eastern Europe

9 "Keys" to Evangelism & Carrying Out the "Great Commission"

Pray for & love the people who need the Gospel message.
Strive to reflect the nature & truth of God.
2 Cor. 3: 2 Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men:
Ask God for wisdom
Prov. 11:30 The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.
Present the Law of God.
Sow the Word of God, especially the "Good News" of the Gospel in Christ, the Cross, & Atonement.
Be a vessel of the Holy Spirit in life & testimony to God's glory.
Help them to question their lifestyle & worldview, through prayer & apologetics (explanation of truth as expressed in Scriptures).
Challenge them to repent & believe the Gospel

(excerpted & summarized from Amazing Grace: The History and Theology of Calvinism DVD)