Did you know that there is a Gospel Day? If you lived in the Pacific islands of Kiribati, you would. This year, they celebrate Gospel Day on July 10. The day honors the arrival of Christianity to the nation and serves to spread the faith and strengthen the bonds across the islands as they celebrate unity and spiritual heritage.
In 1856, Hiram Bingham, an American missionary, arrived in Gilbert Islands (now Kiribati). He translated the Bible into their language, established schools, and laid the foundation for the church. Two island natives also helped spread the gospel.
Today, the celebration is held in the National Stadium and hosted by the Catholic and Protestant churches. Both groups participate in the service of thanksgiving and unity.
But you don’t have to travel across the ocean to celebrate Gospel Day. Take time July 10 (or any day) to read the gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John in the New Testament. If you have children with you that day, pick one part of one of the gospels to read, perhaps in a children’s version of the Bible. You might decide to read through the whole book reading a portion a day for the month.
Go to church when your church or neighboring churches have services.
Read a missionary biography. You can find one for any age group from children’s books to adults’. Look online for videos about missionaries or interviews with them.
Pray for missionaries you know. Your church or denomination may have a list of missionaries they support. You could write letters or emails to a missionary family. Research what their country is like or what they like to eat or what kids do for fun in that country.
Remind your children (and yourself) that we can all be missionaries telling others about Jesus. Tell others the good news (gospel) that Jesus loves them, died to pay the price for their sin, is raised from the dead, and is ready to forgive them and help them live His way.
“As it is written: ‘How beautiful are the feet of those who bring good news!’” (Romans 10:15)
(for more information: https://nationaltoday.com/gospel-day/)
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