by Jordyn Cram
Making Jesus known is not just central to our Navigators ministry; it’s central to knowing Him ourselves. It’s also a big part of my story. I wasn’t raised in a Christian home and knew almost nothing about Jesus or the Bible. After some painful life circumstances during my second year at university, a close friend invited me to church and a Navigators Night on campus. My first time at the Nav Night, I remember wondering how they got all the kindest people on campus in one room. My friend told me God could be a constant companion, someone who would never leave me. That promise sparked my curiosity. The more I went along to the campus meetings, the more I realised this wasn’t just a nice crowd—it was people whose joy, hope, and love came from knowing Jesus. I wanted that, too.
My friend’s simple invitation changed everything for me. That summer, I gave my life to Christ. Ever since, I’ve had a deep desire to pass it on, just like Paul says in 2 Timothy 2:2. Two years later, I joined Navigator staff to help other university students find their hope and identity in Him, just like I did.
The impact that evangelism and discipleship have had in my life is one of my biggest motivations for sharing Jesus with others. Whether a family member, a university friend like mine, or someone else entirely, there was someone who shared the gospel of Jesus, and lives changed because of it. That’s worth passing on.
Another motivation for me is the future that Jesus promises. Reading about the nations worshipping Jesus in Revelation 7:9–10 and 21:3–5 brings me to tears. That coming reality of being with God forever makes me want others to know Him too and for me to play my part in reaching the nations for Him. Keeping that end in mind helps me stay motivated.
There’s also a deeper reason: Jesus told me to. In Matthew 28:18–20, Jesus, who has all authority, clearly instructed me to make disciples and then teach them to do the same thing. It’s a multiplying mission that never stops.
I’m also motivated by compassion. Matthew 9:35–38 says people are “harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd.” That’s still true today. If I really love people, why wouldn’t I introduce them to the Good Shepherd?
Finally, I’m motivated by worship. God deserves the glory and worship of every person He created. Philippians 2 tells me Jesus humbled Himself all the way to death on the cross so I could be reconciled to God. One day, every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that Jesus is Lord. I get to invite people into that life now.
When sharing Jesus feels intimidating, I remember I’m not alone. God has given me His Spirit to empower me (Acts 1:8). This is the gospel, the power of God for salvation (Romans 1:16).
The impact of evangelism and discipleship in my own life, our promised future in Christ, following Jesus’ commands, compassion for the lost, and worship of God—I pray the things that motivate me and God’s Word, encourage, and motivate you in your journey of sharing faith and making disciples. Let’s pass it on!