Modern-Day Apostle: ‘Make the Great Commission the Great Completion’

I can’t get his response out of my head.

That low, familiar tone. His brokenness for the lost. The hint of trembling in his voice as he responded to the question.

In a recent AIMS.ORG Podcast episode on Charisma Podcast Network, Joshua sat across the table from his 82-year-old mentor and founder of AIMS Ministry, seeking to draw from the deep wells of wisdom rumbling within him.

With genuine admiration for the man who can’t stop talking about ways to finish the Great Commission and whose passion for unreached people groups has resulted in roughly 3 million salvations in the nations, Joshua posed this simple question:

“What were some of the sacrifices you had to make?”

The perspective Dr. Howard Foltz offered with his answer was profound. It summons the listener into a stronger sense of gratitude for the privilege of being included in God’s mission to reach nations. To hear his response, listen here.

Proverbs 20:5 says, “Counsel in the heart of man is like deep water, but a man of understanding will draw it out.” During the exchange between Joshua and Howard, one thing is crystal clear: difference-makers must intentionally pursue the wisdom of those who have come before us.

“When we couple a generation who has vision, passion and energy,” Joshua remarks, “with a generation who has wisdom, foundation and has been tempered through their experiences—the two generations brought together are an unstoppable kingdom force!”

Joshua first met his mentor during an AIMS.ORG training. Dr. Foltz urged attendees to make the Great Commission “the Great Completion” by raising up native missionaries among the 3 billion people living in the 10/40 window who still have no access to the gospel. Joshua wept through the conference, knowing that both the information and the man sharing it were going to be instrumental in his life.

Just months earlier, Joshua—a missionary to northern Iraq—dreamt that he was driving frantically down an access road. But there was a big problem! He was driving in reverse! Suddenly, a tall, slender, white-haired man appeared, emphatically waving him off the highway. As Joshua slowed his car, the man lovingly instructed him, saying, “You’re heading toward the right destination. But you’re getting there the wrong way.” He directed Joshua to turn the car around, get on the highway and continue toward the destination, no longer in reverse.

Joshua knew exactly what the dream meant. He was on the right path of serving God in missions, but there was a more strategic way: raise up the indigenous missionaries.

Get ready to be profoundly impacted by the insight and humility that pours forth from Dr. Foltz. In this episode, you’ll glean practical advice and a longing for God to work through your life in new ways.

Listen to the full conversation with Dr. Foltz and subscribe to the AIMS.ORG Podcast wherever you listen to podcasts.

AIMS.ORG is a ministry dedicated to getting the message of Jesus to ethnic groups who have no access through training and sending native missionaries who establish church planting movements among them. Discover how your life can impact nations by visiting aims.org. {eoa}

Bevin Bold serves alongside her husband at AIMS.ORG, a missions organization targeting unreached people groups with the gospel. She is known for her creativity and passion for God’s Word. Since graduating Texas Bible Institute in 2000, Bevin has served in local church and overseas ministry. In 2008, she and her husband moved to northern Iraq as missionaries, where they planted a house church, baptized former Muslims and opened a cafe. Bevin now spends her days using her gifts of writing and design to advocate for those who have no access to the message of Jesus. A loving wife and mom to Haven and Honor, she enjoys a good cappuccino, spending time with her family in nature and making jewelry. Connect with Bevin through Instagram or at aims.org.

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