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Missions Catalyst e-Magazine is a free, weekly electronic missions digest designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. Please use it for your prayers, pass along what you learn to others, and forward this edition to anyone you think might be interested.

News Briefs, edited by Pat Noble, appear twice a month.

In This Issue

ALGERIA - Christian Sentenced For Carrying a Bible

QATAR - Rare Interfaith Meeting

UZBEKISTAN - Believer’s Whereabouts Unknown

GUINEA - Village Opens Up to Health Training and Bible Storying

INDIA - Prominent Woman Healed and Saved, Pastors Beaten

A week or two ago I posted an article entitled Simple Steps for Eternal Consequences. This was something I wrote some years ago. It includes a list of books to read on cross-cultural mission. The list is old and outdated, referring to a previous generation’s stories.

What books would be on list for today’s cross-cultural worker? Help me develop a new list! I would assume that these titles would be Islamic oriented (as opposed to tribal), urban (instead of rural), etc.

Here is a start… pulling from my top recommendations that I have made over the past few years. None of these are similar to the original list, though.

1. Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
2. Missionary Methods: St. Paul’s or Ours by Roland Allen
3. Transforming Mission by Transforming Mission: Paradigm Shifts in Theology of Mission by David Bosch (or, cut to the cliff notes version and get A Reader’s Guide to Transforming Mission by Stan Nussbaum

That’s a start… please use the comments to add to this list.

J. Ted Esler

The world’s top-selling rap artist is a white man, the number one golfer is a black African American[1], and the tallest basketball player is Chinese.[2] The world is certainly not the same place it was just a few years ago. Just as remarkable is the radical shift in the makeup of God’s people over the past century from a Western worldview to a church made up of predominately non-Westerners. It is no wonder that the missionary enterprise is embracing these non-Western members in record numbers. As these new cultures flood our church-planting teams we can expect an equally radical shift in gains for the Kingdom.

Or can we? Peter Senge states that, “Today’s solutions become tomorrows problems.”[3] I am beginning to wonder if our approach to teams (yesterday’s solution) has become a problem for today. I am not suggesting that the team concept of ministry is a problem but rather, are we missing some of the incredible potential that teams present to us?

Teams are Important

Teams are a powerful force in missions. The wisdom of “teaming” can be seen in the pages of the New Testament. The model put forth shows diverse individuals coming together for a common purpose – the evangelization of those who aren’t worshippers, the discipleship of new believers, and the establishment of communities of believers among all peoples. It is important to note that no one church held authority over these first century teams. No organization, in the modern sense of the work, can be found administrating the work. No single culture was deemed necessary (in fact, one of the great battles the early church fought was to keep itself from being singularly Judaic). From the day of Pentecost we find many cultures present. Certainly it is not too difficult to conclude that there was great diversity on the first century church planting team.

Steve Richardson has written about “Third Dimension Teams.”[4] The concept behind a third dimensional team is that they are working toward the same goal (this is the first dimension), using the same strategy (the second dimension), and caring for one another as they go about their task (this is the third dimension). Teams that function well utilize all three dimensions of this spectrum. Experienced missionaries know how difficult it can be to achieve these dimensions in the real world.

John 13:34-35 provides a compelling reason to strive for the third dimension. “A new commandment I give you, that you love another even as I have loved you. By this all men will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another.” Third dimension teams make this command possible. All too often we assume that it is showing love to non-believers that sets us apart as Christians. Obviously we are commanded to show love to non-believers, but this scriptural injunction is different. As believers we must love another in order to evidence Christ in us. This can only happen if we are working together. Further, these relationships must be lived “out loud” so that the non-believer has the opportunity to see this love and conclude that it is divine. That’s a tall order! In a culture devoid of churches it is a mandate that can only happen on missionary teams.

As a recruiter and mobilizer of missionaries, I can assure you that team life is considered to be an important factor for those considering missionary service. The expectation of a happy, well-adjusted team is huge. I find myself working to lower expectations in an effort to stave off future disappointment since teams are, after all, made up of sinful people. Yet who would deny the attractiveness of working on a team that proactively sought your best interests not only in terms of your missionary objectives, but also in terms of your personal life, growth and development? These powerful expectations may be our biggest enemy in creating teams that incorporate people from other cultures as well as the national church.

The Problem of the 3rd Dimension

When missionary care and support expectations, strategy, and access to the people group demands a uni-cultural team we limit the ability of the team to accomplish the task found in the New Testament both in terms of outcomes and methodology. This is best illustrated by using an example.

When Bob and Betty first joined their team they were like most new missionaries on the field. They were struggling with the language while trying to adapt to their culture. Within their culture they found that the roles of men and women were starkly different than that of their home culture. Soon, Betty felt very isolated. Her only reprieve was the weekly team meeting where she could relate as she did in her home culture, among those of her own background. A missionary from another culture was invited to one of these meetings and was shocked by the forward nature of the women present. “How could they interrupt the men in this way?” he wondered to himself. He simply did not understand that for Betty, this was her lifeline to sanity. Betty would certainly protest a change that would bend to this man’s culture. The team’s weekly meeting was not a place where both Betty and the national leader could comfortably work together given their own cultural expectations.

In another scenario, a team is working in a country with little to no tolerance for missionaries, among a minority group long known for their resistance to the majority ruled government. The team is careful to protect itself from the hostile government by ensuring that people from the majority-culture are not aware of their activities. Even though there are many Christians from the majority culture, the team has no plan in place to mobilize or utilize these believers because of the risk they pose to the team.

The outcome of the work is hampered because the non-Westerner is not allowed to contribute to the effort even though the non-Western missionary is becoming the majority missionary. Methodologies that make use of nationals or culturally-near leaders are not possible if the team is not able to adopt new structures or take on new risks. In both cases the team is hampered in its ability to become more than uni-cultural. Something more is needed in the way of teams in order to expand the influence of the non-Western missionary.

While walking down busy road in Thailand one hot afternoon I discussed this with Steve Richardson. Why is it that many of our movement’s team leaders are hesitant to embrace multi-cultural teams? No doubt the difficulties are great enough and adding more diversity to the mix will only make our teams more complex. Yet, the promise of more laborers who can have a greater impact for the Kingdom is huge.

“Do we,” Steve asked, “need to consider a 4th Dimension?”

The 4th Dimension

A 4th Dimension team incorporates all of the aforementioned attributes of a 3rd Dimension Team and adds one more important dimension. A 4th Dimension Team embraces non-Westerners and nationals as full members of the team and proactively removes the obstacles that keeps them from participating in the life of the team. This is a tall order.

Anybody who has gone down the road of multi-cultural teams has observed the incredible difficulties it brings. These same people, however, are its greatest proponents and would argue that it is worth the effort.

You might be thinking, “This all sounds great but how can this happen on my team?” Here are some practical suggestions to consider:

1. Examine philosophical and structural impediments to having nationals on your team.

Does your philosophical approach to mission keep nationals from having a role on your team? It might be that your team’s philosophy of money and possessions, for example, hinder the ability of non-Westerners to be a part of your team. Perhaps your view of leadership training demands a level of theological education that is simply not possible in your host country? You could examine major categories of philosophy and consider how a non-Westerner would approach these (for example, money, leadership, decision making, male/female roles, family, etc.). In essence, practice cultural anthropology on your own team in light of a non-Western worldview.

Structures flow from culture and back into culture. In what ways does your team structure hinder or enhance your ability to include non-Westerners? Do members have to come through an established Pioneers’ mobilization base? If so, how can you include national leaders? Perhaps you will need to create multiple “teams” – one which follows the traditional definition and is the outward face to the larger organization and one which is actual ministry team and can include non-organizational members. If you take this approach, how do you make sure that there aren’t two “classes” of team members? These are complex and daunting questions. Ask around – other teams may be further down the road already and able to provide you with insight.

2. Create alternative means for missionary care and support.

In the process of incorporating the 4th Dimension we cannot lose sight of the powerful 3rd Dimension. We must practice the “one anothers” of the New Testament. New team members are particularly needy. As they grow in language ability and cultural understanding they will also grow in their ability to receive and give care to nationals and non-Westerners. At least for a while, however, you will need to pay particular attention to how you will serve these newest team members if you are moving away from a uni-cultural orientation. If you have one weekly team meeting that is a part of your plan for meeting these needs, then you will need to consider doing something different.

Furthermore, you will need to think about the needs of the non-Westerner team member. Whether that has to do with family issues or some other area of member care, they come with their own set of unique issues. By truly caring for them we will see John 13:34-35 displayed.

3. Use the national language in your team meetings.

What is the “lingua franca” of your team? When you gather around the table to pray and strategize, do English-speaking newcomers have the advantage over experienced nationals or non-Western missionaries?

When I was a team leader there were precious few team meetings held in the national language. I think we missed a significant opportunity. What would happen to your team if you decided that all subsequent strategy meetings would be discussed in the national tongue? Nationals would certainly be able to participate in ways that might now be unimaginable. There would be added motivation for new team members to learn the language. All team members, from anywhere in the world, would find themselves operating under the same linguistic challenge.

4. Make membership on your team something other than organizational membership.

In an era of partnership and cooperation a heightened sense of “our team” can work against the objectives of collaboration. If your team is a very tight knit group of “3rd Dimension” members you must take care not to erect walls that like-minded missionaries cannot climb. If you are insisting on organizational membership most national leaders will be left out.

Most teams that I am aware of only extend membership to those of their own organization or those from other organizations that are highly similar. While I am glad that so many of our teams partner with other agencies, is this the kind of partnership that will bring new ideas and skills to the table? We will gain the most traction in partnership when we partner with those who share our objectives but do something different from what we are attempting. We need to makes sure that we recruit both “hands” and “feet” to our teams.

5. Submit yourself and your team to national leadership.

National leadership continues to be overlooked by many missionaries. This was made clear to me recently when I was attending a regional conference. One missionary was introduced to the room full of people with the statement, “This is Joe and he doesn’t have a team yet.” In reality, Joe works on a large team of nationals as the only Westerner. His team is experienced and has extensive work in multiple people groups. Our categories of team, however, leave us to view Joe as someone without a team. We need to reverse that way of thinking! Perhaps we need to form a definition or category of missionary that suggests a commitment to a national movement with no further concern for building a Western team.

There are few places left in the world today where your team is not able to partner with national movements or culturally-near national movements. How often do you do a “strategy review” with these national brothers and sisters? Do you spend time thinking through the ramifications of your decisions in light of their strategies? Do you pray together? Do they attend your conferences? Do you attend theirs? How often do you recruit people to serve in their ministries versus perform a role on your team?

Conclusion

These are all difficult questions for any ministry team to consider. It forces us to recognize the assumptions that we unwittingly allow to become the modus operandi of our teams. These are not new struggles. We find ethnic dissension written into the pages of the New Testament. We also find the power there to overcome them. The price may be high. We could lose team members and make terrible mistakes. Safety calls us to be prudent. The Great Commission calls us to risk.

[1] As this article was being written, Vijay Sing beat Tiger Woods for this honor. This is even more remarkable: the best golfer is a Fijian of India descent!

[2] My son read this quip to me a few weeks ago – he was unable to give me the source. If you know it, please send it to me.

[3] Senge, Peter, The Fifth Discipline, Copyright 1990 by Peter Senge, p. 57.

[4] This article can be viewed in its entirety at http://www.pioneers.org.

Matt Green sent me the above Youtube link that shows Ed Young, Jr., megachurch pastor from Fellowship Church in DFW, Texas, lamenting “Church Pirates.” According to pastor Ed, these Pirates join your staff and then have the audacity to go out and start their own churches after collecting a following within “his” church.

I am very hesitant to criticize any pastor. I believe that they have a very difficult job and are very often held up to standards that are not very fair. I have to make an exception in this case, however, as it reveals a confirmation of a stereotype that I have heard about megachurch pastors, namely, that they see the church as a business. I should also mention that pastor Ed invites blog comments. So…

I had a bad attitude welling up in my heart as I listened to this snippet as he is so negative about a person doing church planting without…. without…. without what? His blessing? The last time I checked I didn’t see any biblical injunction to avoid church planting because _____ (fill in the blank) didn’t bless it.

He (repeatedly) makes the statement, “You cannot do this in the corporate world…” as if starting a church in the shadow of a megachurch somehow breaks an unwritten monopoly rule. He goes much further and mocks the church planting “Pirate” for saying it was from the leading of the Holy Spirit. That’s a pretty mean spirited accusation.

He leans heavily on the word “loyalty.” That should be a scary word. Loyalty should be something given, not demanded. When pastors start demanding loyalty it’s an indication to me that they have already lost it. Do people belong to a church? Or… does the church belong to the people? This is a theologically challenging question to answer. I would not be as quick as Ed is to assume that the sheep belong to anybody but the Shepherd, regardless of where one worships.

I admit that I fear the megachurch pastor. When a pastor becomes so influential that they command a substantial following they begin to eclipse the priesthood of the believer. I know that there are great megachurch pastors out there. I am not philosophically or theologically opposed to the concept of the megachurch. However, my shepherd is Jesus.

If my pastor spoke like this (thankfully, he doesn’t) I would definitely be looking for the next pirate ship out of the cove.

Introduction

Ted Esler

Jonathan Edwards has been called the greatest mind in evangelicalism. His numerous writings and theological discourses have influenced generations of Christians. What shocks me about Edwards’ legacy is that modern theologians ignore his contribution to missionary work.[1] Edwards was a missionary. His theology was driven by a missionary heart. It could be argued that his greatest writing occurred while he was a pioneering missionary among the Housatonic Indians. He spent seven years at this missionary outpost, roughly from 1750 to 1757.

Edwards is most famous for his role in the Great Awakening. This incredible movement of God is among the greatest outpourings of the Spirit in world history. During this movement of God some were taken up with what was called “enthusiasm.” Today we would call it fanaticism. Absurd things were being done in the name of God and Edwards wanted to keep these “enthusiasts” from heaping shame on the revival. He wrote “The Religious Affections,” to separate the true manifestations of the Holy Spirit from those taken up with emotion.[2] Edwards’ attributes of a true Christian have been a source of inspiration and challenge for many over the past two centuries.

As one of the leaders of a missions team in a local church I have considered the task of imparting a missions vision to our congregation. What is the goal for our team? How do we answer the question, “What are the attributes of a person in our church who understands God’s heart for the world?” Taking a cue from Edwards we could ask, “What are the ‘Religious Affections of a Global Christian’?” I have developed this short list, intended to inspire and challenge our missions team, using Edwards’ framework.

1) Global Christians are filled with compassion for the lost, whoever they are and wherever they are.

Mark 6:34 - When Jesus went ashore, He saw a large crowd, and He felt compassion for them because they were like sheep without a shepherd…

Global Christians recognize that there is a battle for the hearts and souls of people with eternal consequences. This is a hard truth which is not popular in contemporary society. It is not popular because it is dogmatic, black and white, and carries the specter of judgment. Brothers and sisters in Christ, I so wish I could write something besides this, but I cannot. The extent and scope of scripture which relates this difficult and hard concept is deep and wide. If the death of Christ has any meaning to us, we must embrace the serious condition of those who don’t know Him.

This type of compassion is not satisfied by meeting the physical needs of a person but considers their spiritual condition as paramount. Certainly the job of the Christian is to provide a cool cup of water – but never to the exclusion of extending eternally significant Living Water. Jesus’ heart was moved with compassion because he saw people as his heavenly Father saw them: as lost sheep in need of a Shepherd.

How many New England sermons can you recall reading in your youth? I know of only one, critiqued by my eighth grade English teacher: “Sinners in the Hands of an Angry God.” In this sermon Edwards powerfully paints a picture of the sinner cut off from God and subject to judgment. Compassion for the lost flows in part from the horrific realization that without Christ we are lost sheep and a certain judgment will come. This is why Edwards calls redemption the “chief work of providence towards the moral world.”[3]

God is so worthy of our joy-filled worship and devotion. For anybody, let alone entire nations and people groups, to miss this delight is tragic. Edwards writes that God glorifies Himself “communicating Himself to their hearts, and in their rejoicing, and delighting in, and enjoying, the manifestations which He makes of Himself.”[4]

As a father I so much want my children to experience the good things in life. I am filled with compassion for them when they are hurt, and filled with compassion for them when they succeed in something. My desire is to see them completely fulfilled in life and enjoy happiness and success. Global Christians are filled with compassion for the nations, that they might “enjoy Him forever.”

2) Global Christians see the world through the lens of redemptive history.

Genesis 50:20 “As for you, you meant evil against me, but God meant it for good in order to bring about this present result, to preserve many people alive.”

A Global Christian looks in history past to see God working His plan of redemption and forward in anticipation of what God will be doing to bring about His ultimate purposes. How does one hold out hope when sold into slavery by ones own brothers? Who wouldn’t despair over an unjust accusation? What keeps a man going after years in prison? The knowledge and trust that God is working and willing history to His good pleasure.

In 1739 Edwards wrote an article entitled Personal Narrative in which he records his own spiritual journey. He states, “I had great longings for the advancement of Christ’s kingdom in the world; and my secret prayer used to be, in large part, taken up in praying for it. If I heard the least hint of anything that happened in any part of the world that appeared in some respect or other to have a favorable aspect on the interests of Christ’s kingdom, my soul eagerly catched at it; and it would much animate and refresh me.”[5]

When refugee columns march, when walls of separation fall down, and when famine strikes, what comes to your mind? Do you eagerly look for God’s hand in the midst of this strife? Global Christians filter the world through this lens, the lens of redemptive history, which sharpens and focuses the image where others see nothing.

A great joy in my life has been to participate in the teaching of the “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement” course taught throughout the United States. During this course many students see, for the first time, God’s missionary heart as woven through the scriptures. While many believers understand the gospel in terms of their own “personal salvation,” so few see God’s purposeful and deliberate plan to redeem the nations to Himself. Global Christians see history as God’s canvas upon which He paints His glory for the nations to behold.

3) Global Christians joyfully sacrifice for the expansion of God’s kingdom.

2 Corinthians 9:7 Each one must do just as he has purposed in his heart, not grudgingly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

In “Obligations to Charity,” Edwards reminds us of a timeless truth: “Consider that what you have is not your own; i.e. you have only a subordinate right. Your goods are always lent to you of God, to be improved by you in such ways as he directs.”[6] Most of us believe that Christians must give to see the Kingdom of God advanced. Global Christians actually act on that belief. They realize that God owns all we can touch and see – we’re managing His resources. The words of the world’s foremost financial consultant, Jesus Christ, are to “store up for yourselves treasures in heaven” (Matthew 6:20). That is an exciting “futures market!”

Ministry takes money – Global Christians joyfully sacrifice for it. Sacrificing is not giving what you can afford. It’s affording yourself the opportunity to go without something so that others can hear the gospel. What is the point of the “widow’s mite” parable in Mark 12 (repeated in Luke 21)? Did she give after she had met all other obligations and saved for her retirement? Was she a “major donor?” No - the point is not the amount given, but the amount sacrificed.

It is not difficult to list a number of sobering statistics regarding the lack of giving toward missions, particularly missions that reach the least reached people groups in the world. Global Christians are not motivated by these grim statistics, however, they are motivated by their love for God and His heart for the nations. They consider it an honor and a privilege to sacrifice for the expansion of the Kingdom. They are not under compulsion to give: they joyfully give and this pleases God.

4) Global Christians pray for the world.

Zechariah 8:20-22 Thus saith the LORD of hosts; It shall yet come to pass, that there shall come people, and the inhabitants of many cities: And the inhabitants of one city shall go to another, saying, Let us go speedily to pray before the LORD, and to seek the LORD of hosts: I will go also. Yea, many people and strong nations shall come to seek the LORD of hosts in Jerusalem, and to pray before the LORD.[7]

In 1748, Edwards wrote an essay on the need for prayer. In those days titles were more than catchy marketing slogans. It was entitled, “A Humble Attempt to Promote Explicit Agreement and Visible Union of God’s People, in Extraordinary Prayer, for the Revival of Religion and the Advancement of Christ’s Kingdom on Earth.” He laid out a systematic call to prayer based on the verses above.

Edwards made some observations regarding prayer. He saw prayer as a duty, not only in a general sense, but more specifically as it relates to bringing about the gathering in of nations to the Kingdom of God. He writes that these verses “…speak of an extraordinary spirit of prayer, as preceding and introducing that glorious day of religious revival, and advancement of the church’s peace and prosperity.”[8]

Further, Edwards recognizes that prayer seeks God Himself as its object. “God himself is the great good desired and sought after.”[9] He then parallels this with the Great Commission itself: “And when God, in answer to their prayers and succeeding their endeavours, delivers, restores, and advances his church, according to his promise, then he is said to answer, and come, and say, Here am I; and to show himself, and they are said to find him, and see him plainly (Isa. 18:9).”[10] This is the same thought captured by John Piper, “Missions exists because worship doesn’t.”

In other words, God is the object of our prayer and answer to our prayers for the nations. As we seek him in prayer, he answers by revealing himself to us and others that seek him resounding in ever greater worship and adoration of the Most High. Prayer is theo-centric and missional by its very nature.

Edwards knew the power of prayer for he chronicles the start of the Great Awakening to the prayers of Scottish churches and pastors. They organized concerts of prayer which become a prayer movement in “Scotland, England, Wales, Ireland, and in North America.”[11] These small bands of prayer warriors met on Saturday evenings to beseech the Lord of the Harvest to rain down revival and the spread of the gospel among all nations.

Before we leave this topic of prayer I must share one last quote with you. John Sutcliff edited a re-printing of Edwards “Humble Attempt” in 1789. Over two hundred years later, his call to prayer is ever applicable:

“O for thousands upon thousands, divided into small bands in their respective, cities, towns, villages, and neighborhoods, all met at the same time, and in pursuit of one end, offering up their united prayers, like so many ascending clouds of incense before the most High!” [12]

Global Christians hear the call to prayer and fall to their knees.

5) Global Christians consider their own role in reaching the world for Christ.

Matthew 18:19-20b Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and the Son and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I commanded you;

Edward’s ministry was not without controversy. In 1750 his own church dismissed him from the pastorate. Their reason: Edwards had become convinced that church membership should be tied to signs of conversion instead of being simply a citizen’s right. In those days one could not be a full member of the community without being a church member and it was too much for the congregation at Northampton when Edwards begin interviewing candidates regarding their walk with God. He was fired.

For the next six months Edwards investigated various options for ministry, including the option of taking another church in Northampton. However, Edwards had been visiting a missionary outpost among the Housatonic Indians (some Mohawks were also moving into the area). He prayerfully considered his options, and chose to be a missionary among these unreached peoples. Edwards demonstrated with his own life decisions that each of us is called by God to consider our role and contribution to the Great Commission.

Not everybody will be like Edwards and become a missionary. However, a common sentiment is that one must receive some sort of specific call in order to serve cross-culturally. The reality is that each of us should have a specific call to whatever type of work God has designed for us. Equally true is that vocation is only one part of participation in the Great Commission. Nobody is exempt from contributing to the work of God in the world. It is a sad fact that few ever seriously consider their own role in this, the greatest of endeavors.

In 1806, Samuel Mills led a prayer meeting in Hoosack, Massachusetts. He and four others were praying when a heavy rainstorm struck. They dove under a hay stack, perched off the ground with a pole. As they prayed, they realized that they were always praying for missions but never asking themselves what their role in missions would be. They began doing this, and the Student Volunteer Movement was born.[13] Global Christians recognize that God is not asking just for our compassion, understanding, prayer, and money; God is asking us for our very selves.

What would happen if our natural inclination was to serve cross culturally unless we were specifically called to a “home assignment” in the Great Commission? In 1734, when the first wave of the Great Awakening began to spread across New England, Edwards was involved in the formation of a new missionary agency, the Stockbridge Mission (he would later serve in that agency).[14] Even as a “support person” before he went out as a missionary, Edwards showed his concern for the unreached Indians.

Perhaps you will never actually go as a cross-cultural missionary. It is no second-class role to be a sender, especially if that is God’s ordained role for you to fulfill. Global Christians know that each of us has a part in reaching the world for Christ.

Conclusion

Imagine for a moment the rustic conditions of New England in the 1750’s in Northampton, the town where Edwards was a pastor. Now move your thoughts to life on a mission station, even more rustic, at the far reaches of known European settlement. Not only did Edwards face a language barrier, a huge cultural chasm, and disease, he had a discouraging and on-going dispute with the congregants of his past church. There were bands of marauding Indians that came through their small settlement. He was frequently ill and battled against the land-hungry whites who eventually forced many of Indians to leave the area. Despite all of this, Edwards taught the Indians, led a small congregation of whites, did fundraising, explored future missionary sites, and wrote theological dissertations.

In and age of extreme sports and a lust to experience all life has to offer, nothing satisfies like the Great Commission. Some do great things in the pursuit of adventure; others have adventure while pursuing great things. Jonathan Edwards is an early American hero and example to us. He lived a life worthy of the label, “Global Christian.”

[1] A few years ago I was a seminarian and took a course on systematic theology. I was quite surprised to find that there wasn’t a single systematic theology textbook available which lists “missions” as its own subject. Not only have modern theologians dismissed Edward’s missionary call, but others as well. B.B. Warfield’s account Edward’s of life in the Encyclopedia of Religion and Ethics, has the following sections: 1. The Period of Edward’s Preparation, 2. Edwards the Pastor, 3. Edwards the Theologian, and 4. The New England Theology. Evidently, Warfield did not consider Edwards ministry among the Indians worth mentioning (From the Works of Benjamin B. Warfield, Volume IX, Studies in Theology, pp.515-538).

[2] Edwards actually wrote a number of essays on this topic throughout his life, including “Marks of a Work of the True Spirit,” and “Signs of Godliness.”

[3] Edwards, Jonathan, “The End for Which God Created the World,” The Complete Works of Jonathan Edwards, Banner of Truth Trust, 1974, p. 120.

[4] As quoted by Ronald E. Davies, Jonathan Edwards: Missionary Biographer, Theologian, Strategist, Administrator, Advocate – and Missionary, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, April, 1997. Authors note: This is the single best article that I have found regarding Edwards and missions. I use it heavily in the preparation of this article.

[5] “Personal Narrative,” in Jonathan Edwards: Representative Selections, ed. Clarence H. Faust and Thomas H. Johnson (New York: American Book Company, 1935), p 64. As referenced by Ronald E. Davies, Jonathan Edwards: Missionary Biographer, Theologian, Strategist, Administrator, Advocate – and Missionary, International Bulletin of Missionary Research, April, 1997.

[6] Edwards, Jonathan, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume II, The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1974, p. 165. This quotation appears in an essay on “charity,” but the principle holds equally true for supplying the needs of missionary efforts.

[7] I felt the need to quote this reference as Edwards did using the King James Version. Other references are from the New American Standard Bible.

[8] Edwards, Jonathan, The Works of Jonathan Edwards, Volume II, The Banner of Truth Trust, Carlisle, Pennsylvania, 1974, p. 281. Italics are preserved from the original.

[9] Ibid. Italics are preserved from the original.
[10] Ibid. Italics are preserved from the original.
[11] Ibid., p 284.
[12] Ibid., p 279.

[13] Howard, David M., Student Power in World Missions, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement, William Carey Library, Pasadena, CA, 1999.

[14] Davies, p 60.

This just in from an American living in China:

It has been a week of great suffering for the southern part of China,Sichuan area and it’s impossible to make sense of it all. A sister in the h.c. asked me last night if it was the sin of the country or of the world that caused this to happen. My only answer to her is that the cry of our heart’s is all the more, “Come, Lord Jesus,come quickly.” The urgency to spread the good news is at hand and a tragedy like this only makes us think of how many people died without hearing the name of Jesus.

If you want to give financially to assist in this disaster, here’s how:

1. Use this link for donations to Pioneers: https://secure.call-kc.com/pioneers/
2. It will ask “Please accept my gift for:” and choose “Other”
3. Use account number #150262
4. Under “Special Instructions” you can put “China Relief” but it’s not necessary if the number is in correctly.

Thanks for considering this need!!

About once a year I like to update the theme on this site. I have just come up with this and will be working on it, live, for a few days. It’s mostly done, but I have some work to go yet.

Thanks for the patience.

For many of us, our personal devotional time is not very well thought out. If we have a good habit of taking time with the Lord, we usually do something simply “just because.”

I have been reflecting on my quiet times lately. I took a few notes as I did so. Here are some thoughts that I have which are actually aimed at me - but you might find them helpful as well:

Chronological reading programs are good (I use one) because they help with consistency. BUT, does your reading program leave time for prayer and reflection? I think this is one reason why my personal quiet time can get dry over time. Leave time to do more than read.

Do you have a prayer list? I use my moleskine notebook to track prayer requests. I rarely go back and review how God has answered. When I do - it is amazing and very encouraging. Don’t forget to review how God is working to answer prayer.

Consistency is important. I long ago left behind the “works attitude” toward spending time with God. However, I do run the danger of exercising too much freedom and not being consistent enough. Take time, even if it’s not much time, and just do it.

The most important principle here is to purposefully reflect on your personal time with the Lord. Don’t just go through the motions.

This is a list of 12 things anybody can do to get started on building their heart for the world’s people. I have used this list at various speaking engagements when people say, “I am not ready to actually go, what can I do to get started?”

- Ted

1. Personally “adopt” a country or people group

• Be an expert on one country or people group
• Prepare a one-page overview of this country for others to pray through
• Discover mission agencies, if any, that are working there – pray for them
• Share your burden for this country or people group with others

2. Read books about missionaries and missionary efforts

• “Peace Child” by Don Richardson
• “Lords of the Earth” by Don Richardson
• “Shadow of the Almighty” by Jim Elliot
• “Bruchko” by Bruce Olsen

3. Befriend Internationals

• If you are a student, meet them on campus
• Invite an international to Christmas,
• Thanksgiving, or some other holiday
• Help settle an immigrant to Canada
• Invite a foreign student to live with you

4. Become active in your church’s missionary programs

• Learn the names of your church’s missionaries
• Host a missionary family who is visiting (for dinner or longer!)
• Request newsletter from your church’s missionaries – pray!
• Join the missions committee

5. Keep the world in front of you day to day

• Put a world map up at your workplace
• Tape another one to your bathroom mirror
• Tape a small map into your Bible
• Put a small globe on your desk at work. Be creative!

6. Study the world

• Study the Bible looking for God’s heart for the world’s people Genesis 12:1-3
• Can you name the countries of the world? How about their capitols?
• What is the country known for?
• What is the spiritual condition of each country?

7. Become a consumer of World News

• Read it on the internet
• Watch it on TV
• Listen to it on the radio
• Decipher the “story behind the story” for the Kingdom of God –
• Start a prayer list from headlines

8. Systematically pray for the world

• Get Operation World and pray for one country a day
• Get on one email list which highlights global prayer needs
• • Find someone who will hold you accountable
• Cover the world in prayer—Block out a country with a highlighter each time you pray for it

9. Personally adopt a missionary

• Learn all you can about their country and people group
• Write them regularly – even if they don’t respond
• Remember their birthdays and anniversaries, send a care package
• Pray for them daily

10. Give

• Give regularly
• Give sacrificially
• Give with a plan
• Give strategically

11. Go short term

• Don’t make excuses—make plans: virtually everybody can go at least once in their lifetime
• Don’t go where there are many Christians: go to the unreached
• Don’t go alone: visit a team who can follow-up on your efforts
• Don’t go as a tourist: go as a learner—adapt to their culture

12. Go long term

• Make yourself available for God to open or close the door
• Take the course “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement”
• Contact missions agencies and ask about opportunities
• Tell your pastor about your desire

Note: I am introducing a new series entitled “Why I Went.” I am asking people who cashed in the American Dream for a much bigger dream of sacrificial service in the Great Commission. This week I bring you the story of one of my best friends (at least in the other hemisphere - he says I can’t be his best friend in this one), Rob Farnsley. Rob was an apostle to the Bosnians and now works as a mobilizer in the USA.

Looking back over the last 17 years, it is a bit more difficult to remember why I left my life in Fresno, California to join the missionary endeavor. But the first thing I will say is that I DO NOT REGRET IT AND I AM NOT SORRY!

I was in my mid-40’s, very involved as a layman in my church. I was fulfilled and happy and productive, discipling several men and enjoying my real estate career. But still there was something stirring. I had an opportunity to travel with a retired missionary to his former field of service in Western Borneo. He had gone in the 30’s and literally been the first “white man” in those jungles filled with head hunters. 50 years later, we saw the results of his labor. Churches in many remote villages, reaching out to others, and lots of missionaries carrying on the work. They all knew “Opa.”

I did not have a high opinion of missionaries in those days. But my time in Borneo changed all that. I returned with a huge respect for them and their work. Such qualified and dedicated people. That led to my starting a mission committee in my church, which led to my attending a course called “Perspectives on the World Christian Movement,” where I began to learn about what God was doing in the world. I was amazed. This class had a huge impact on me and led me to want to be involved in the effort to reach those who have the least opportunity to hear the Good News, with whatever time I had left in my life.

So, at age 45, still single, I liquidated all my “stuff,” and off I went. That journey has led me through Indonesia, Virginia, Orlando, Bosnia, Canada, back to Bosnia, and now to Orlando. I have had the privilege of working with and serving some of the best people in the world. I have seen so much of the world that I never thought I would see. My singleness has worked to my advantage in many cases, and probably didn’t help in others. But, I am who I am and as mentioned above I DO NOT REGRET AND AM NOT SORRY I have taken this “road less traveled.” There could not be a better road.