In the time that it will take you to read this article, about 500 people will leave this world and enter eternity. I wonder how many of them will die never having learned the Truth that could have set them free from sin (John 8:32). Jesus said, “Strait is the gate, and narrow is the way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it” (Matt. 7:14). Given the lifespan of people in the days of Noah and the number of children typically born to families, it is not at all unreasonable to suppose that the world’s population at the time of the flood could have been near the figure at which it now stands. According to the Scriptures, there were only 8 souls saved by water (1 Pet. 3:20–21) out of that number. At the end of this month, the world’s population is expected to exceed 6.7 billion souls. What are we doing as God’s people to reach these souls with the Truth?

Just before He sent the twelve on the “limited commission,” Jesus told them, “The harvest truly is plenteous, but the labourers are few; Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest” (Matt. 9:37–38). There is an old hymn that we sing which echoes the same plea for reapers to come to the harvest: 

There is much to do, there’s work on ev’ry hand, Hark! The cry for help comes ringing through the land; Jesus calls for reapers, I must active be, What wilt thou, O Master? Here am I, send me. 

We all need to recognize that evangelism is not only the responsibility of the church; it is also my responsibility. If you knew that your neighbor was starving while God has blessed you with bread to spare, would you withhold that sustenance that could very well save his life? Listen again to the old hymn that you have sung: 

There are hung’ring souls who cry aloud for bread, With the bread of life they’re longing to be fed; Shall they starve and famish while a feast is free? I must be more faithful, here am I, send me. 

I have neighbors and dear family members who are starving, and God has blessed me with the power that can save them (Rom. 1:16). By yourself, you cannot reach the masses of the world this year, but you can reach out to the souls around you, perhaps even to some that are living under the same roof that you do. This year, it is my goal (as I hope you will make it yours) to reach out to those that I know who are starving for the bread of life––Jesus Christ (John 4:35). As you think on these things, let me invite you to consider the words of another old hymn: 

“Must I go, and empty-handed?” Must I meet my Savior so? Not one soul with which to greet Him: Must I empty-handed go?