A Wall of Fire
By Ted N.C. Wilson as told by Geoffrey Mbwana
I want to share an amazing story about a small group of young people who heard God calling them to reach others living in a very difficult and dangerous area. In spite of the risks, these precious young people put their trust in the Lord and said, "I Will Go!"
Along the Indian Ocean coast of Tanzania lies a town of more than 8,000 inhabitants. The town is predominantly non-Christian. It is known to be a highly superstitious town, causing many people to fear the town and its people.
A number of years ago, a group of young people from churches in a city some kilometers away dared to conduct an evangelistic series in this town. Knowing the work before them was delicate and risky, they decided to spend two weeks in earnest prayer, pleading for God’s intervention for the salvation of the people there. Amazingly, a few days later they received permission from the town government to hold religious meetings.
The young people continued to pray earnestly, choosing to have their special prayer times early in the morning by the seashore. Unbeknownst to them, other young people were sent by the town elders to go and kill these young Adventists before they started their meetings in town.
One morning as they went to the shore, the killers found the Adventist youth kneeling in earnest prayer by the sea. As they approached, ready to kill, the attackers saw a wall of fire surrounding the Adventist youth. They were shocked and dared not attack so they ran away.
The Adventist young people went on with their plans and started the meetings. But the elders of the city were determined to stop them. They sent their youth to steal equipment and furniture that was used for the meeting in an open area. But one night when they approached the place where the equipment was kept, they saw a very tall man wearing a white gown, holding a shining sword and walking around the equipment. They again failed to execute their wicked plan.
Soon after, as the meetings were going on in the open area, two town elders dressed in full traditional regalia walked through the crowd, heading toward the front where one of the young Adventists was preaching. They did not have good intentions. But before they reached the front, the town elders started running and jumping, screaming, “We're burning! We're burning!” They rushed toward the preacher but ran out behind him. While no one saw any flames, the intruders acted as though they were on fire. Later, these same leaders explained how they wanted to attack the preacher but saw a wall of fire surrounding him.
After this, the young men of the town approached the Adventist young people, inquiring about the superstitious powers they were using to protect themselves against the attacks. The Adventist youth told them they didn't believe in superstition and would have nothing to do with it. Then they asked the young men why they thought they were using some sort of magic as protection, and the town youth explained what they had seen when they had tried to destroy them!
The Adventists happily explained that they serve the living God of heaven and have the protection of divine angels sent by God. It became a big story all across that town and surrounding towns, and in the end many people were baptized. Even though working in this area continues to be challenging, there are now organized churches in this town, with a growing membership.
May we, just as those dear young people by the seaside did, put our trust fully in the Lord and be willing to say, "I will go," wherever He may lead.
Ted N.C. Wilson is president of the Seventh-day Adventist world church. Geoffrey Mbwana is one of eight general vice presidents for the world church. Both reside in Silver Spring, Maryland.
Jesus is Coming, I WILL GO | Study
Welcome to another session of Back to the Altar | 100 Days of Prayer!
Have you ever felt like the outsider in a group, wondering where you belong, when suddenly someone went out of their way to make you feel included and welcome?
Many churches don’t have a sign that says, “For Members Only.” However, the lack of outreach, the silence of invitation, and the inward focus of our worship activities can convey that sentiment and leave many feeling unwelcomed and unwanted.
One woman named Gloria once shared her story.
Gloria lived across the street from a church for eighteen years—eighteen years of witnessing weddings, baby dedications, and funerals—without ever receiving a single invitation to step inside. When she finally accepted an invitation, studied the Bible, and was baptized, she shared her story as both a praise and an indictment. Gloria’s words echoed a haunting question: “What took you so long?”
This story is a powerful reminder of the silent message we send when we do not actively engage in mission. Jesus said in John 10:16, “Other sheep I have, which are not of this fold: them also I must bring, and they shall hear my voice.”
Ellen White echoed this thought when she wrote, “Many have gone down to ruin who might have been saved if their neighbors, common men and women, had put forth personal effort for them” (Ministry of Healing, p. 148).
I. The Call to Go: The Mission of the Church
The mission of the Seventh-day Adventist Church is clear: “To make disciples of Jesus Christ who live as His loving witnesses and proclaim to all people the everlasting gospel of the Three Angels’ Messages in preparation for His soon return.” This mission is grounded in the Word of God and can be found in the following passages.
Read Matthew 28:19-20, Acts 1:8, and Revelation 14:6-7
The “I WILL GO” initiative is not just a slogan. It is a divine calling for every member of the body of Christ.
Ellen White writes:
“Every true disciple is born into the kingdom of God as a missionary. He who drinks of the living water becomes a fountain of life. The receiver becomes a giver. The grace of Christ in the soul is like a spring in the desert, welling up to refresh all, and making those who are ready to perish eager to drink of the water of life (Desire of Ages, p. 195).
So, how does the story of Gloria reflect the silent barriers we may unknowingly create in our churches? What can we do to make our churches more welcoming and inclusive to those around us?
II. The Mandate of the Master: Go and Make Disciples
Jesus did not give a mere suggestion. His parting command was direct: “Go ye therefore, and teach all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Ghost: Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you” (Matthew 28:19-20).
Reflect on this passage a little more. What exactly did Jesus command His disciples to GO DO in this passage? (Write down your thoughts.)
1. Make Disciples, Not Just Members
Jesus called us to make disciples—followers, not merely church attendees.
2. Baptize
Baptism is the visible entry into the community of faith. Just as circumcision was a sign of the covenant in the Old Testament (Genesis 17:10-11), so baptism symbolizes death to self and new life in Christ.
3. Teach the New Disciples to Honor God’s Word Through Obedience
True discipleship involves teaching obedience to all of Christ’s commands.
In the following video, we will see an illustration that makes daily discipleship very practical. As you watch, take note of the principles you can apply to your own life today.
• Play Video 1: Illustration: How to Disciple Someone to Jesus - https://tinyurl.com/BTTAW11VID1
How did Jesus care for those He discipled? How did He go about reaching the ones lost in darkness? In Ministry of Healing we read:
The training of the disciples was the example for the training of all future workers. Christ’s method alone will give true success in reaching the people. The Saviour mingled with men as one who desired their good. He showed His sympathy for them, ministered to their needs, and won their confidence. Then He bade them, “Follow Me.” There is need of coming close to the people by personal effort. If less time were given to sermonizing, and more time were spent in personal ministry, greater results would be seen. The poor are to be relieved, the sick cared for, the sorrowing and the bereaved comforted, the ignorant instructed, the inexperienced counseled. We are to weep with those that weep and rejoice with those that rejoice. Accompanied by the power of persuasion, the power of prayer, the power of the love of God, this work will not, cannot, be without fruit (Ministry of Healing, p. 143).
Discussion Questions:
• What is the difference between a disciple and a member?
• What do you learn from Christ’s Method that you can apply today in your own life?
• How can we better engage every member in Total Member Involvement?
III. The Urgency of the Hour: Jesus Is Coming
We are living in the most solemn time in history. Jesus said, “When ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors” (Matthew 24:33).
The signs are unmistakable. Read the following passage and discuss the signs you see.
• Matthew 24:6 _______________________________________________________
• Luke 21:11 ___________________________________________________________
• 2 Timothy 3:1-5 _____________________________________________________
• Matthew 24:14 _______________________________________________________
Discussion Questions:
• Which signs of the times do you see being fulfilled today?
• How should the urgency of Christ’s return affect the way we live and witness?
Ellen White warns, “The final movements will be rapid ones” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 11). That means, NOW is the time to act. NOW is the time to go while we still have opportunity to share. We are losing our freedoms quickly.
IV. The Power of Your Testimony: People Are Waiting
Gloria’s testimony illustrates a painful truth—many are watching from afar, never invited, never reached. Yet the Bible tells us, “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hid” (Matthew 5:14).
Read/Reflect on 1 Peter 3:15: What are we always to be ready to do?
What better place to start then sharing your own testimony with someone?
A simple way to think of your personal testimony (the story of you and Jesus Christ) is to prepare it in three parts.
1. Before you met Christ: Describe briefly what your life was like before you surrendered your life to Jesus Christ as your Savior and Lord. Tell what was missing in your life. Do not make your sinful life look glamorous.
2. How you met Christ: Share how Jesus Christ intervened in your life. How did He get your attention? How did He call you to Him? Include a Bible verse or passage if possible.
3. How Jesus is changing you: Tell what difference Jesus Christ has made in your life. Why do you love and serve Him? What has He done for you? Those you share with need to see something fresh in your spiritual journey; something that draws them to want the same. Share the difference He is making in your daily experience now! What do you have in your walk with Jesus that others need to have? This should be the sweetest part of your testimony.
Take a few minutes to think through your testimony in relation to the three points above and then find a friend or family member (or study partner) and share a short 2-3 minute personal testimony of what God has done in your life.
Now after that practice, take a few more minutes to write out or record your testimony, with a few more details. Maybe write down key points under each section labeled “Before I Met Christ, How I Met Christ, the Difference Christ Has Made.” This will help you be more ready to share again. Make sure to include at least 1-2 Scriptures. Keep your testimony short and sweet, under 5 minutes in length.
As you get more comfortable sharing, we encourage you to work on some different variations of your testimony as follows:
• The 1-minute elevator version — in other words, a testimony you can give in one minute on an elevator.
• The 5-minute nutshell version — with the key points. (This is what you should have already put together with exercise above!)
• The 10- to 15-minute version — with more details and testimonies of God’s intervention and leading that you could sharing during a worship service.
After you’ve prayed through what to include in your testimony, pray that God will help you get comfortable sharing it with others. Remember, be genuine and real and joyful as you share. You are on a journey with Jesus. Your life is not about yourself. Don’t hide what God has done for you because you feel shy or you think you are not an eloquent speaker. Also, don’t parade around seeking for applause or attention. Your life is meant to bring Jesus glory, not yourself!
1 Peter 2:9 tells us, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.”
“So you are My witnesses,” declares the LORD, “and I am God” (Isa. 43:12).
You are God’s instrument. Your testimony is the light someone needs in this dark world. No matter what you’ve been through, God can use it to help someone else in need.
Stand up right now and speak with conviction: “Jesus is coming. I WILL GO. Jesus is coming. I WILL SHARE what He has done for me!”
Discussion Questions:
• Who will you share your testimony with this week?
• What can we do to ensure that no one in our community feels left out like Gloria?
V. Conclusion: What Will You Do?
The mission is clear, the command is urgent, and the need is great. Jesus is coming soon. Will you go? Let us not delay. Let us not remain silent. Isaiah said, “Here am I; send me” (Isaiah 6:8).
Remember, it’s not just pastors or leaders who are called to follow the Great Commission and be disciple-makers. It’s all of us. Being a disciple = being a disciple-maker. And even a child can become a disciple-maker.
Watch the following testimony of a little girl who told Jesus, “I WILL GO” as she helped disciple her own daddy to trust, love, and follow Jesus all the way to baptism.
• Play Video 2: Anna’s Testimony - https://tinyurl.com/BTTAW11VID2
If the Spirit of God has touched your heart and you want to say, “Lord, here I am—send me! Use me! Help me start today in my own home but then take me wherever You want me to go!” If this is your desire, then get on your knees right now and pray this prayer with us:
Dear Jesus, the calling You have given is clear. Although I may not know where or how you will lead, I am willing to GO. Take my life today and use it as a testimony to bring more to Your Kingdom. And starting right now, make me a missionary today, in my own home and community. I know You are coming soon, and I WILL GO wherever You lead. In Jesus name, Amen!
Jesus tells us in Revelation 22:20, “Surely I am coming quickly!” There’s no time to delay!
To take this message deeper, here are three practical heart challenges.
• 1st Challenge: Every day, tell Jesus, “Here I am send me!” Pray for divine appointments and open doors. Pray that He will use you as His mouthpiece to reach others along your path.
• 2nd Challenge: Make time to refine your testimony and find at least 1 person to share your testimony with this week.
• 3rd Challenge: Over this coming week, read and reflect on Romans 10:14, Ephesians 3:8, Isaiah 52:7, and Isaiah 61:1. Keep reminding yourself, “Jesus is coming, I WILL GO!”
Let's pray!
Jesus is Coming, I WILL GO | Prayer Focus
Bible Promises to Claim as You Pray
"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you; and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age." Matthew 28:19-20
[These miraculous opening of the prison doors and other such miracles] …“were not written merely that we might read and wonder, but that the same faith which wrought in God’s servants of old might work in us. In no less marked a manner than He wrought then will He work now wherever there are hearts of faith to be channels of His power.” Education, p. 256
“Then Moses said to the LORD, ‘O my Lord, I am not eloquent, neither before nor since You have spoken to Your servant; but I am slow of speech and slow of tongue.’ So the LORD said to him, ‘Who has made man's mouth? Or who makes the mute, the deaf, the seeing, or the blind? Have not I, the LORD? Now therefore, go, and I will be with your mouth and teach you what you shall say.’" Exodus 4:10-12
"You will be brought before governors and kings for My sake, as a testimony to them and to the Gentiles. But when they deliver you up, do not worry about how or what you should speak. For it will be given to you in that hour what you should speak; for it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father who speaks in you.” Matthew 10:18-20
Prayer Focus for Week 11
- Dear Heavenly Father, Make each of our homes a missionary training school. Give our children the heart to see the harvest and to say, “Here I am, send me!” (Claim Isa. 6:8)
- Dear Savior and Lord, Give each of us a testimony to share for Your glory. Take away any fear from our hearts. Help us to trust Your Holy Spirit to speak through us as we joyfully testify of Your goodness and faithfulness. (Claim Matthew 10:19-20)
- Dear Jesus, As we approach the General Conference session, we pray that Your Holy Spirit would be poured out on the hearts of each delegate and attendee in such a powerful way that even before they arrive at session, they will sense Your presence. (Claim Zech. 10:1)
- Dear Heavenly Father, be with our international delegates especially. Help them to get the needed visas and not to have any problems with immigration, as they travel into the United States. (Claim Deut. 31:8)
- Dear Jesus, We know You are coming soon. Help each one of us to say, “I WILL GO wherever Jesus leads me.” Help us speak boldly for You! (Claim Ex. 4:12)
- Dear Father, please bless the tech staff and countless volunteers who are working even now behind the scenes preparing for GC session. (Claim Deut. 11:26-27)
- Dear Jesus, give us the humility and faith of children. (Claim Luke 18:16-17)
Download This Week 11 - A Wall of Fire
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Download Week 9 - Preparing for Pentecost
Download Week 7 - Back to the Bible
Download Week 6 - Discover Jesus in His Word and in Prayer
Download Week 5 - Honor Jesus as Lord
Download Week 4 - Come to Jesus as You Are
Download Week 3 - What It Means to Be a Disciple