Those who have ears, let them understand.

I routinely hear the quote, "Why should anyone hear the gospel twice before everyone hears it once?"*
Recently a speaker I had the privilege of spending time with said this. I've heard it a handful of times, but this time it stirred my spirit. I immediately tweeted:

"Why should anyone hear the gospel twice before everyone hears it once?" B/c i myself took several times before I listened. #don'tgiveup

I heard the gospel as a child.
When did I start actually following the Lord? When did I fall in love with Him?
I think I was probably about 19 years old.

I accepted Jesus and the Holy Spirit into my life before I reached puberty. I sang on the worship team. I participated in holiday programs at the church that brought tears to my sister Lisa's eyes. I have no doubt the Lord used me for His glory even as a child. 
I also was a part of the world. I lived for myself. I sought out approval. I had no purpose (in my mind) other than to have fun. I dealt with depression, sometimes very poorly.

This isn't my complete testimony though.
I can think of two passages that says "he that hath ears to hear, let him hear". Which really means: let him understand. 

Matthew 11:15
He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.
Mark 4:9
And he said unto them, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear

The passage in Matthew is talking about John the Baptist and the Gospel. Further it describes how people didn't listen to him, how they called him demon-possessed.
The second passage is in the context of the parable of the sower.

I'm not against world evangelism. I'm not against missions, or the Great Commission. But I believe with my whole heart that my position in fulfilling this Great Commission is to ensure there are people to go.
My heart is to save the Westerners.

So, let me stay here. Let me water the seed you planted. Let me weed the garden. Let me love in His power. Perhaps the Lord will bless my labor and the seed will be rooted in God's love, so that those who hear can understand how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, so that they can be filled to the measure of the fullness of God. (Ephesians 3)

You, you are welcome in my home (when I actually have a physical home, you can come over). For I will pray for you in my heart, open my arms to you, and labor to help you with your task.

Beloved, be mindful of the different parts of the body, and let's lift one another up.

*quote from Oswald J. Smith, in my support of global evangelism please read the quotes on this page, "to challenge the heart" http://www.brianweller.com/missionquotes1.pdf