Paul the Apostle, in Ephesians 5:15-16 wrote, “Look carefully then how you walk, not as unwise but as wise, making the best use of the time, because the days are evil.” The Apostle urged Ephesian Christians to redeem the time, literally to “buy up the opportunities” to do good for the sake of the Gospel.

Building upon nearly two decades of mobilizing churches, last year Sixteen:Fifteen launched The Mobilized Church Workshop, extending our reach to unleash the missions potential of churches of all sizes, across the country. Little did we know God was preparing us to deliver and further expand our mission through virtual engagement, positioning us to “buy up the opportunities” to mobilize more and more churches to reach more and more nations with the Gospel.

Sixteen:Fifteen remains steadfast in our mission to nurture, teach, equip and coach local churches into the exalted role that God has for them. Our conviction that to see a new missions movement take place among the world’s remaining least reached and unreached peoples, there must first be a missions mobilization movement among churches is stronger than ever. So, the message to all of our partners, whether church or missions agency, investor or prayer warrior is this, “the future is as bright as the promises of God.” We are working to “buy up” this time, adjusting how we deliver our mission, knowing that God is doing extraordinary things, some we see, some we don’t. But we are unswerving, knowing that Jesus is building His Church and the gates of hell will not prevail against it.

COVID-19 has not released the Church from her mission to make disciples of all nations — the Great Commission is no less binding on us because of this virus and to be sure, the Gospel has not been quarantined. Yes, the world is in a state of upheaval but within the chaos, God is creating unprecedented opportunities for His people to spread the Gospel to their neighbors and to the nations.

‘Til all have heard,
Matthew Ellison and the Sixteen:Fifteen Board of Directors