Missions Blog

“It’s being called genocide — the wave of ethnic killing in Darfur, Sudan. NBC’s Ann Curry traveled to the border between Chad and Sudan to cover the deadly conflict that has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives. Curry tells the stories of people caught in the crosshairs: a mother, an orphan, an aid worker, and others who have been largely forgotten and as the chaos continues. In an iTunes exclusive, Curry talks to New York Times columnist Nicholas Kristof about where Darfur is headed, and what can be done. Includes a special introduction by Brian Williams.” — iTunes Store

Download here

Digg.com offered up this link to a wikipedia article about Cultural Faux Pas’. A guy who moved from South Asia to my hometown of College Station offered up his comments on things he thought were interesting about living in the radically different culture there.

For me (having moved from South Asia to the US), the biggest cultural shockers were…
The Good:
- Complete strangers smiling and saying “howdy” when walking by on the road; people in cars slowing down and offering rides at odd hours of the night …but then that was College Station, TX ..sort of a larger Mr. Roger’s Neighborhood.
- When getting into car accidents, the other party actually coming over and asking if I was okay. Back home people get ready for a fist fight in those circumstances.
The Bad:
- Setting up gift registries which in essence is no different from asking for gifts. Most people back home would commit hara-kiri before even thinking of doing that.
- Opening the gift in front of the person giving the gift. Considered hoggish deprived behavior. A big no no back home. All gifts are opened later in private.
- Shaking hands with the opposite gender. A rough analogy would be to imagine the awkwardness of having to kiss when greeting.

Someone posted this picture of our President getting in on the cultural lovin’.

Awake and Go! Global Prayer Network

Awake and Go!.com and is an amazing resource for missions and revival history. Formerly watchword.org, David Smithers has relaunched his old website with a great new look. His articles and mini-biographies are a great way to learn about some of the great movements of God from the past 400 years. Be sure to check it out.

Qlock - World Clock

If you ever needed to know what time it is somewhere in the world this is a very helpful link. Check it out.

Fill Up » How to Get Free Books

This List from crosswalk.com gives you access to hundreds of great Christians books that are online for free. I am usually not interested in online books, but I found some incredible stuff on these sites.

Since the apostolic age many other attempts to spread the gospel have been made, which have been considerably successful, notwithstanding which a very considerable part of mankind are still involved in all the darkness of heathenism. Some attempts are still making, but they are inconsiderable in comparison of what might be done if the whole body of Christians entered heartily into the spirit of the divine command on this subject. Some think little about it, others are unacquainted with the state of the world, and others love their wealth better than the souls of their fellow-creatures.

In order that the subject may be taken into more serious consideration, I shall enquire, whether the commission given by our Lord to his disciples be not still binding on us, - take a short view of former undertakings, - give some account of the present state of the world, - consider the practicability of doing something more that is done, - and the duty of Christians in general in this matter.

Still sounds like a good read.

The definitive work on Hudson Taylor’s life is available here in the original two volumes. The book starts with the conversion of Hudson’s grandfather on his wedding day. It is an amazingly story, including how he then led his new bride to Christ.

Thanks to Phillip at fillup.org for finding this one on evangelicaloutpost.com.

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.

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.