It's often been said, "There's a first for everything." I suppose that's true, but I cannot begin to imagine what it would have felt like to announce the first convert to Jesus in Asia, much less in any other region or sub-region. Who is Epaenetus? I don't know, but I know all that God wants me to know for now, and that's enough. The first, one out of perhaps thousands and even millions that would begin to spread the Gospel in a region to accomplish what might have seemed like an impossible task to reach all peoples in all nations. One down, a gazillion to go. Did this discourage Paul? Not at all; it had the exact opposite effect and spurred him on.
In every environment I find myself I could envision that there might be a first convert for Christ. I don't, but I could. What a way to think! My neighborhood, my workplace, my BART train car in the morning or evening commute, my Starbuck's Coffee shop I regularly visit, my sidewalk running route through the City of San Francisco, or the new acquaintances I rarely invite into my home for a meal. Sound crazy or impossible? Yes. But so did the thought that Asia might be reached for Jesus.
The Kingdom will be advanced one soul at a time. And I am an instrument by the hand of God to accomplish His great purposes. My influence may seem minuscule, but the value of finding one lost child cannot be measured, and the possible exponential impact of that found "coin" (cf. Luke 15:9) upon the world cannot be priced.
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