"In a world where the news often highlights suffering, war and disasters, who still needs to hear about the wonderful things that God has done?" asks Jessica.
Jessica Shumba, from Zimbabwe, currently serves as OM’s International Leadership Development Director. Before stepping into this role in 2021, she led OM in Zimbabwe as the Field Leader. Prior to joining OM in 2016, she worked in the NGO/development sector with Foundations for Farming and World Vision Zimbabwe.
Hearing plays a crucial role in our daily lives, allowing us to perceive sounds and understand words. In Zimbabwe, the BaTonga tribe used talking drums to communicate messages long before modern communication methods became available. Different rhythms and beats conveyed specific messages; for instance, certain patterns would call community leaders to meetings, announce the death of an important figure such as a chief or elder, or signal that a traditional beer brew was ready for consumption. I imagine that some ‘chancers’ might have heard the drumbeat and decided to take a chance and show up, even if they were not the intended recipients of the message.
Unlike the BaTonga drums, which conveyed different messages to specific recipients through various beats and rhythms, the gospel has been spread with a consistent core message throughout the ages. However, it has connected uniquely with every nation, tribe and language. It transcends all barriers and divisions, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to hear and respond to the good news of the Kingdom of God. No one is considered a ‘chancer’. Everyone is an intended recipient and is welcome to show up!
The Lord Jesus told us in Matthew 24:14 that ‘the Good News about the Kingdom will be preached throughout the whole world, so that all nations will hear it; and then the end will come’ (NLT). From the beginning, the plan was for everyone — regardless of nation or language — to hear, understand and choose to respond to the message. The strategy was simple: as people went about their day and talked about current events, they would share this good news. This was exemplified by the disciples on the road to Emmaus. While discussing recent events, Jesus joined their conversation, although they did not recognise him. They went on to recount everything that had happened in Jerusalem.
At Pentecost, devout Jews from every nation who were living in Jerusalem heard the believers who had been filled with the Holy Spirit speaking in their own languages about the wonderful things God had done. The news of this event spread quickly over the following days and months. As people returned home from Jerusalem, they shared this news with their families, friends and communities. In this way, the good news of the Kingdom of God was passed down from generation to generation, eventually reaching us.
The same strategy can be applied today. Who in your circle needs to hear this good news? In a world where the news often highlights suffering, war and disasters, who still needs to hear about the wonderful things that God has done? As I reflect on Matthew 24:14, I consider whom I can share this good news with as I go about my daily life at home, at work or in my community. Who still needs to hear the drumbeat?