From Vision to Mission
Sermon May 25, 2025 Acts 16:9–15 “From Vision to Mission”
Reverend Fred Okello
Today, we gather not only to remember, but to respond. Memorial Sunday is a sacred pause—a moment to honor those who have gone before us in service and sacrifice. They were men and women of quiet strength and deep humility- those who served their nation with honor and returned to serve their community with grace. They showed bravery, sacrifice, and unshakable faith. Their experiences of service remind us of the price of freedom.
There is a powerful thread connecting four essential words from the event today (Memorial Sunday) and our scripture, Acts 16: Memory, Memorial, Vision, and Mission.
Memory helps us retain the past.
Memorials make those memories visible and sacred.
Vision gives direction for the future.
Mission moves us into action—into service, both to God and to others.
In Acts 16, we witness how God’s calling, vision for new territory, and mission for reaching the unreached came together. As we explore this passage, let us reflect on what it means to be a church that remembers, envisions, and serves.
Paul and his team had memory of Christ’s commission: “You will be My witnesses... to the ends of the earth.” That memory was not forgotten—it lived in their prayers, their travels, and their decisions. In that posture of obedience, Paul received a vision.
. A man of Macedonia stood and pleaded with him, saying, ‘Come over to Macedonia and help us.’ ... immediately we sought to go.”
The Church today must remain ready. A church that forgets its memory loses its mission. But a church that remembers well will be positioned to see what God wants next.
In vs. 11-13 we see mission being carried out by willing servants. The disciples acted quickly—they crossed borders, entered unfamiliar cities, and brought the gospel where it had never been preached. These servants embraced their mission! Mission implies sacrifice, discipline, and purpose!
Interestingly, both the Church and the government use the word “mission.” Whether it’s a military assignment or a gospel endeavor, the word implies sacrifice, discipline, and purpose. It means someone is going on behalf of others. Those we remember today—veterans, acted because they were ready. And when the call came, they moved.
It turns out that the Macedonian man is a lady named Lydia (vv. 14–15)
“The Lord opened her heart to heed the things spoken by Paul...”
Lydia is the first recorded convert in Europe. Her heart was open. Her home was transformed. That’s what happens when a mission is done faithfully—it produces lasting change.
So, why do we make memorials? So that transformation is not forgotten. So that generations can look back and say, “Something significant happened here.” And why does God send vision? So that transformation can continue.
Today as we remember the past, honor those who served, receive fresh vision, and respond with renewed mission -in our neighborhoods, in our workplaces, and in our churches, let us also ask ourselves:
· What memories must we keep alive?
What memorials remind us of God’s faithfulness?
What vision is God casting now?
What mission will you and I commit to carry forward?
All these require us to be ready, willing, and open.
Prayer
God of all generations, we thank You for those whose memory we cherish and whose service we honor today. May their legacy stir us to action. Help us to be a church that remembers well, builds wisely, sees clearly, and serves boldly. Let the vision You give us lead to a mission that transforms lives. In the name of Jesus Christ, the Servant King, we pray, Amen