While some aspects of the arguments might be tenable given the negative impact of domination and control in any society by an external force, the fact remains that the action of our forebearers in missions have actually transformed and imparted humanity and society positively. The limitations reportedly inherent in the strategies of pioneer missionaries notwithstanding, they are not adequate enough to diminish the fact of God's eternal purpose and will for man as was embedded in the communiqué that resulted from that summit.  It reads in part:  “We reaffirm that it is the eternal will of God to bring men, women, young people and children and all creation, all things in heaven and on earth, together under one head, even Christ.” (Eph. 1:10.)  A foretaste of fullness of life, will always require reconciliation with God but will necessitate the redemption, emancipation and transformation of the social, political, economic and moral frame works that shape our world.  Certainly, such transformation cannot be fully achieved without some sort of change in life pattern or sequence of the old tradition.  Missions aims at salvaging the souls of men and women from the shackles of sin.  Sin in itself is even considered as the most domineering of all forces from which missions seek to free men.  To turn from sin and darkness requires a complete turn around from the old to the New for, “If anyone is in Christ, he is a new creature, the old issues and patterns of life are gone, while the New have come to stay.” (II Cor. 5:17.)

As our nation anticipates celebrating a Golden Jubilee year in October 2010, having attained independence from Britain in 1960; 50 years ago, certainly, she needs freedom,  peace, love, unity and progress in a higher dimension.  All these are the dividends of the entrance and proclamation of the Gospel in any society (John 14:27.) It therefore follows that missions, which is actually the proclamation of the Gospel of light, love and peace to ALL NATIONS AND TRIBES and also the message of freedom from sin and death, is still very much needed in our society for the following reasons.

I.             The Gospel Mission Offers Forgiveness.  Those who are burdened by guilt of an offence committed by generations or by themselves need to loose their burden and lay it down.  Like John Bunyan in the “Pilgrim Progress” and  Paul in the Pauline epistles, the gospel offers burden relief through forgiveness; and many there are, who still need this relief in our nation and our world.  We cannot be said to have full freedom when we still groan under the weight of unforgiven sins or worse still under the spirit of unforgiveness.

II.            The Gospel Mission Offers Hope to Those who are Down and in Despair.  (Rom. 8:24.)  In all the contemporary and modern anxieties and tension, only Jesus Christ is capable of giving lasting peace and hope.  The Super Power's road maps to peace in some hot spots around the world, including our crisis ridden Jos city, to mention just that, only stands short of achieving its desired result.  Could we turn to the only Prince of Peace for lasting peaceful solution?

III.           Missions and the Gospel of Christ Offers Direction to those in our World Who are either lost or lonely.   Following Jesus’ footsteps as he leads the way certainly gives a sense of direction and gratification.  Jesus comes that people might find the way to life in abundance and full stature of Christ.  (John 10:10; Eph. 4:13.)

IV.          Missions and the Gospel are Relevant to Those who Feel Unwanted, Unloved, Unneeded, etc.  Many who are down and out, shelved and rejected by relatives and society can find solace in the Lord who cares for ALL.  He beckons on all who are dejected to come to Him, so that they can be free from their labour and have rest.

V.            The Gospel through Missions Actions offers Freedom to the Enslaved and shackled.  Gospel and freedom interchange.  The Gospel brings in itself the message  of truth.  The truth that Jesus died, was buried and rose to set us free from death, sin, and oppression (John 8:22).  Show me the land where missions was forbidden, and I will show you a people under severe oppression and bondage.

VI.          The Missions’ Gospel Cures Those who are Blinded by Self Action and Indulgences.  People who see only their own goodness and self interest certainly need the Gospel to open their blind eyes to see the world or people in need.  It also facilitates a good vision of seeing what God is seeing and joining Him in the work of redemption.

VII.         Missions is relevant to those who are Chained and Bruised.  Christ, through his Gospel had been anointed to set at liberty those who are chained, and bring healing to those who are bruised.  (Luke 4: 18-19; 5:18.)  Our nation today needs healing from bruises of endless conflicts, dangerous  politics, abject poverty and deprived society which as a convention we are poised to address.