Torch, Fall-Winter 1998 optimized

(continued from page 9) happened because Barnabas refused to give up on John Mark. Barnabas' example of leadership training resounds through 20 centuries of Christian history. He majored in encouragement, acting as a comforter when comfort was needed. He used God-given vision to see not only what was, but what could be. Paul and John Mark were both unpolished when they first encountered Barnabas. It was largely through his influence that both had the influence on early Christianity that they did. Barnabas was patient and passed the torch to Paul at the right time. Finally, he persevered. He never gave up on John Mark, even when Paul and others in the early church did. I am not sure Barnabas was the most brilliant missionary that every lived. But, I urge you to consider the great job he did in training leadership. Whether or not you leave your home, whether or not you leave the United States, you could choose a young person and build into his or her life, taking the truths of the Scripture and teaching and encouraging and reproducing yourself until the time comes to pass the torch. The challenge is there for each one of us to be a modern-day Barnabas. Will you take the challenge? I.J D r. Harry Ambacher began his career with ABWE in 1962 when he was appointed as a missionary to Hong Kong. During his 54 years of service in Hong Kong, he planted four churches, taught at China Baptist Theological College for 30 years, and served as president of that college for 21 years. Originally from Philadelphia, Dr. Ambacher earned his B .A. from Shelton College, his M.Div. from Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary, and his D.Min. from the Western Conservative I Baptist Seminary. While home on furlough in 1980 and 1985, he taught at Grand Rapids Baptist Seminary and ,Cedarville College, respectively. Torch 13