Dear Hope Family,

With thanksgiving and praise to God we present your 2008, "Commission," calendar! The theme is taken from Matthew 28:18-20, the last recorded words of our Lord Jesus before He ascended to His Father. The commission He gave is for every Believer.

Please note that the emphasis in this commission is to "make disciples of all peoples." Often, we see this as a commission for evangelism, and it is. But salvation is only the first step in becoming a disciple. A disciple is a student, a learner, and a follower of the one who is teaching. A disciple models his life after the pattern of his teacher. Eventually, a disciple is able to become a teacher of others. 

It is our sincere hope and prayer that this calendar will challenge you to reevaluate your response to our Lord's Great Commission. As you meditate on the theme verse for each month, allow God's Holy Spirit to speak to your need. Ask Him to equip you with the grace, boldness, and power you need to "make disciples."