We are often asked by a variety of different people about our work. I would like to take just a brief moment to explain what we do, and try to put some things into perspective. If I could go from the broad to the specific; I will begin with the purpose of God in the creation of man. Ultimately all of mankind has been created for one grand purpose - to glorify God. The way we do that best is by our worship of him. To briefly elaborate on that, let me say that our worship of God is intended to be a way of life. 

   Since the beginning of the world, man has and continues to have a problem, he fails miserably. From the moment that the first man Adam, failed to obey God, he fell into a state of condemnation. That single act thrust the entire human race into a perpetual state of separation from God, and a condition the Bible refers to as spiritual death. Every boy or girl born on the Earth is born with this same condition. This condition leads everyone to live a life in the same way - in constant and continuous rebellion against God. This rebellion is contrary to the original purpose of God for man, and consequently, prohibits man from accomplishing his purpose in the universe - to glorify God though a lifestyle of worship.

   God in his infinite wisdom and omniscience, has designed a way whereby the human race can be brought back to its original state of fellowship with God. A way in which we can have the condition of condemnation lifted and we can once again enjoy a relationship with our creator. This purpose of God is found in the God-man Jesus Christ. By coming to the earth, living a life of sinless perfection, shedding his blood, and defying death and hell, Jesus Christ performed the single most spectacular act the world will ever know. He became the one and only way whereby man could be reconciled to God.

   After fulfilling his work on Earth, Jesus instructed those he had trained to go into the whole Earth and tell everyone about himself and the purpose of God that was fulfilled in him. He formed them into a special assembly on Earth, known as a church, that alone would bear the burden of this very joyous and yet solemn task. He told that church that there would come a day in the future that he would return, but in the meantime he was going to leave them on this Earth while he went back to be with God the father in heaven.

   That's where we come in. In keeping with the purpose of God to reconcile fallen mankind to Himself through the work of His son Jesus Christ, and doing so through His assembly on Earth known as His church, we have been sent out by just such a church to fulfill our role in the greater purpose of God. We have been called by God, and sent out by one of His churches, to share the message of the finished work of the God-man Jesus Christ on the cross. The only way for fallen man to be reconciled to God, and fulfill his ultimate purpose in life which is to glorify his creator through a lifestyle of worship.  

What is a "Lost Sheep"?

   The Bible uses a lot of figurative or picture language. In the New Testament we find an explanation of the purpose of God in sending the God-man Jesus Christ to the Earth. In the book of Luke chapter nineteen, the Bible says that Jesus came to seek and to save that which was lost. We believe God has called us to go to the country of Peru and be used of Him to bring His Lost Sheep there into His fold.

   A well known passage in the Bible that reveals the purpose of God in connection with the idea of sheep is found in the New Testament in the book of John. There we find the man Jesus referring to a particular group of people as the sheep that he came to seek and to save. He also refers to himself in this same passage as The Good Shepherd of these sheep. 

I am the good shepherd, and know my sheep, and am known of mine. As the Father knoweth me, even so know I the Father: and I lay down my life for the sheep. And other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice; and there shall be one fold, and one shepherd. Therefore doth my Father love me, because I lay down my life, that I might take it again. No man taketh it from me, but I lay it down of myself. I have power to lay it down, and I have power to take it again. This commandment have I received of my Father.  - John 10:11-18.

   This passage of scripture explains some of the meaning behind the language in the Bible that refers to people as "Sheep". Jesus says that these sheep are his sheep. He also says that he came to the earth to give his life for these sheep. He states that there is a special relationship between himself and his sheep. (He knows them and they know him). To the Jewish audience to whom he spoke he states that there are "other sheep" (this speaks of the fact that his sheep will not only be Jewish in nationality). And finally he states the certainty that these sheep will be brought into his fold.

   In another passage of scripture we find additional reference made to this group of people which Jesus referred to as his sheep. In the book of Luke chapter fifteen we find the popular parable known as The Parable of the Lost Sheep.

What man of you, having an hundred sheep, if he lose one of them, doth not leave the ninety and nine in the wilderness, and go after that which is lost, until he find it? And when he hath found it, he layeth it on his shoulders, rejoicing. And when he cometh home, he calleth together his friends and neighbours, saying unto them, Rejoice with me; for I have found my sheep which was lost. I say unto you, that likewise joy shall be in heaven over one sinner that repenteth, more than over ninety and nine just persons, which need no repentance.   - Luke 15:4-7.

   Here with the use of a parable, Jesus again uses figurative or picture language to refer to a particular group of people as sheep. The most important element of this passage is the fact that the sheep was LOST and needed to be found. This is an essential element to the understanding of the reason for choosing the analogy of sheep to refer to a particular group of people. In order to be one of Jesus' sheep, a person MUST BE LOST.

   In conclusion we can observe the purpose of God. The Bible teaches that there are a group of people that the Lord Jesus Christ came to seek and to save. The Lord himself referred to these people as his sheep. He stated that these sheep will not only come from the nation of Israel, but that they will include the Gentiles as well. That these people will recognize Jesus as their shepherd, and that they will follow him. And finally and most importantly, without their shepherd, all of these sheep are lost.

   Maybe you are asking yourself a couple of questions. Maybe you are wondering.. "Am I one of Jesus' sheep?" Do I have a special relationship with Jesus Christ as my shepherd? Do I follow him and depend upon His guidance and watch care in my life? Here is the most important question you need to answer. Am I lost? If so, Jesus Christ can and will save you and bring you into His fold. Simply turn to Him by faith, and trust in His finished work on the cross as the payment for your sins.