Have you seen those commercials where some friends are driving a SUV up a mountain road, on a quest to go where no man has gone before (at least in a vehicle)? These auto makers are appealing to your hidden, adventurous side. They’re tempting you to break out of the digital doldrums, where you’re glued to the almighty iPad and iPhone 24/7. For a mere $45,000, you can have that Toyota or Nissan and blaze a new path of excitement in your life!

There was a day when pathfinders risked all and not as a hobby. Living in Kansas for 25 years of my life, I learned about early, eastern settlers who traveled on the wild Oregon & Santa Fe Trails, winding their way through the Sunflower State in search of a better life—way out west. Eventually, thousands of families took to those trails in hopes that where they were going was a better place than where they came from. During those long, dusty days, many read or recited Bible stories about Abraham, Moses, Ruth, or the Apostle Paul, who did similar great travels in search of their “Promised Land” or “Gospel Mission.” Isaiah 43:19 describes God as the original “pathfinder,” 2,600 years before Nissan ever got interested in going that route.

You might be thinking, “I’m not the trailblazing type.” Surprise! You probably already are a Kingdom Pathfinder/4Runner and not even aware of it. You see, this trailblazing stuff is not limited to those who only cross cultural and geographical boundaries. Unless you came from an established Christian family, there is a good chance YOU are the first person saved in your family (or at least an early adapter). If so, you’re a true pioneer and the most important kind.  How does it feel to be on that first Christian covered wagon, heading through uncharted and hostile family territory for a season? My wife, Joanne, and I know exactly what that is like, since both of us were the first ones to come to Christ from our families. You risk being cut off by the very ones you love, or are trying to love. Sometimes, working as a Kingdom 4Runner can feel like you’re all alone, eating locusts and wild honey in a desert, like John the Baptist.

The burden to see family members saved can be overwhelming and even consume your passions for a time. That’s because God knows the initial landing in enemy territory, like it was in the first wave on WWII’s D-day beaches, is the most difficult of all. The persecution and rejection can seem devastating. The tears can flow for months, and even years, but never give up hope! Most of you will experience some salvation fruit with family members (sooner or later), and the joy from it is eternal. My parents and two sisters were saved within three years after I threw the Gospel gauntlet down; however, it was very different for Joanne. A couple brothers were saved within 10 years, but she literally prayed with her Dad as he was dying and her Mom came to Christ just within the last year (after a 40 year wait). No one is saying it’s easy being the first missionary to your family, but souls will come to Christ, as you persevere in faith. It’s not just a “Delirious?” song from the 90’s; you are being a “History Maker” where it really counts. Revelation 5:9 includes your family, and it has to start with someone—YOU!

Remember, God is using you to clear the path and build the foundation for God’s Kingdom to be established in your family, not to complete the whole family mission for Christ. This understanding will give you peace to do your part well, but trust Him for the rest. It’s normal that those who come after you will do the greatest Kingdom work, expanding on the initial spiritual territory you claimed. One day down the road, they will be talking about you as the Kingdom Pathfinder and 4Runner of your generation. Believe God, and make it happen!