BULLETIN Vol 21 No. 02 FEBRUARY 2021

Many words froth along like rivers in flood, but deep wisdom flows up from artesian springs. (Proverbs 18:4 MSG, adapted)

INSIDE IDEA: GO: PRAY: Of Froth & Substance 02 Engaging Gen-Z 06 Prayerlinks 15 EQUIP: Religious Shifts 09 30 Days Muslim Prayer 16 Suffering & Sacrifice 03 Women Are Everywhere 10 SPOTLIGHTS: 17 CARE: TedzCars for Sale 18 Hope & Resilience 13 New Privacy Laws 19 IDEA

EDITORIAL OF FROTH AND SUBSTANCE By Dr Jay Matenga, Executive Officer, Missions Interlink.

Tena tātou katoa e te iwi mīhana... his month’s whakataukī (proverb) is: “He waha the gospel could be shared without encountering a barrier huka.” [A frothy mouth]. This is said of one who of understanding. Together with Cameron Townsend's Tspeaks without wisdom, substance, or sense—those observation of linguistic separation, McGavran's theory led whose talk ruins relationships or drives wedges between to what we understand today to be ethno-linguistic people communities. Sir Apirana Ngata is quoted as saying it of groups, 7,414 of which remain without sufficient access to Hitler during World War Two. We might dismiss it as empty the gospel. rhetoric, but when it is attached to real-world power we I say 'theory' and 'supposedly' because we should treat these receive a rude awakening. The sad fact is, the proverb things as hypotheses rather than doctrines. We have just could be applied to too many influential people today. witnessed a great deal of unanticipated consequence to such Have we not just come through the weirdest of times with thinking. They are ideas that may appear valid and correlate the conspiracy theory explosion that was Q-Anon, amplified to reality in some ways, but they are neither core to our faith by the polarised political situation in the United States of nor are they essential to our missions practice. They are built America? The breadcrumb trail of so called "research" that on a certain evolution of thinking and deserve to be regularly enticed the willing along a pre-prepared path of plausibility, reassessed, particularly regarding their base assumptions. by making connections where there were none and spinning The Greek philosopher Socrates reckoned, "the unexamined a narrative of horror to mobilise the masses, ultimately led life is not worth living". The threshold moment between pre- to the storming of the US Capitol building—with eloquent and post-pandemic eras of missions is an ideal opportunity to Christian prayers and "Jesus Saves" banners following. re-examine many of our base assumptions. Particularly when From our vantage point in Aotearoa New Zealand, most of us they are being found wanting in the social contexts in which looked on with amazement. But even here, in our own back we now live. If we blindly accept and adopt the ideas and yard, Billy TK and his contextualised version of Q-Anon drew Biblical interpretations of others without understanding their in the willing, many genuine Jesus followers among them. influencers, assumptions and implications, much of what we Related to these conspiracies, I have watched with depressing have to say will be froth, lacking substance. fascination how some leaders in the prophetic movement, that It starts with realising that we didn't always think this way, I have followed most of my Christian life (with some critical and asking 'Where did this idea come from?'. This helps us distance), missed the mark. I have always been wary of the appreciate how ideas develop within certain contexts. It then televangelist style of prophetic 'forth-telling', but my spiritual frees us to consider alternatives. wiring leans toward believing that God is able to speak and What most concerns me in our current context is the adoption act through humans today, by the Spirit, for the edification of aggression by Christ-followers—in our prayer-life, preaching of the church and benefit of God's mission. I was surprised and practice of the faith. There is no Biblical mandate for it to recently discover that researchers are starting to group and it is diametrically opposed to the fruit of the Spirit. Warfare the post-Jesus People charismatic movement together into concepts, such as Wagner promoted, exacerbate this. It is a cohort called, "The New Apostolic Reformation". If you're justified by a particular interpretation of Ephesians, but Paul's interested, Dale M. Coulter writes about it here. use of military language in that book was not intended for us Seeing the neo-Charismatic movement analysed in cool to adopt a military posture in our faith. According to Scripture, academic fashion by Coulter was an uncomfortable warfare happens in the heavenlies, and it does affect us, but personal experience, but helpful. What particularly piqued our response is to live out the shalom-kingdom of God as an my interest was the role C. Peter Wagner's ideas played act of resistance, conscious of the celestial war but otherwise in developing a framework of spiritual warfare that we saw not engaged. The armour Paul describes is nothing more than played out in support of the former US president's tenure. the foundation of our faith, which defines our unity in-Christ. Wagner encouraged praying against 'territorial spirits' Our responsibility is to 'hold the line', not go out and attack presiding over nations and regions, and 'spiritual mapping' the enemy. Christ will conquer and we will benefit, but in the of neighbourhoods. This is something of a spiritual overlay meantime we need to focus on resisting the influence of the on Donald McGavran's theory of culture that came to be accuser and destroyer of relationships by our loving mutual known as the "homogeneous unit principle" (HUP). HUPs unity. Wipe away the froth and start speaking in love, and we were supposedly units of social commonality within which will be effective in our stand, Together: On Mission. 02 EQUIP

SUFFERING & SACRIFICE LEARNING FROM THE MAJORITY WORLD By Rev Israel Oluwole Olofinjana, the founding director of Centre for Missionaries from the Majority world and the Minister of Woolwich Central Baptist Church. He is an Honorary Research Fellow at Queens Foundation for Ecumenical Theological Education, Birmingham. Israel is on the Executive Team of Lausanne Europe and a member of Spurgeon’s College’s Academic Quality Advisory Committee (AQAC). He is the author of numerous books including World Christianity in Western Europe: Diasporic Identity, Narratives and Missiology (2020). This article is reproduced with permission from Lausanne's Global Analysis, September 2020, Volume 9 / Issue 5.

his article1 explores the This article argues for using Jesus’ The implication of this is that if relationship between model of discipleship, involving our discipleship programmes and Tmission and suffering with a suffering and sacrifice. I propose events do not prepare Christians to particular focus on how we disciple that we need to learn from Majority understand and live with suffering and people during and post COVID-19. World theologies whose experience of sacrifice, they will only follow Jesus The pandemic continues to impact historic and contemporary suffering is when all is going well. The result is the globe, affecting (at the time a ready template. Furthermore, this that when things get really tough, they of writing) 213 countries, causing example of faith in the midst of will walk out on God. On the other hundreds of thousands of deaths, suffering is an essential ingredient hand, if we follow Jesus as the only loss of community, loss of jobs, in decolonizing Western models of lifestyle and not as an optional lifestyle increased mental health problems, discipleship and missions.2 when it is convenient and comfortable, and heightened anxiety and fear. we put every part of our mind, will, SUFFERING AND SACRIFICE: and emotions and all aspects of our It has brought great suffering to HALLMARKS OF WHOLE-LIFE lives—job, family, education, hobbies, millions of people around the world DISCIPLESHIP and therefore begs the question, how finances—before God to use as He The crucial question I have been can the church respond to this global pleases and whenever He calls us. wrestling with is, if Jesus’ way of life suffering? Perhaps more succinctly, After Jesus gave some serious includes suffering and sacrifice, how how should the church participate teaching about what it means to can our whole-life discipleship include in the mission of God in a context of believe and follow Him, many of the these concepts? We tend to want to suffering and loss? Jews left him. Then he asked the be followers of Jesus only when it is disciples one important question, "Do In addition, COVID-19 has also affected convenient or when we are benefiting you also wish to go away?" (John 6: 67 every area of life, including politics, from the relationship. However, Jesus’ NRSV). Peter’s answer to that question health, medicine, business, education, calling to his disciples required that, if is very important for our discipleship sports, entertainment industries, media, anyone wants to follow Him, they must today. He said to Jesus, "Lord, to travel, hospitality sectors, and of deny themselves and carry their cross whom can we go? You have the words course the Church! If COVID-19, with (Matthew 16:24; Mark 8:34; Luke 9:23). its consequences, has affected how we of eternal life" (John 6:68 NRSV). Denying ourselves in a consumeristic, view the world in every endeavour of Peter’s answer is conditioned by the materialistic, and individualistic society life that will last for a while, has it then understanding that following Jesus, would mean we need to be ready to inspired a new paradigm that requires even when it is rough and difficult, is sacrifice our desires to the point of new models of discipleship and not an optional lifestyle, but that his death for the sake of God’s kingdom. missions activities? very own survival depended on it. 03 SUFFERING & SACRIFICE cont... The narrative changes when we see A crucial question then is, if the In the African context, Black Theology discipleship not as some form of coronavirus has revealed that life is emerged in Southern Africa to alternative lifestyle but knowing that our indeed temporal and that suffering and challenge the systemic injustice very survival depends on it. pain are real and unavoidable, what sort caused by the apartheid regime. of disciples do we need to be so that African political theology developed A NEW PARADIGM: A NEW MODEL we can disciple others in this context? elsewhere on the continent and also OF DISCIPLESHIP The ideas of suffering and sacrifice are has something to offer in terms of the As mentioned earlier, COVID-19 and its relative. The suffering of Majority World theology of lament. A prime example consequences are reframing how we Christians who are refugees, asylum is the work of the Roman Catholic view reality, changing and challenging seekers, and economic migrants will Ugandan theologian Emmanuel everything we know. This change is be very different from that of white Katongole who, in his book, speaks not only going to be for months but middle-class Christians. I am not of the evil and trauma of the recent according to most projections, for advocating that Africans, Asians, or conflict in Congo and the need to know years to come. This is not necessarily 8 Latin Americans have a monopoly on how to lament. If there is one thing the new replacing the old and pain and trauma. What I am highlighting common to these theologies, it is that totally discarding the old, but a new is the fact that the histories of some they take the suffering of the poor, paradigm, a new understanding of our Majority World countries (Africa, Asia, marginalised and the oppressed as existential reality. Latin America, Caribbean and Oceania) their hermeneutical lens, their way of David Bosch, following the paradigm demonstrate that certain regions of the reading Scripture, and therefore their theory of Thomas Kuhn, identified world have suffered from systemic and understanding of discipleship is rooted various paradigm shifts in theology institutional injustices like the slave- in Jesus’ humility and sacrifice and how and missions thinking during the trade, indentured servitude, imperialism, that shaped his ministry praxis. different eras of Christianity: primitive colonialism and neo-colonialism. Majority World Christians who have Christianity, the Patristic period, the Therefore, this makes Majority World relocated to Europe or North America Middle Ages, the Reformation, the Christians somewhat more accustomed through various migratory factors Enlightenment, and the Ecumenical to suffering and pain. bring this notion and experience of era.3 Modern theology and missions In addition, the legacies of institutional discipleship with them. Diaspora rooted in Enlightenment traditions and systematic injustices continue in Christians therefore understand from have for a long while shaped our the lives of so many people from the first-hand experience that whole-life discipleship model. The result is a Majority World. A recent example is discipleship entails different kinds of discipleship model that is dichotomized the disproportionate representation of suffering and demands sacrifice. If the and influenced by the myth of Black, Asian, Minority, Ethnic (BAME) church is going to do discipleship and progress, a pattern of discipleship that people as part of the frontline essential mission well in this coronavirus climate, compartmentalizes our lives so that services in the UK, an exposure that we need to grasp Jesus’ understanding Christianity appears to be relevant has led to the deaths of many BAME of suffering and sacrifice. Part of that on Sunday, but not Monday to Friday people during the pandemic. While the mission will mean using the notion in the workplace. In addition, the coronavirus affects everyone whether developed in Liberation Theology of consumer feature of contemporary life you are rich or poor, white or black, intentionally acting in solidarity with has influenced our discipleship with the it has become obvious from the data the poor who are likely more adversely ideas of options, progress, and greed. of the Office of National Statistics and affected by this crisis. While emerging churches of our Public Health in England that it poses Many Western para-church contemporary context, with their more of a risk to poorer communities, organizations and mission agencies models of discipleship premised on largely made up of BAME people.6 are already engaged in whole-life whole life and expressed through discipleship, but what I think is missing 4 PERSPECTIVES OF MAJORITY missional communities, has are the Majority World voices in these WORLD THEOLOGIES ON WHOLE- challenged the previous model of conversations and organizations. I LIFE DISCIPLESHIP discipleship, the old models have not am well aware of so many who have been completely deconstructed. This Having argued that people from the not engaged properly with the views is where Michael Stroope’s penetrating Majority World appear to suffer more of Majority World theologians in their analysis of the language of missions is due to systemic and structural issues whole-life discipleship programmes very useful. He notes it as problematic in our unjust world, this then provides or employed staff from the Majority because of its lack of use in the Biblical a ready template for the global church World in their organizations. It seems text and its link to conquest and to learn from Majority World theologies to me that in the current and post- 5 colonialism. While not abandoning the about discipleship models rooted in coronavirus climate, it will become language of missions yet, Stroope’s suffering and sacrifice caused by social important to consolidate our resources thesis helps us to decolonize missions economic inequality. Many contextual and find pragmatic ways of partnering and discipleship. However, a key theologies arise from contexts of loss so that our discipleship activities can missing ingredient in this decolonization and pain. An example will be Liberation be enriched by the experiences of process is an outsider’s perspective, Theology which was developed in the Majority World Christians, including one that is not already influenced by impoverished socio-economic context those in the diaspora in the West. What an Enlightenment worldview. This of Latin America as the Catholic church could be more exciting than hearing is where the insights of some of the aligned theology with the poor and the the voices of African theologians 7 Majority World Christians are needed marginalized. or Latin American theologians in on discipleship and missions. 04 SUFFERING & SACRIFICE cont... our new-era apologetics, missional website, https://hope1513. Tradition (London, Apollos an church conversations, and whole-life com/2020/05/06/coronavirus-a- imprint of Inter-Varsity Press, 2017). discipleship training?9 new-paradigm-for-discipleship- 6. Discrimination on the front line and-mission-by-rev-israel- CONCLUDING REMARKS of the coronavirus outbreak may oluwole-olofinjana/ be a factor in disproportionate This brief article has been about 2. I am using decolonizing mission in BAME deaths among NHS staff, exploring the opportunities and the sense that Western thoughts accessed 14 May 2020, https:// challenges of the new context that have shaped for years, and therefore www.itv.com/news/2020-05- COVID-19 presents us and how we colonized, our understanding of 13/discrimination-frontline- respond as people of faith. I have mission. Decolonizing mission coronavirus-covid19-black- particularly considered Jesus’ suffering means looking at how Majority World minority-ethnic-bame-deaths- and sacrifice as hallmarks of whole-life Christians understand discipleship nhs-racism/. discipleship needed in understanding and mission. the pain and loss caused by 7. See as an example, Gustavo COVID-19. These characteristics of 3. David Bosch, Transforming Mission: Gutierrez, A Theology of Liberation discipleship are strongly advocated in Paradigm Shifts in Theology and (London: SCM Press, 1974). Majority World theologies because of Mission, 20th Anniversary Edition 8. Emmanuel Katongole, Born from their experiences of socio-economic (Maryknoll, New York: Orbis Books, Lament: The Theology and Politics injustices. I have suggested that the 2014), 187-92. of Hope in Africa (Grand Rapids: global Church can learn from Majority 4. Missional communities as defined Eerdmans Publishing, 2017). See World Christians in understanding by the Gospel and Culture network also Cathy Ross, ‘Lament and a model of whole-life discipleship are communities called to represent Hope’, accessed 6 May 2020, rooted in liminality and humility. For the compassion, justice, and peace https://churchmissionsociety. this to happen, we need an equal of the reign of God. The distinctive org/resources/lament-and-hope- partnership that engages the voices of characteristic of such is that the cathy-ross-anvil-vol-34-issue-1/. Majority World theologians in whole-life Holy Spirit creates and sustains 9. Editor’s note: See also the article discipleship movements everywhere. them. See Darrell L Guder (ed), by Stian Sørlie Eriksen, entitled ------Missional Church: A Vision for the ‘Immigrant Majority Church in sending of the Church in North the West’, in July 2019 issue of ENDNOTES America (Grand Rapids, MI, Wm. B. Lausanne Global Analysis https:// 1. A preliminary version of this paper Eerdmans Publishing, 1998), 142. www.lausanne.org/content/ was first published in May 2020 5. Michael Stroope, Transcending lga/2019-07/immigrant-majority- as an article on the Hope 15:13 Mission: The Eclipse of a Modern church-relations-west. are you the one to lead our personnel team? Convinced that no one should live and die without hearing God’s good news, SIM believes that He has called us to make disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ in communities where He is least known. SIM New Zealand is searching for a Personnel Director. Our fantastic team needs a leader willing to encourage innovation as we mobilise, prepare and support our mission partners, working together with churches to fulfill God’s mission across cultures locally and globally. Applications close on 26 February. If interested, please email [email protected] to ask questions or request a position description. Patti Clark: 021444228 GO

ENGAGING GEN-Z MOBILISING THE EMERGING GENERATION By Dr Jolene Erlacher. Jolene grew up as a missionary kid. She has spent the past decade studying generational trends in ministry contexts. An author, speaker, and coach, Jolene works extensively with churches, mission agencies, schools, and other organizations on engaging the next generation. She also teaches graduate courses at North Central University and Bethany Global University. For more information on Jolene’s books, speaking, podcast or blog, visit www.leadingtomorrow.org. This article was curated from Missionary Mobilization Journal Vol 1, Issue 1, Jan 2021.

he oldest members of White, in his book, Meet Generation Z: a couple of decades ago. It is important Generation Z (born 1996- Understanding and Reaching the New to understand this dynamic as we seek T 2010) are now graduating Post-Christian World, states, “As the to support, encourage, and mobilise from university and beginning their first truly post-Christian generation (in this generational cohort. careers. As they do, churches and the USA), and numerically the largest, Challenge #2: Post-Missions Age missions organizations are facing Generation Z will be the most influential As our culture has changed, so have new challenges and opportunities religious force in the West and the views on global missions. A post- in mobilising a cohort of young heart of the missional challenge facing Christian culture is contributing to what adults with characteristics and the Christian church.”1 Members of some have called a post-missions age perspectives that often differ this post-Christian generation must in America.4 Perhaps one significant significantly from older Millennials. be understood in the midst of broader indicator of this change was seen In the following discussion, we changes in (USA) Christianity. Pew in the responses to the death of will look at some of the unique Research Center reports the continued missionary John Chau in 2018. Ed challenges we are facing as we trend in the decline of Christianity in Stetzer describes how many critics seek to engage Generation Z in America, with larger percentages of and supporters compared Chau to Jim missions (from a USA perspective). the population identifying as “nones” Elliot.5 However, the response to Chau’s We will also consider some of the (who identify with no religion) in 2019 death differed greatly from the response opportunities inherent in this task as compared to 2009 and other earlier to Elliot’s death 60 years earlier. Stetzer and conclude with strategies for studies.2 Generation Z is reflecting this explains, effectively engaging and educating trend as the youngest generation to On Jan. 8, 1956, Elliot and four young people today for missions enter adulthood during the research other Christian missionaries were, mobilisation. period. Barna reports that “the like Chau, killed by the people they percentage of people whose beliefs CHALLENGES IN MISSIONS were trying to reach. Elliot and his qualify them for a 'biblical worldview' MOBILISATION team ended up on the front page of declines in each successively younger Life magazine, prompting a surge Challenge #1: Post-Christian Context generation: 10 percent of Boomers, in modern missions. Chau’s story is If we want to engage young people 7 percent of Gen X and 6 percent of in countless media feeds that have today for missions, we must Millennials have a biblical worldview, prompted a missions backlash. understand the cultural context in compared to only 4 percent of Gen Z.”3 There are certainly differences which they live. Most experts agree Young Christians with a strong faith and between Elliot and Chau, but what that for the first time in America, we are would potentially engage in missions has really changed is our culture. mobilising individuals out of a post- often confront opposition to their faith People are much more negative Christian generation. James Emery or calling that did not exist in our culture about missions, partly because of 06 ENGAGING GEN-Z cont... mistakes that missionaries have be encouraged to engage in missions. OPPORTUNITIES IN MISSION made, such as colonialism, a lack of Living in a post-missions culture, young MOBILISATION cultural awareness and more. But, people today need a local church that is While a number of challenges exist as for many critics, it is the core goal of actively cultivating a heart for missions. we seek to engage and mobilise young 6 conversion itself they object to. Challenge #3: Generational people in missions today, there are also In their report on The Future of Differences in Ministry Values some significant opportunities. We will Missions, Barna Group explains the Several trends that began with consider a few of these here. perspectives Generation Z must Millennials are continuing with Opportunity #1: Increased confront as they consider missions in Generation Z as we look at Commitment this new cultural context. “There is a generational values in ministry. One As young people today navigate a stereotype… that has taken hold in the of the most significant is regarding post-Christian world, they do not North American cultural imagination, . While “winning souls” has adhere to Christianity by default, of a ‘white saviour’ evangelist who been at the heart of global missions just because others around them exports their narrow, Western-centric historically, young adults in post- are Christians, as perhaps occurred version of faith with more passion Christian culture often struggle to in previous generations. Gen-Zers than cultural competence.”7 While this embrace evangelism. who want to follow God are making stereotype, like many stereotypes, is Growing up in a society where intentional, and often difficult, choices based on isolated instances, it has relativism and tolerance are high to do so. In many instances, they influenced the perspectives of many values, young people today have are facing social persecution for their regarding missions today. Young adults learned to respect and not question the decisions. As one godly young leader considering missions often grapple perspectives of others. O. S. Hawkins told me, “I cannot tell other students with a history of Christian missions that explains, at my school that I believe in God has sometimes been associated with Tolerance is the new buzzword and without losing all credibility.” As a result, colonialism or failure to respect local the new law of the land, and it has the young people who do choose to cultures. As a result, young adults a different definition than it did just commit to God and His purposes are want to have honest conversations a few years ago. Tolerance used often more committed than previous about missions, its history, and what to mean that we recognized and generations. Barna reports in The we can learn and improve as we look respected other people’s beliefs Future of Missions that “when it comes to the future. and value systems without agreeing to men, as the cultural influence of Sometimes a post-missions culture with them or sharing them. Today Christianity diminishes, those who extends into churches. Recently, tolerance means that everyone’s continue in pursuit of Christ—perhaps in speaking to a group of long- values, belief systems, and lifestyles especially those who are male—tend term missionaries on engaging the should be accepted.10 to mean it.”12 Despite the trend we next generation in missions, I was If you are conditioned to accept are seeing in many young people discussing this phenomenon of a everyone’s values and beliefs, it can today leaving the church, Kinnaman post-missions culture. Back in the be very hard to share truths that may and Matlock report that “there is a U.S. on furlough, missionaries in the require others to change their beliefs. countercultural 10% of young Christians group reported finding that a post- 13 As a result, Barna reports that 47% of whose faith is vibrant and robust.” missions culture exists in the church as practicing Christian Millennials, In my book, Daniel Generation: Godly well. The task of educating, engaging, agree at least somewhat that it Leadership in an Ungodly Culture, I and mobilising individuals within the is wrong to share one’s personal refer to this group of young people American church for global missions beliefs with someone of a different as the remnant, similar to Daniel often falls to visiting missionaries. faith in hopes that they will one and his friends, that God is using in While the research indicates that day share the same faith… though these uncertain times.14 We have an a relationship with a missionary is Gen Z teens were not included in incredible opportunity to engage, significant for young people to say this study, their thoroughly post- encourage, and equip these resilient they will give to missions, pray, or go Christian posture will likely amplify young believers whom God is raising themselves, it is indicative of a post- this stance toward evangelism.11 up in this moment in history. missions culture when this task falls to a visiting missionary, rather than So, evangelism would require many Opportunity #2: Honest Conversation a passion for and understanding of young people to violate cultural norms It is commonly understood that the importance of missions being they have been taught. In addition, a younger generations today want to cultivated continually within local sense of connectedness to the world know “why?” They have grown up in a congregations.8 Michael Brogden, in and broad exposure to the needs and period marked by the deconstruction his research on Assemblies of God injustices that exist today have given and questioning of culture, history, churches and pastors, found that “the younger generations a passion for identity, and ideas. As a result, they most common number of missionaries social justice and humanitarian aid. are conditioned to want to understand allowed to speak at a church is 1-4 As young people seek to engage in the “why” behind activities and per year.”9 If this is the most significant missions, they may bring different perspectives. As mentioned earlier, missions exposure that a young priorities or approaches than those many members of Generation Z are person attending a local church will held by leaders, mentors, and struggling to understand the role of receive, then it is less likely they will organizations they work alongside. the Church and missions in history

07 ENGAGING GEN-Z cont... and identify where mistakes have been Strategy #2: Provide experiences 24, 2019, accessed November 03, made and what we can learn as we and stories. 2020, https://missionexus.org/ go forward. This creates a wonderful In their book, Marching Off the Map, general-session-ed-stetzer/. opportunity to engage young people Elmore and McPeak discuss how to 5. Ed Stetzer, “Slain Missionary John today in honest conversation as we engage a new generation of students Chau Prepared Much More than learn together from the past and in inspirational ways. They recommend We Thought, but Are Missionaries consider its implications for the present an EPIC model of teaching; one that Still Fools?” The Washington and future. This conversation requires is Experiential, Participatory, Image Post,November 28, 2018, humility, reflection, and courage. It rich, and Connected.15 When we can accessed November 02, 2020, provides opportunities to learn about engage young people in experiences https://www.washingtonpost. missions, but also a chance for that allow them to participate in com/religion/2018/11/28/ young leaders to see godly leadership ministry and learn about missions, slain-missionary-john-chau- modelled by experienced leaders as we there will be opportunities for new prepared-muchmore-than- engage in these discussions. passions to be birthed in their hearts. we-thought-his-case-is-still- Opportunity #3: Innovative Seeing pictures or hearing stories as quandary-us-missionaries/. Collaboration they connect with missionaries will 6. Stetzer, “Slain Missionary John Young people today are connected allow the needs to become real and for Chau.” understanding to grow. via technology to the world in 7. Barna Group, The Future of unprecedented ways. They have also Strategy #3: Engage in honest Missions: 10 Questions about been taught to value others and their conversations. Global Ministry the Church Must perspectives. This results in young Ask young people around you for Answer with the Next Generation people who are open to new ideas their perspectives on missions. (Ventura, CA: Barna Group, 2020), and collaboration. As we look toward Encourage their questions and ideas. 17. the future and a global age of missions Avoid defensive responses that might 8. Barna Group, The Future of where God is raising up missionaries shut down the conversation. Create Missions, 15. from around the world to go to the opportunities for dialogue regarding the 9. Michael Brogden, Finishing the world, Generation Z is well positioned past, present, and future of missions, Unfinished Task (Master’s Thesis, to engage in this collaborative missions as well as the purpose of missions. effort. I believe God has uniquely North Central University, 2020), 59. As we seek to mobilise in a post- equipped them for the emerging 10. O. S. Hawkins, The Daniel Code: Christian, post-missions context, God season in missions. We can affirm Living out Truth in a Culture That Is is birthing fresh insights, ideas, and these characteristics of innovation, Losing Its Way (Nashville: Thomas passion in this emerging season. We connectedness, and collaboration as Nelson, 2016), 72. must engage young leaders in this we seek to engage them in ministry. process of discerning what God has for 11. Barna Group, “Almost Half of STRATEGIES AS WE ENGAGE AND them and His heart for global missions. Practicing Christian Millennials Say Evangelism Is Wrong,” Barna EDUCATE GEN Z FOR MISSIONS ------Group, accessed November 2, As we seek to engage a new ENDNOTES 2020, https://www.barna.com/ generation in God’s global work, there research/millennials-oppose- are several strategies that can help us 1. James Emery White, Meet evangelism/. relate to the needs, challenges, and Generation Z: Understanding and values of Generation Z. Reaching the New Post-Christian 12. Barna Group, The Future of World (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Missions, 80. Strategy #1: Foster relationships. Books, 2017), 11. 13. David Kinnaman, Mark Matlock, Respect and trust today are not earned 2. Pew Research Center, “In U.S., and Aly Hawkins, Faith for Exiles: through titles, positions, or experience, Decline of Christianity Continues 5 Ways for a New Generation to but rather through relationship. Young at Rapid Pace,” Pew Research Follow Jesus in Digital Babylon people respond to those who have Center’s Religion & Public Life (Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Books proven that they care about them Project, June 09, 2020, accessed 2019), 32. and who are honest and sincere. This November 01, 2020, https:// relational leadership requires more 14. Jolene Cassellius Erlacher, Daniel www.pewforum.org/2019/10/17/ time and energy than simply preparing Generation: Godly Leadership in-u-s-decline-of-christianity- a lesson and presenting it, but it is in an Ungodly Culture (Southern continues-at-rapid-pace/. much more rewarding. As we invest in Pines, NC: Vigil Press, 2018). young people, we earn the right to be 3. Barna Group, Gen Z: The Culture, 15. Tim Elmore and Andrew McPeak, heard and to encourage them in their Beliefs and Motivations Shaping Marching Off the Map: Inspire gifts and calling. Young godly leaders the Next Generation. A Barna Students to Navigate a Brand New today need experienced leaders to Report Produced in Partnership World (Atlanta, GA: Poet Gardener walk with them and help them process with Impact 360 Institute (USA: Publishing, 2017). their questions, doubts, and hopes Barna Group, 2018), 25. in a world that is increasingly post- 4. Ed Stetzer, “General Session: Ed Christian. Stetzer,” Missio Nexus, September

08 Distribution of Religions in 2020

RELIGIOUS SHIFTS THREE UNEXPECTED TRENDS IN RELIGION By Dr Todd Johnson, Professor of Mission and Global Christianity, and Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. He has published encyclopedias, atlases, databases, monographs, and scholarly articles on counting religionists around the world. In particular he has made detailed country-by-country estimates for ethno- linguistic peoples, religious diversity, Pentecostals, Sunnis and Shia’s, and other traditions within the world’s major religions. This article is curated from Dr Johnson's blog. he 21st century began with millions throughout Southeast Asia The Declaration has been distributed three major unexpected and the world, including Thailand, in more than 330 languages and T trends in relation to the Indonesia, Malaysia and the United serves as the basis for numerous other world’s religions. States – bringing their unique East international human rights declarations. First, despite the prognostications Asian religions with them. Some of the Despite these efforts, many hundreds of leading academics in the mid- most profound increases in religious of thousands are abused or killed each 20th century, the world is becoming diversity are in Germany and the USA. year because of their religious affiliation, increasingly religious. In 2020, 88.7% Singapore remains the world’s most and tens of millions more have been of people worldwide profess a diverse country in 2020, home to killed, displaced or forced to live as religion—up from 80.8% in 1970. The seven religions over 1% of the country refugees due to religion-related conflicts demographic pivot was the collapse of population: agnosticism, Buddhism, in the first years of the 21st century Communism in the late 20th century Chinese folk-religion, Christianity, alone. and the opening of China to the rest Hinduism, Islam and New religions. Restrictions against religious groups of the world. China, the world’s largest However, at the same time, some vary significantly in the world’s 25 most country, has experienced a resurgence regions are becoming less religiously populous countries. Russia, Egypt, of religions of all kinds since the end of diverse, such as sub-Saharan Africa, Pakistan and Nigeria stand out as the the Cultural Revolution (1970s). Russia where Christianity and Islam are both countries with the highest levels of both has reclaimed its Orthodox heritage, as growing due to converts from African governmental restrictions on religion have other former Soviet republics in Traditional Religions. and social religious hostilities against Eastern Europe. Many other countries Third, religious liberty is on the decline certain religious groups. Religious have experienced a resurgence of worldwide, with grave concerns about persecution is also gender-specific, religion in the last 20 years, including religious freedom in the 21st century. with men subject to socioeconomic Albania (formerly the world’s only official The General Assembly of the United harassment and women more likely to atheistic country), Bosnia-Herzegovina Nations adopted and proclaimed the experience sexual violence. and Cuba. Universal Declaration of Human Rights In light of changes in religious Second, the world is becoming more on 10 December, 1948. Article 18 demographics, it is also significant religiously diverse, especially when of the Declaration states ‘Everyone to note that Christians and Muslims measured at the national level. This has the right to freedom of thought, together represented 33% of the is especially true in Asia—which has conscience and religion; this right world’s population in 1800. By 2020 always been the most religiously includes freedom to change his [sic] this is about 57% and is expected to diverse continent—and beyond, religion or belief, and freedom, either surpass 66% sometime after 2050. where immigration has transformed alone or in community with others Consequently, Christian-Muslim previously homogeneous societies and in public or private, to manifest relations will increasingly be an into more diverse communities. Han his [sic] religion or belief in teaching, important issue in local, national and Chinese, for example, are found in the practice, worship and observance’. international contexts. 09 WOMEN ARE EVERYWHERE BUT NOT AT THE TOP By Dr Gina Zurlo. Dr Zurlo is the Co-Director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary. Dr. Zurlo also has a forthcoming book with Zondervan, Christianity Around the World, which is a popular reference work to introduce readers to the state of Christianity in every nation of the world, complete with colourful maps and graphs. This article is curated from a blog article by Dr Zurlo. taught a course early in 2020, courses at seminaries largely include 1,200 official delegates at the 1910 Women in World Christianity, books written by men: Stephen Bevans, meeting were women but they had to I where we unpacked the Roger Schroeder, David Bosch, Charles sit in the galley, not on the main floor statement that global Christianity is van Engen, Andrew Walls, Samuel with the men. These women were a “women’s movement”. Historians Escobar, and Christopher Wright (to be representatives of British and American have indicated that Christianity fair, I did see a few mentions of Ruth women’s missionary agencies, which has always been majority female: Tucker and Kiwi, Cathy Ross in my were influential, powerful, innovative, women were the last at the cross, cursory overview). highly organized, and great at raising the first at tomb, and make up the Where is the disconnect? Why has money and mobilising people. One majority of Christians today. it become acceptable for women to hundred years later, women were again The course investigated historical do the work but not advance into under-represented at the meetings, contributions of women to the leadership positions? One reason for underscoring that almost all of the development of Christianity worldwide this disconnect, even among those people who run these organizations are while also delving into the realities who accept that Scripture allows for still men. With few exceptions (such women face today in their ministry women in senior leadership positions in as Rose Dowsett and Ruth Padilla contexts around the world. Mid-2020 the church or missions organizations, DeBorst), these gatherings represented I led a directed study with a student is because of gendered approaches to old boys’ clubs. And, unlike in on women in mission that expands on mentoring and discipleship, where male 1910, there are almost no women’s some of the course’s themes. We looked leaders feel uncomfortable spending missionary agencies that provide outlets into the contributions of women as one-on-one time with younger for female leadership and innovation. missionaries, advocates, and Christian women—similar to principles of the I keep thinking about Cathy Ross’s educators in the 19th and 20th centuries. “ Rule” or the “Modesto question in Putting Names with Faces: It’s essentially a church history course Manifesto.” To avoid perception of Women’s Impact in Mission History, that spotlights women in the centre of the sexual impropriety, Billy Graham would how different would missiology be if narrative where they have always been, not travel, meet, or eat alone with any women were at the centre? I’d like not giving the false impression that they women who was not his wife, Ruth. to extend the question to the entire were on the periphery. One of many problems with this rule, missionary movement itself: how This course made me think a lot above and beyond that Graham was a different would all of missions be if about the dynamics of women and unique case under tremendous media women were recognized at being missions organizations today. Hard scrutiny that most other leaders do not where they are and have been since data do not exist, but many people face, is that it completely cuts women the beginning of the modern Protestant estimate that the American missionary off from people who can help them missionary movement—at the centre? movement today is roughly two- grow into leaders. A strict separation of If women were not just the workers thirds female, most of whom are sexes severely limits women’s access but also the decision-makers, how young single women (this figure is to obtaining the skills, knowledge, and might the gospel flourish in new ways, extrapolated from Dr. Dana Robert’s experience necessary for leadership. overcoming obstacles and boundaries? book, American Women in Mission It prohibits male leaders from Or, perhaps, is it time to resurrect a discussion of the 19th century acknowledging the talents of young the concept of the female missionary American missionary movement). women and identifying their potential. society: led, funded, staffed, prayed Many missions leaders today, however, I recently attended a webinar hosted for, and created by women? Ross recognize that while women make up by Fuller Theological Seminary on opines that missions would be more the majority of workers on the ground, the legacy of the Edinburgh 1910 comforting, consoling, healing; more there is a tremendous lack of women World Missionary Conference and hospitable, relational; and more about in leadership. Women’s voices are the centennial conferences held in sight, embrace, and flourishing. In a also under-represented in missiological 2010: Edinburgh, Tokyo, Cape Town, world full of division and brokenness, thinking. The syllabi of missiology and Boston. Roughly 200 of the this sounds like a good way forward. 10 CLICK TO READ Missions Insurance Cover Packages customsied in conversation with you at great rates specifically negotiated for the missions community.* recommended insurance provider

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HOPE & RESILIENCE IN THE COVID-19 STORM By Gladys K. Mwiti, PhD, Consulting Clinical Psychologist and Trauma Specialist. Gladys is the Founder and CEO of Oasis Africa Center for Transformational Psychology and Trauma in Nairobi, Kenya. Author of five books, numerous journal articles, and book chapters, she is immediate past Chairperson of the Kenya Psychological Association (KPA). This article is reproduced with permission from Lausanne's Global Analysis, January 2021, Vol 10, Issue 1.

ike a mighty storm, COVID-19 also from corrupt leadership and self- concentrate on controlling the spread has left the world reeling, centred political conniving, leaving many of the virus and medical treatment for Lwith the very foundations of wondering—what next? the infected, mental health needs are ‘normal’ shaken. We shall never be not receiving the required urgency. PSYCHOSOCIAL IMPACT the same again as we learn that We are also facing the impact on global Traumatic incidents come suddenly pandemics are no respecter of health, with physical ailments6 such and leave a trail of fear, death, and persons—the royal or lowly, rich as cough, fever, fatigue, headache, destruction.2 COVID-19 is a life or poor, the aged or babes. We diarrhoea sore throat, loss of taste threatening global pandemic, creating have been equalized—white, black, or smell, as well as acute respiratory much uncertainty. The result is panic, and coloured Asian, European, distress. In addition, scientists argue fear, isolation, anxiety, stigmatization, and African. We have seen the that COVID-19 is mutating, begging ‘coronaphobia’, hoarding and underbelly of powerful nations and the question whether the vaccines in anger.3 The impact is an escalation been reminded that we all are equal clinical trials will catch up with the self- of mental health challenges and before our Creator God. We all cry transforming virus. Never before have social breakdown, especially among with the same tears, our hearts are so many scientists focused on a single the mentally and psychologically broken in the same way, and our research topic as top laboratories vulnerable—the poor, jobless, mentally- worries and fears are as palpable labour for a breakthrough, not only for ill, depressed, and anyone already living as those near and far. a vaccine, but for a cure as well. with domestic violence and abuse. As nations face over 90 million COVID-19 DISORIENTATION IN TRAUMA infections1 and a great economic Lock-downs and quarantines mean recession, the whole world continues limited freedom to socialize and they In my book Christian Counselling I to grapple with traumatic disruptions— curtail social supportive networks, discuss the reality of disorientation in increasing COVID-19 deaths; tweets of including church life. Helplessness, times of trauma; where, in a world that health workers holding hands of dying hopelessness, and isolation amplify was orderly and predictable, things 4 patients as they pass on far away from mental health and trauma challenges. suddenly became disordered and 7 family and friends; parents struggling As some battle denial and anger, erratic. At such times, many are asking to balance work and home-schooling, others are stressed and anxious, questions such as: ‘Why has this while under the stress and fear of losing facing massive job losses as mega happened?’, ‘Why me?’ their jobs; millions feeling the isolation of companies and industries collapse. Soon after the Rwanda genocide the lock-down and the anxiety that there A recent meta-analysis of up to 36 of 1994, our Oasis Africa team of is no cure or vaccine in view as yet. heterogeneous studies covering a professional trauma psychologists ‘How long?’ we wonder. But COVID-19 population of 117,044 on COVID-19 were among the first to enter Rwanda. is not the only crisis. Many countries mental health impact, indicates the In the three years of our trauma are spiralling downwards economically, prevalence of 29.6% stressed, 31.9% counselling program, we often faced 5 not only due to the pandemic, but anxious, and 33.7% depressed. The the ‘why’ question as we all tried to current concern is that as nations 13 HOPE & RESILIENCE cont... understand the genocide where in cherishing and celebrating our and there are no grapes on the vines, 100 days, 800,000 people were killed relationships with family members, though the olive crop fails and the fields with machetes and rifles.8 In one of neighbours, relatives, and others in the produce no food, though there are our meetings, a young woman asked, community. These practices enhance no sheep in the pen and no cattle in ‘Where was God when my whole family resilience—our ability to bounce back the stalls, yet I will rejoice in the Lord, and villagers died?’ As the room rang into healthy living once the crisis is I will be joyful in God my Saviour. The with the silence that followed, an elderly over.11 With children, routine helps Sovereign Lord is my strength; he man named Bizimungu (which means, because children especially thrive makes my feet like the feet of a deer, ‘God sees me’), stood up and said, ‘I where there is order—maintaining he enables me to tread on the heights" too have struggled for many days with school hours, planning for fun creative (Hab 3:17-19; NIV). that question. I have come to realize activities, and rewarding adherence ------that God was always there, in each to house rules including COVID-19 ENDNOTES of our villages and situations, holding prevention care. 1. As of mid-January 2021. us and weeping with us.’ Bizimungu’s Job loss and loss of loved ones words echoed African perspectives on can result in shock and confusion. 2. A.C. McFarlane, P. Williamson, theodicy—a theological perspective Disruption of mourning rituals and & C.A. Barton, The Impact of that tries to affirm divine justice despite funeral rites makes the loss even harder Traumatic Stressors in Civilian the suffering in the world, suffering that to bear. Holding on to one's family and Occupational Settings, Journal of so often seems arbitrary and gratuitous.9 faith community, celebrating the life of Public Health Policy, 30, (2009): The word ‘theodicy’ was coined by the the departed, are part of self-care and 311–27. German philosopher Leibniz, and is care for those affected. 3. Souvik Dubey et al., Psychosocial based on two Greek words, theos or The Role of the Church Impact of Covid-19, Diabetes ‘God’ and dike or ‘justice’.10 Metab Syndr, 14, (2020): 779-88. Lock-down during COVID-19 has In times of suffering and trauma impacted the global church in 4. Julio Torales et al., The Outbreak during this COVID-19 pandemic, unprecedented ways. Christians, of COVID-19 Coronavirus and its God is with us as we mourn the whose lives revolve around worship Impact on Global Mental Health, departed and protect ourselves gatherings, ministering, building The International Journal of Social from the virus. community in small groups, meeting, Psychiatry. Pub Med. (2020). SELF CARE AND OTHER CARE and encouraging one another, were 5. Nader Salari et al., Prevalence Biblical Lament suddenly thrown into disarray. No of Stress, Anxiety, Depression meetings, no ministries, no gatherings, Among the General Population In times of peril, since we know that no weddings, no Holy Communion. During the COVID-19 Pandemic: God is with us, we can practice the The church did not know and still a systematic review and meta- discipline of lament. In the book of does not know how to deal with this analysis, Global Health 16, 57 Psalms, David teaches us the secret disorientation. The result has been (2020). of lament. For example, in Psalms 41 termed as an ‘anaemic’ response that and 42, we learn to openly pour our 6. Chaolin Huang, C. et al., Clinical has left many members floundering, hearts to God who does not frown at Features of Patients Infected deprived of spiritual comfort and vivacity. our thoughts and does not expect a with 2019 Novel Coronavirus in nicely packaged prayer from his hurting The common COVID-19 message Wuhan, China, The Lancet, (2020. confused children. When we know that from the church globally is: ‘We’re 7. Gladys Mwiti and Al Dueck, God is with us, sees the storm we are in, closed. We’ll let you know when we Christian Counseling: An and knows our pain, we can approach open again.’12 As a community of care, African Indigenous Perspective, him with our tears, fears, and doubts. besides conducting online worship and Pasadena, CA: Fuller Seminary Lamenting in God’s presence is the Bible study, the church should mobilize Press, 2006. beginning of spiritual self-care in times of its members to care for the needy and 8. Editors, Rwanda Genocide of crisis. This spiritual discipline goes hand- voice a message of hope to the nation. 1994, Encyclopedia Britannica. These days, too often the only media in-hand with practicing the disciplines of 9. Barry Whitney, What are they prayer, Bible reading, and worship. message we hear is about numbers of the infected, the dead, and cut-throat Saying about God and Evil?, New Practicing Care for Self & Others political shenanigans. York: Paulist Press, 1989. Other practices of self-care involve 10. Richard Swinburne, Providence physical care—sleeping well, exercise, CONCLUSION and the Problem of Evil, UK: drinking much water, eating balanced What does God require of us? In the Oxford University Press, 1998. meals—and mental care. Taking care midst of COVID-19, God desires that 11. Everett L. Worthington, Jr., et of the mind involves adapting ourselves we take time to understand the al., Forgiveness as a Catalyst to the new reality, especially managing signs of the times, become bearers for Psychological, Physical, and isolation with thanksgiving for the of hope, practice holistic self-care, Spiritual Resilience in Disasters simple joys that brighten our lives—the adapt to the new normal from and Crises, Journal of Psychology fact that we are alive, the sound of a home to church and community, and Theology, 44, (2016). child’s laughter, even the smell of our create caring communities, and favourite food. learn to speak out words of total 12. Ben Johnson, Rev. Robert Sirico: dependence on our all-knowing God. The Church’s Anemic Response The practice of self-care and other- to Covid-19 Hurts Everyone, care involves creating community— "Though the fig tree does not bud Action Institute, (2020). 14 PRAY

PRAYERLINKS PRAYER FUEL FOR MISSIONS

BIBLE LEAGUE NZ seek the inspiration of Christ to be to be recruited to various roles, for Praise God for the recent 700 upon us all as we move forward into good strategic partnerships to be applicants for Church Planter the new year and explore new ways identified and formed, and for this Training in the Philippines. Many of to live out His goodness and hope. team to be able to make an impact on the least reached peoples that the applicants come from remote MISSIONS INTERLINK (MI) islands and travel is challenging. have migrated to New Zealand. Astute readers of the BULLETIN will May these Church Planters be have noticed that we did not publish COVID-19 VACCINES encouraged, inspired and motivated a January 2021 edition.Over the Around the world there is much to plant churches in their various Christmas period Pauline's dad was discussion happening around communities. Pray that any admitted to Middlemore hospital the creation and distribution of obstacles will be quickly removed and passed away on January 5th. COVID-19 vaccines. Some and the way made smooth for This was not entirely unexpected, conversations are mired in suspicion churches to be planted. but it meant Pauline and Jay and conspiracy theories, due to FEBC NZ were not available to produce the the lack of understanding about Listening to a FEBC broadcast is BULLETIN. They will take their vaccine science, the relative speed more than tuning into a programme, annual vacation during February so of vaccine creation, and false although for some it may be the MI office will be closed during information spreading about vaccine curiosity or 'coincidence' that first this period. Pray for good rest and contents. In addition, there is a call leads them to tune in. Listeners are recuperation for Jay and Pauline, for justice around the inequitability often searching for meaning and as well as inspiration for Jay of vaccine distribution, with many purpose, even when Christ's eternal regarding plans to serve MI and the impoverished countries unable to love and truths are in opposition missions community of Aotearoa NZ pay for sufficient vaccine doses. to the faith of their family and in the year ahead. Pray for trusted leaders to be heard and for truth to be spoken as friends. Please pray for courage SIM NZ for listeners. For example, a 27yr regards the benefits of the vaccines Faithful Witness in Forgotten Japanese woman wrote, "I always and their relative safety. Pray for Communities is a SIM initiative listen because it makes me feel very the success of the COVAX initiative, designed to facilitate ministry in relieved. I desire the salvation of Jesus which aims to make sure vaccines places where there is no gospel but I don't think I can get baptised are shared fairly among all nations, witness or where the witness needs because of the opposition from my rich and poor. COVAX is led by the strengthening. Pray for the Lord to family. Will God still save me?". World Health Organization (WHO), raise up workers for his harvest who together with the Global Vaccine INTERSERVE are needed for this initiative. Pray Alliance and the Coalition for Thank God for a restful and safe for the Lord to raise the resources Epidemic Preparedness Innovations. break over the NZ Summer. We needed and for us to stay in step with Recently, the WHO's head, Tedros celebrate God’s goodness Jesus all the way, led by the Holy Adhanom Ghebreyesus, said more through the new babies born into Spirit and guided by God’s word. than 39 million doses had been our Interserve whanau, for visas WEC INTERNATIONAL NZ administered in at least 49 higher- that have been issued and for divine WEC is developing a new team, income countries, but as few as 25 guidance that has been supplied. with the vision of partnering with single doses in one of the lowest- We also stand with and ask for church communities in New Zealand income countries (unnamed). Finally, healing for those of us who are to reach the least reached among pray for access to safe and long- sick, for those who have questions our migrant communities in New term reliable vaccines for the global and for those who are grieving an Zealand. Pray for the development missions community to help us unexpected return home. And we of this team, for the right people #stayonmission. 15 marn.org.nz/30days

30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World 2021 Lock in these dates: 13 April - 12 May 2021

he Covid-19 pandemic has affected the lives rayer is powerful and effective. It can and does Tof everyone on planet earth - including the Pchange lives. Please join us in praying for the lives of Muslims. Ramadan is normally a very Muslim World this Ramadan... and please encourage communal celebration with evening gatherings in your Pastors and church’s to participate too. local Mosques where Muslims break their fast, pray “So that all the peoples of the earth may know together and enjoy socialising with friends and that the Lord is God and that there is no other.” neighbours. In many countries, Ramadan 2020 could - Jeremiah (see 1 Kings 8:60) only be celebrated within the confines of their home, and with those in their “bubble”. Families members For more information visit: scattered around the world were prevented from marn.org.nz/30days travelling to join their families. These restrictions 1-9 copies $9.00* each caused many Muslims to pause and reconsider the 10-29 copies $7.50* each real meaning of their faith. Ramadan 2021 is likely 30 or more copies $6.00* each to be celebrated in much the same way as it was PDF version $2.50 (single user only) in 2020 as the pandemic still dominates our world. FREE 30 Days Posters FREE Promotional Videoclip solation provides a strategic opportunity for *Postage within NZ included in price. IChristians to pray for Muslims; to ask the Holy Spirit to speak to their hearts and minds, and to 30 Days “Just for Kids” and other language editions reveal the truth about Jesus the Messiah (Isa al- may also be available. Masih) through dreams, visions, the internet or satellite TV, or even from the pages of the Qur’an. Please join us! SPOTLIGHTS OMF PRAYER GATHERING CHEQUES NO LONGER ACCEPTED OMF's first 2021 prayer gathering will be held Are you aware that most banks are going to in Auckland... cease accepting cheques as soon as March Eden Community Church 2021, while some (like Kiwibank) already have? 72-74 View Road, Mt Eden By July 2021 you will no longer be able to make 27 March from 1:00-4.30pm. or receive donations by cheque. The only viable alternative for most missions and ministries is Come join us for a fruitful time of prayer and internet banking, although those with merchant connection, and to hear how God is leading our credit card facilities may be able to accept cross cultural workers into innovative missions. online and phone donations by credit card. This Contact the OMF office: 09 630 5778, for is a major shift in financial transactions for all more information. MI members to be aware of, with time still to develop online payment facilities if desired. BOUND FOR PARADISE The Asia Pacific Discipleship Trust's 2021 MISSIONARY SPEAKING OPPORTUNITY BOUND 4 PARADISE gathering and training Te Puru Community church (north of Thames) week will coincide with Eid-Ul-Adha, the sacrifice have extended an open invitation to missions of Abraham, on Saturday 24th July 2021 when speakers for 2021. This small church of "golden 10,000 Muslims will congregate at Eden Park oldies" love to stay up to date with missions from from 10am to 3pm. You could be part of the most Aotearoa NZ and pray for missionaries. If you significant single outreach to 'Our Neighbours' in or missionaries you know are interested, please Aotearoa in 2021. From 20th July to the 24th contact Nick Harry at: [email protected]. participants will train in four ways to share the good news with Our Neighbours, including the 'Feast of the sacrifice of Abraham’, the topic that TEACHING OPPORTUNITIES AVAILABLE will be foremost in their minds. During the week Calling teachers in the areas of IT, English, Maths, we will witness each day to 'Our Neighbours' in Mt Science, Social Studies, PE. Please be aware Roskill and attend their Masjids. To find out more that vacancies at Metro Delhi International about the training opportunity, contact Bryan School (www.mdis.net) are being advertised Johnson, either by mobile: 027 276 6900 or for July 2021. Please contact [email protected] email: [email protected]. to register your interest, or direct contact Principal James: [email protected].

How can a young person stay pure? By obeying your word. I have tried hard to find you— don’t let me wander from your commands. I have hidden your word in my heart, that I might not sin against you. I praise you, O LORD; teach me your decrees. Psalm 119:9-12 (NLT) QUALITY CARS FOR SALE

To whoever is the recipient of this communication, here is a little background.

For over 20 years Tedz-Cars has been operated by Ted & Elsie Crawford of Papakura as a cheap vehicle hire facility for anyone involved in Christian outreach, though initially focussed on missionaries as that is where our heart is.

Sadly, with the Corona Virus pandemic (and no end in sight) the high proportion (90%) of users coming in from overseas has dried up. We have been thrilled to be able to sell 3 of the vehicles to mission folk who have come home permanently, and are now those listed below at good prices to any others who may need them, whether from overseas or locally.

They are all currently registered as available for hire and so have been maintained to “Certificate of Fitness” standard which is a higher maintenance standard than the normal Warrant of Fitness. Because of this I will have to change the “use” to private and get a new mandatory WoF on any that sell, so they would come with a new Warrant of Fitness at the time of the sale. All are automatics.

Our desire is to make them available to any Christian worker first, before putting them on the side of the road for the public. The Spacios do have relatively high kms, (and are priced accordingly) but I would be happy to drive either of them to Invercargill tomorrow. The details and prices of those available are as below. (For those of you who do already use them, we will have a couple available for domestic users).

1999 Toyota Spacio, (4-5 seater but can be made into a mini station wagon) Rego. ESZ605, 247,000 Km. Rego due 11.02.21, VTNZ 24/7 Roadside Assist due 15.10.21 — $1,600.00

2000 Toyota Spacio, (4-5 seater but can be made into a mini station wagon) Rego. EAS275, 244,203 Km. Rego due 28.07.21, VTNZ 24/7 Roadside Assist due 04.01.22 — $1,800.00

2000 Honda Odyssey (7 seater people mover) Rego FBT790, 187,268 Kms. Rego due 26.02.21, VTNZ 24/7 Roadside Assist expired — $2,500.00

2009 Honda Civic Hybrid Sedan (4-5 seater) 122,500 Kms, Rego due 24.06.21, VTNZ 24/7 Roadside Assist due 27.06.21 — $7,000.00

If you have any staff coming back home (or locally) needing a vehicle, could you please let them know that these are for sale please?

Many thanks, In His service, Ted & Elsie Crawford [email protected] | 09 297 7346 EDITOR'S NOTE: Some vehicles may no longer be available as it has been a month since this notice was made public. Still, if you're interested, it won't hurt to enquire.

PROTECT IT. RESPECT IT.

THE PRIVACY ACT 2020 CHANGES New Zealand’s Privacy Act has been modernised to reflect changes in the wider economy and society and to ensure it is fit for the technological world in which we live. This is a very brief summary of the key changes in the new Act.

Notifiable privacy breaches Extraterritorial effect If a business or organisation has a privacy breach The Privacy Act has extraterritorial effect. This that has caused serious harm to someone (or is means that an overseas business or organisation likely to do so), it will need to notify the Office of may be treated as carrying on business in New the Privacy Commissioner as soon as possible. Zealand for the purposes of its privacy obligations – It is an offence to fail to notify the Privacy even if it does not have a physical presence in New Commissioner of a notifiable privacy breach. Zealand.

If a notifiable privacy breach occurs, the business or organisation should also notify affected people. New criminal offences This should happen as soon as possible after It will now be a criminal offence to: becoming aware of the breach. 1. mislead a business or organisation by impersonating someone, or pretending to act Compliance notices with that person’s authority, to gain access to The Privacy Commissioner will be able to require a their personal information or to have it altered business or organisation to do something, or stop or destroyed. doing something, if it is not meeting its obligations 2. destroy a document containing personal under the Privacy Act. information, knowing that a request has been made for that information. Binding decisions on access requests The penalty in all cases is a fine up to $10,000. The Privacy Commissioner will now be able to Further resources make decisions on complaints relating to access to information. This will mean a faster resolution to You can find further resources on our website: information access complaints. privacy.org.nz/2020

Disclosing information overseas A New Zealand business or organisation may only send personal information to another country if that country has similar levels of privacy protection to New Zealand, or the person concerned is fully informed and gives their permission. ABOUT US Executive Officer Jay Matenga Administrator Pauline Wood connect converse conduct Executive Team Connecting the missions community Joseph Bateson (Chair), Glenn Carter (Vice Chair), from and within Aotearoa NZ Jon Horne (Treasurer), Russell Thorp (Secretary), Rob for God’s glory everywhere, always. Reynolds and Susie Couch. MI Council Our Purpose Alpha NZ, Asian Outreach, Bible Society NZ, Church We facilitate collaboration towards Mobilization, Eastwest College, European Christian participation in mission from and within Mission, GC3, Interserve, LeaDev-Langham, MAF, Aotearoa NZ. We nurture the missions MotiVate (Missionary Ventures), NZBMS, NZCMS, community in Aotearoa NZ to connect, OMF, OMS, Pioneers, SIM, WEC, World Vision, with converse, and conduct mission with the aim individual member: Jon Horne. of working together: on mission.

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ADVERTISING The MI BULLETIN is distributed by email every month to BULLETIN Full Colour Spaces more than 1000 missions interested people. Artwork must be supplied (.jpg or .pdf, 300dpi) Deadline: Last Friday of the month before issue. Commercial Rates & Sponsorship Only charity rates are listed here. Commercial ad rates MI Members and sponsor benefits are set by negotiation. First Month Successive Months Spotlight Notices A4 Portrait: $130 A4 Portrait: $90 Text only (up to 50 words with one web link). A5 Landscape: $ 80 A5 Landscape: $60 MI members FREE Non-members, double the member rate. Non members $40 per spotlight

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Disclaimer: The views expressed in the BULLETIN do not necessarily represent the views of all MI members or those they represent.