Missions Blog

Future Missionaries - From Where?

So often in mobilization we deal with those who have a call to missions and don’t fulfill it because someone exposes them to the “native missionary” movement. Organizations tell rich Americans to stay home and give to the much cheaper natives of a certain country who can do they job for a tenth of the cost. Unfortunately a lot of these pitches are very misleading and are far from the truth.

In “Out of the Comfort Zone” George Verwer presents the needs of the world and answers this very controversial topic in the 5th chapter of his book, which is conveniently available online. I feel that Mr. Verwer is vary gracious in dealing with this topic.

There are many controversies in the arena of world missions. I mentioned several of these in Chapter One, where I called for a grace-awakened approach to the complex debates taking place concerning the different aspects of missionary work. One of these controversies is so important to the future of missions that I want to devote a chapter to it. It is the debate over whether there is a need for the traditional mission-sending countries of the West, along with Australia and New Zealand, to continue sending missionaries abroad.

I obviously think there is a very large need for future missionaries from the West. The information he gives in this chapter is invaluable in understanding this debate. Too many people would be serving overseas today if they weren’t discouraged by the false dichotomy presented by some.

Truthdig - Ear to the Ground - Some Religious Fanatics Joyous Over Middle East Violence

AHHHH! Seriously, is this like the worst fruit ever of the “Left Behind” series?. Next time you move you can leave them behind. From the article:

Apparently some religious fanatics see the Rapture as a silver lining to the current turmoil in the Middle East and can barely contain their joy. Read some truly frightening messages posted to a Rapture Ready/EndTimes message board. (Harpers via BoingBoing.net)

These people could use a good dose of teaching on Matthew 24:14. I guess they will just be really disappointed in a few weeks or months. This can go along with my former post “Things Not to Say in Front of Me“.

International Mission Board - Video Link

The IMB has a plethera of videos available at the link above. If you are like me, then you loving watching video.

I am especially burdened by the “Mother India” video with Caedmon’s Call “Mother India playing in the background. I am totally crying for the person in the “hands that touch the untouchables” part of the song. King Jesus move mightily to rescue these people trapped in darkness with no light shining about them.

You can get also buy the song from Itunes by clicking this link .

David Brainerd’s Blog

Someone took David Brainerd’s journal and made it into a blog. You can read the days of his life as if he wrote them for his blog, rather than 250 years ago.

David Brainerd was a pioneer missionary among the American Indians. His journals have inspired thousands to missionary service abroad. He was an incredible man of prayer who saw his life end before he even reached 30. He is also well known for being good friends with Jonothan Edwards and for falling in love with his daughter. Sadly, while she was trying to nurse him back to health, she caught the same disease and died. After his death his journals were published for the sake of the church. You can read a short biographical article here and a short work by Edward on his life here.

Between Two Worlds: The Tailenders

On July 25, PBS will premiere a documentary about the missionary organization Global Recordings, entitled The Tailenders. From their site:

“The Tailenders explores the history, techniques and philosophy of a remarkable organization that has recorded Bible stories in over 5,500 of the world’s 8,000-plus languages and dialects, and made those recordings available in the most remote regions through inventive, ultra-low technology. The company has reached out to the ‘tailenders’—those who are among the last to see missionaries and whose languages and ways of life are disappearing under globalization’s sweep…. This dedication to amplifying Christian proselytizing with technology has led to signal achievements, including an archive of over 5,400 spoken languages and dialects—the worlds’ largest—many of them extinct or on the verge of extinction, and some of them perhaps preserved nowhere else. The inspired amateur ‘techs’ of Global Recordings also tackled the problem of bringing the recorded voice to backward regions with delightful ingenuity and artistry, creating a museum’s worth of cheap, durable, hand-powered record and tape players and transistor radios. Archival photos and footage show GRN missionaries astounding native listeners with the boxes that tell stories in their own dialects.”

I am excited to watch it. The cause missions can use all the pub it can get.

Thanks to Between Two Worlds and Phillip from fillup.org for pointing this out to me.

Bud Light, man that seems like a horrible way to start a post, has turned their humor on my home state with this latest “Real Men of Genious” advertisment. I in no way endorse their products, am recommending you enjoy an ice cold Bud Light, and no I don’t drink.

With that all said, click here for the 30 second commercial about the “Way too Proud of Texas Guy.” My friend replied to me this morning with “i totally know our state bird and tree and reptile.” Its funny cause its true.

Not really about missions, but we can all use a good laugh. As a marketing major, I can have my little “why do beer companies have the most creative advertising” tirade some time. I could also add the “why does it seem that Christian advertising is always a slight variation of some other thing that is already out there?” tirade.

SBC Outpost » Blog Archive » It’s That Time Again

The Soap Opera that is the trustee board these days is meeting again this week. Pray that things move in a better direction.

Check here for all that I’ve written in the past.