What is our work in evangelism and care?
His Holiness Pope Shenouda III speaks about the Lord Christ’s command to His disciples to teach and preach and make disciples of all nations, and he presents the Coptic Church’s experience in evangelism and its service in many countries.
Main idea:
The lecture calls the Church and its children to a serious and continuous spirit of evangelism, not to be satisfied with internal pastoral service only, but to go forth to nations and peoples who have not yet known Christ.
Practical examples:
His Holiness mentions examples of the Coptic Church’s service in Africa (Zambia, Zimbabwe, South Africa, Namibia, Zaire) and then attempts in South America (Brazil) and Australia (the original peoples — the “Aboriginals”), and points to practical difficulties such as wars, language, and customs.
Spiritual and moral dimension:
From a Coptic Orthodox faith perspective, evangelism is a spiritual and essential duty — it is showing God’s love to people and presenting the Gospel not only by teaching but by real acts of love and service (food, health care, vocational training).
Challenges and required qualities:
Evangelistic service requires spiritual and mental readiness; he speaks of the difficulty of working there (illness, heat, distance) and the need for workers not heavily burdened by family responsibilities, and also the necessity of professionals (doctors, teachers) who offer concrete love along with the word of God.
Method of evangelistic work:
The evangelist should live among the people, learn their language, love them, serve their children, and leave an unforgettable impression of love and practical service; productive evangelism is what establishes a true local church.
Call and accountability:
The talk concludes by reminding that the Lord will one day ask us what we have done in evangelism, so we must think seriously and prepare, not only by words but by deeds, and send those who love evangelism and can remain steadfast in it.
Short summary:
The central message is an invitation to adopt a practical evangelical spirit rooted in love and service, to have patience and dedication toward peoples who have not known God, while acknowledging the difficulties and urging the Church to prepare capable and chosen missionaries.
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