How to be an Ambassador for Christ
The term “ambassador for Christ” comes from Paul’s second letter to the Corinthians where he wrote, “Now then, we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God were pleading through us: we implore you on Christ’s behalf, be reconciled to God” (2 Corinthians 5:20).
So, what is an ambassador for Christ? An ambassador is generally defined as a governmental official who represents their home country in a foreign land or a person who speaks for or advertises a specific organization, group or brand.[1] Thus, when Paul says a believer is an ambassador for Christ, he means that a Christian represents and speaks for Christ. John 15:19 says that those who follow Christ “do not belong to the world,” so by living in the world and sharing the love of Christ, it is like they are representatives in a foreign land.
Conceptually, that all makes sense, but practically, what does it mean to be an ambassador for Christ? Representing Christ can take on many forms, from sharing the Good News of God’s incredible love, to offering earnest prayers, to showing God’s compassion by meeting physical needs. GFA World is an organization working as ambassadors, and we are passionate representatives of Jesus to the world.
GFA was founded in 1979, and since then, we have been committed to serving the “least of these” in over 18 countries across Asia and now in Africa as well. We often serve in places where no one else is serving, so the people experience the love of God for the first time. GFA’s service comes in many ways. We train and send out national missionaries―humble servants who minister to the physical and spiritual needs of those in their community. We also have a Child Sponsorship Program that supports more than thousands of children and their families, offering these precious children hope and a brighter future by providing key assistance that will help enable them to be successful in education. GFA also works with community leaders in developing communities by helping provide basic necessities, like clean water, and by opening doors to break the cycle of poverty by gifting income-producing items like farm animals, sewing machines and vocational training. Along with all of that, GFA participates in disaster relief for victims of floods and earthquakes, and our Compassion Services team ministers to those who are rejected by many societies: widows and leprosy patients.[2]
For GFA’s national missionaries and other workers, being an ambassador for Christ means showing His love to the world around them by meeting physical needs. By showing great care for people, we represent how much God cares for them, too.
One of these national missionaries is Pastor Talon. Fifteen years ago, when he first stepped into a remote village, he had little idea of the impact that the love of God flowing through him would have. A couple living there had been married for fourteen years but had been unable all that time to have children. Pastor Talon prayed fervently for them over the next six months, and God blessed them with a child! They became the village’s first believers. Pastor Talon continued to show God’s love for the people by holding prayer meetings, where people were healed and lives were changed. One man, Radu, had been a danger to the community―mentally ill and roaming the streets, attacking others with sticks and stones. When Pastor Talon prayed for him, he was healed, and more people saw and trusted in the power of God.
As time went on, some people opposed Pastor Talon, preventing him from getting water from the local hand pump. Rather than getting upset, the pastor saw the need for a clean water source in the community, and his leaders arranged for three Jesus Wells to be built in the area. The water was free to all, no exceptions or exclusions. Pastor Talon willingly meeting this basic need for the whole village—even for those who opposed him—displayed how sacrificially and freely God loves people. In 2013, when continuous rain flooded the area, sweeping away homes, belongings and loved ones, nearby GFA pastors stepped in to help. They brought essentials like groceries, medicines, mosquito nets, blankets and clothing. The people were immensely grateful, and the love of God flowing through His people continued to touch and change their hearts.[3]
Pastor Talon is just one of GFA’s national missionaries; there are many others around the world, working to meet physical needs and demonstrate the love of God. However, you do not need to be a missionary to be an effective ambassador for Jesus Christ. In Second Corinthians, Paul urges reconciliation with God. Being Christ’s ambassador means sharing the Good News with those who need to hear it. There are people everywhere who do not know about God’s love for them, those who have physical and spiritual needs that are not being met.
As ambassadors, we can step in and help. It could be a prayer, a meal, a hug or a conversation, but each believer can represent Christ to those around them. Also, consider representing Christ to the whole world by partnering with GFA and supporting one of our national missionaries or sponsoring a child.
Learn more about Christian medical missions Africa[1] “Ambassador.” Cambridge Dictionary. Accessed October 13, 2024. https://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/ambassador.
[2] “About Us.” GFA World. Accessed October 13, 2024. https://www.gfa.org/about/.
[3] “Flow of Love Turns Tide in Remote Village.” GFA World. February 2024. https://www.gfa.org/news/articles/flow-of-love-turns-tide-in-remote-village-wfr24-01/.