Census

It all began with a census—a physical, administrative event that quietly set in motion God’s redemptive plan for humanity. Through it, the pathway was opened for every person to one day have the opportunity to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior, no longer facing separation from God due to sin. When Scripture tells the Christmas story, it doesn’t begin with angels or songs. It begins with a census—a government decree, travel requirements, crowded cities, and lodging problems. Not worship. Not wonder. Just administration.

“And it came to pass in those days that a decree went out from Caesar Augustus that all the world should be registered. This census first took place while Quirinius was governing Syria. So all went to be registered, everyone to his own city.” Luke 2:1–3 (NKJV)

Humanly speaking, the survival of the newborn Messiah rested in fragile hands: a young, inexperienced mother; a tired carpenter; a full inn; shepherds who smelled like their work. This was not a flawless team—and yet, it was God’s team. From the very beginning, God has entrusted His presence and His purposes to ordinary people. They did not understand the global implications of that night in Bethlehem. They simply obeyed what was placed before them: feed Him, wrap Him, carry Him, listen, respond. That pattern has not changed.

As Christians, we are faced with the same choice today. The baby born in Bethlehem grew to die on a cross, rise from the dead, and commission His followers to proclaim the Gospel—intentionally going to those who have never heard. We can choose to ignore that call, or we can go. As for Global Infusion, we choose to go. 

Jonathan Haward, President & Founder

Global Infusion