A publication of The Mission Society Winter 2009 | 43

The challenge ahead 25 years of ministry. Much to celebrate. Much to do. Join us in The Mission UNFINISHED Winter 2009, Issue 43 Publisher/CEO When you partner with The Mission Society, not only do you join us in Philip R. Granger The Mission to offer Christ to the world, but you join us in embracing Editor our core values. Ruth A. Burgner Researcher/Contributing Writer Reed Hoppe INCARNATION Design The Mission Society seeks to minister to others by following the example of Point of Vision / www.pointofvision.com Jesus, who fully entered the human experience. In our cross-cultural ministry, Information Technology Director we are committed to learning the local language, living among the people, Phyllis Hughes ministering in culturally appropriate ways, demonstrating love for God and Founding President/President Emeritus H.T. Maclin neighbor, and disciple-making among the nations. Unfinished is a publication of The Mission Society. Subscriptions are free upon request. INTEGRITY Send subscription requests, change of The Mission Society desires to reflect the holiness of God in all we do. addresses, and all correspondence to P.O. Box 922637, Norcross, Georgia 30010 or call Personally and corporately we endeavor to make the character of Christ 800.478.8963 (FAX 770.446.3044). The Mission manifest in our lives and our ministry. Society is funded entirely by gifts from indi- viduals and local congregations. All gifts are tax-exempt and are gratefully acknowledged. PASSION The Mission Society’s publication is a member of the Evangelical Press Association. Please visit We are not complacent about the One who matters supremely or the work The Mission Society online at: God has given us to do; nor is our ministry prompted simply by duty, or even www.themissionsociety.org. obedience. Our life together and our ministry are marked and motivated by The Mission Society staff: Jay Anderson, Ron Beatty, Theresa Bennefield, Ron Braund, Dennis passion for God and God’s mission. We are passionate about Jesus, our mission, Brown, Sara Brown, Jackie Buchanan, Ruth and all those involved in the journey with us. Burgner, Amanda Coleman, Richard Coleman, Janice Colvin, Doug Cozart, Frank Decker, Vicki Decker, Anna Egipto, Leslie Fellows, Debbie Finney, Theresa Gardner, Philip R. Granger, PEOPLE Lauren Helveston, JoAnn Helveston, Reed The Mission Society believes that people are of primary value. Because people Hoppe, Phyllis Hughes, Brenda Lee, Beverly Mancuso, Dick McClain, Lori Potts, Jennifer matter to God, people matter to us. Our cross-cultural workers, staff, donors, Preble, Ivar Quindsland, Jim Ramsay, Shawn volunteers, prayer partners, and those we seek to reach are of greatest worth Ramsay, Rick Roberts, Stan Self, Johanna Stahl, Darrell L. Whiteman, Allison Wiggins, Tracy to us. Because “relationships” and not “formulas” are our method, The Mission Wiggins, Larry Williams, Steve Wilson, Johnny Society exudes an entrepreneurial culture where every member is encouraged Winkle, Roger Wright to discern and pursue God’s unique direction for his or her ministry. The Mission Society board of directors: Jorge Acevedo, Cape Coral, FL; Paul Baddour, Heathrow, FL; Ed Bell, Georgetown, SC; Jim PARTNERSHIP Davis, Dalton, GA; Ms. Nancy Dumas, Houston, TX; William Goff, Jr. (board chairman), Ball Since it is the Kingdom of God that we are called to express and extend Ground, GA; Philip R. Granger, Sugar Hill, GA; throughout the world, our ministry is about more than ourselves and our William M. Johnson, Canton, GA; João Carlos Lopes, Curitiba, Brazil; H.T. Maclin, Decatur, GA; organization. We believe that working together enhances our witness and Don McGehee, Ruston, LA; Mr. John McNairy, strengthens our ability to make disciples of all nations. The Mission Society Kinston, NC; Mr. Michael Mozley, Accra, Ghana (missionary observer/participant); Josef Otsin, therefore pursues partnership in ministry endeavors – with churches, nationals, Kumasi, Ghana; Janet Rockey, Georgetown, Christian organizations, and individuals. SC; Jerald Russell, Maryville, TN; Richard Weber, Sandy Springs, GA Our vision: The Cross of Christ within arm’s PRAYER reach of everyone in the world; It is only through the power and presence of the Spirit of Christ that we can live Our mission: To facilitate obedience to the up to the high and holy intentions embodied in these values. We acknowledge Great Commission by the Body of Christ; our absolute dependence on God and seek both His guidance and His strength Our strategy: To create self-reproducing, indigenous, discipling Christian communities each day. Therefore, The Mission Society is a praying community. by mobilizing cross-cultural witnesses for Christ in partnership with nationals. Table of Contents

“Sing to the Lord, all the earth; proclaim his salvation day after day. Declare his glory among the nations, his marvelous deeds among all peoples.” 1 Chronicles 16:23 – 24

Many more know Him 8 Here comes the hard part 16 Read highlights of The Mission Society’s 25 years of ministry For The Mission Society, as for every church and mission agency, the biggest challenge in world missions might just be only beginning

Perspective 2 Built to last: When you build for God’s Kingdom, your efforts will be everlasting

Two billion reasons 5 Why The Mission Society began

Shape your missions mind 24 Consider these reads for 2009

Jesus rules the nations 25 Report from the fields: how God is moving around the world

World 26 Discerning the path ahead: Missionaries came together to seek God’s direction for The Mission Society’s next 25 years

Abundant Life 28 A divine appointment: Mapping out the trip never included this ending location

Church Ministry 30 Don’t put off reading this article: How procrastination can silence your church’s witness

Calling 32 Going where no missionaries have gone before

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 1 Perspective By Phil Granger

Built to last A look at The Mission Society after 25 years of building for God’s Kingdom

“Every act of love, gratitude, and kindness … every act of care and nurture, of comfort and support … and of course every prayer, all Spirit-led teaching, every deed that spreads the gospel, builds up the church …and makes the name of Jesus honored in the world – all of this will find its way, through the resurrecting power of God, into the new creation that God will one day make.” –N.T. Wright, From Surprised by Hope. Shown here, missionary Margaret Buell (left) in Ghana.

“The mission to which The Mission Society United Methodist missionaries. (At that 450 men and women to serve Christ in is called is God’s mission – His plan for the time, the number of United Methodist more than 30 countries. At present, there salvation of the world ,” reiterates the Rev. missionaries had dwindled from 2700 are 225 missionaries serving globally Dr. Philip Granger, who took the helm as earlier in the century to just 453.) After with more than 3,500 nationals working years of prayer and dialogue, this group of with us in ministry. A support staff of 39 The Mission Society’s president and CEO leaders had begun sensing God’s call to individuals works out of our home office in 2001. “Our tactics will change, but the launch a supplemental mission agency for in the Atlanta area, providing diverse message will remain the same.” Now at the United Methodists. This agency would services to the field. threshold of a new chapter in The Mission help provide additional cross-cultural Society’s ministry, Granger recaps the state mission opportunities for those who were The Mission Society was originally of The Mission Society at 25. being called. The focus of its ministry named The Mission Society for would be reaching the unreached, church- United Methodists. Does the How did The Mission Society begin, planting, evangelism, and leadership shortening of the name indicate that and what has happened through it in development. The Mission Society has left The the last 25 years? Since its founding 25 years ago, The United Methodist Church? The ministry was incorporated in Mission Society has experienced the No. The Mission Society partners with January of 1984. Its launch was the result unbelievable blessing of God. We people and ministries from many of a meeting, just a few months earlier, of commissioned our first missionaries in denominations within the Wesleyan a group of United Methodist leaders 1985 – just a year after our start-up. Since tradition in addition to The United concerned about the declining number of then, we have commissioned more than Methodist Church. In fact, presently we

2 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org count among our missionaries and “church ministry” department. Through it, on page 26.) There is still much work to supporters people from 14 different we provide resources and even mentoring do, but the general outline of our future denominations. The Mission Society’s to aid congregations – both in the United direction is starting to unfold. It is name change (which came about in 2006) States and overseas – in becoming “Acts becoming more and more apparent that was for the purpose of respecting the other 1:8 churches.” In other words, we come our core ministries of planting churches, groups who are part of this ministry and, alongside churches, helping them to developing national Christian leaders, in that sense, also acknowledging that The effectively reach out to their neighbors, reaching unreached people groups, and Mission Society’s ministry reaches beyond local communities, regions, and the world equipping local churches for global our United Methodist connections. (Jerusalem, Judea, Samaria, and the ends outreach are precisely the works to which God has – and still is – calling us. We are In what ministries are The Mission very entrepreneurial in our approach to Society currently engaged in? “Therefore, my beloved brothers, ministry, but we do remain focused on We are engaged in virtually every these core ministries. We also sense very be steadfast, immovable, always “traditional” ministry in which a mission strongly the importance of our agency can be involved (short of abounding in the work of the Lord, continually increasing our collaboration specialized ministries, such as Christian with nationals and other organizations in knowing that in the Lord your labor radio ministry, aviation, etc.). The order to accomplish the call of Christ. ministry on each of our fields varies, is not in vain.” As we move into the future, our tactics because we attempt to determine the for communicating the Gospel will – I Corinthians 15: 58 (ESV) needs of an area and then tailor the change, but the message will remain the ministry to help address those. As we same. The mission to which we are called work to meet physical and other felt needs, of the earth). Churches that have is God’s mission – His plan for the we have seen that the hearts of people are participated in these programs have not salvation of the world. Each member of more open to receive the Gospel. only become more “missions minded” but The Mission Society (missionaries, board have seen their entire ministry become and staff members, donors, prayer In addition to mobilizing, training, revitalized. [Our church ministry partners) is committed first and foremost and sending missionaries, is The materials are now being used by several to Christ and His mission and serving to Mission Society engaged in other other well-known mission agencies.] the best of his or her abilities to the glory forms of ministry? of God. U Yes. Eight years ago we established Where does The Mission Society see “World Parish Ministries” to help equip itself in the next 25 years? The Rev. Dr. Philip R. Granger, The and train local churches for strategic As we have approached our 25th Mission Society president and CEO, is an global outreach. We saw a need for this anniversary, we have been grappling with elder in the Indiana Annual Conference of ministry because fewer churches are this question. In fact, we just brought The United Methodist Church. engaged in world missions in the 21st together field personnel (missionaries) century than in the past. We have since and home-office staff members for the dropped the name. “World Parish purpose of prayerfully casting a vision for Ministries” is now simply called our The Mission Society’s future. (See article

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 3 4 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org The Mission Society’s “first couple”: The Rev. Dr. H.T. and Alice Maclin served in Africa as missionaries for 20 years.

Two billion reasons Why The Mission Society began

Talking to The Mission Society’s returning – with their four children – the mission field in Kenya, H.T. read founders, one gets a sense of how from 20 years on the mission field in the a three-volume history of the Church Tom Brokaw must have felt when Congo and Kenya. Missionary Society (CMS). The CMS he was interviewing people for his Dr. H.T. Maclin is the founding was founded by laity and clergy who book, The Greatest Generation. Mostly president and president emeritus of The believed the Church of England’s official pastors and missionaries, those who Mission Society. Prior to that, he served mission agencies had abandoned the laid the groundwork for what would for nine years as an executive with The task of evangelization. “I could not become “The Mission Society for United United Methodist Church’s official help wondering if a time would come Methodists” took bold stands that they sending agency, The General Board of when we would witness something probably never dreamed would be Global Ministries (GBGM), the agency similar in our own denomination,” he required of them. Their lives had been under which he and Alice had served in remembered. At that time, H.T. had intercepted, both by the needs of the Africa. been noticing that fewer missionaries world – and of a church they loved. Like In 1983, when H.T. left the GBGM were being sent out from The United for Nehemiah, the needs themselves post to become the president of the Methodist Church, and that some who would become a calling. then start-up mission movement – The were retiring from the field were not In celebration of The Mission Society’s Mission Society for United Methodists – being replaced. He had also become 25th anniversary, upcoming issues of he and Alice had served in some capacity aware, during a recent stint to the States, Unfinished will include a few of the with GBGM for nearly 30 years. How of a general change taking place in the hundreds of stories that could be told do you, at age 55, decide to make such Board’s “theology of missions.” about people who helped shape this a daring career leap? How can a person For H.T., the dissonance – a certain ministry. May these accounts remind us ever discern whether a decision is based uneasiness – had begun to mount. what God can accomplish when we say on presumption or on faith? We wanted yes to Him. to know. Out of Africa Twelve years after those days in the Recently, my husband and I had lunch In a London library London library, and after having served with H.T. and Alice Maclin at the S & S In a sense, H.T. explained, making in the Congo and Kenya, H.T. and Alice Cafeteria in Atlanta. This is a familiar this decision had begun more than 20 left Africa (hoping to one day return) in stomping ground for them. They years earlier in a library in London. order to take care of their aging parents. have lived in Atlanta since 1972, after That’s when, on an extended leave from H.T. told us what happened next:

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 5 The Mission Society founders (Those present at the November 28, 1983 St. Louis meeting)

Gerald Anderson Carl Harris Malcolm McVeigh Neil Stein John Brackman Nick Harris Paul Morell L.D. Thomas, Jr. Douglas Burr James V. Heidinger II Edgar Nelson Mike Walker Ken Callis William Henderson James H. Pike Charles Whittle Norman Carter William Hines Edmund Robb Sewell Woodward, Jr. The Mission Society founders Tom Collins Ellsworth Kalas David Seamands Phil Worth Patrick Flaherty R.L. Kirk J.T. Seamands Clarence Yates Ira Gallaway William Mason R.O. Sigler John Grenfell Virgil Maybray Robert Souders

“I was nominated by the Board Why not? Because by then they were who have yet to have the opportunity to (GBGM) and joined the staff in 1974 all African. And when we arrived, the respond to the Gospel? Don’t we have as its field representative for mission first African district superintendent a continuing obligation to reach out to development in the Southeastern had been appointed, and now, all the them? I know we have people who feel Jurisdiction, the largest of the five superintendents and bishops are African. called to be on the frontier of mission jurisdictions. My point of contact in Don’t you agree with me that the point and among unreached people.’ each of the 178 districts was the district of mission is establishing the church “And I would say, ‘Yes, we do have superintendents, and they would often – and that the church will never really that obligation, but that’s not where the invite me to come to a district preachers’ be the church as long as it is dependent Board’s emphasis is right now. And if you meeting to make a presentation and give upon the pastors, superintendents, and wish to do that sort of thing, you have to ministers a chance to raise questions bishops being American? And we [the find another agency with which to do it.” about global ministries, etc. After I had GBGM] have been remarkably successful been through several of these meetings, I in establishing the church. Availability got so I could predict with great accuracy There’s much more to the story. Later, what these pastors wanted to ask me. “These pastors would ask, ‘But why H.T. would go on to communicate One question was, ‘Why aren’t we [The aren’t we sending missionaries to new his deep concern to the Board about United Methodist Church] sending more places in the world?’ And I would tell some of the very issues posed by these missionaries?’ I would usually try to them, ‘Well, that’s just where the Board pastors, (who were sensing the need answer that in my opening remarks by [GBGM] happens to be. It believes for The United Methodist Church to saying something like: that our energy should be spent in send missionaries to new and frontier strengthening the existing church, and mission fields, and to be more engaged in World missions for our church began that the existing churches then will be reaching those who had never heard the in 1832 with the sending of Melville more likely to be successful in reaching Gospel). At the same time, unbeknownst Cox to Liberia. In the nearly 150 or so other areas where the Gospel has not to the Maclins, others – like Dr. Gerald years since then, we have established been heard.’ Anderson (a former GBGM missionary churches in more than 60 nations around “But then there would always be and executive director of the Overseas the world. When Alice and I first went someone at the meeting – I could count Ministries Studies Center) and the Rev. to the Central Congo in the early 50s, on it – who would say, ‘Yeah, but H.T., Virgil Maybray (an elder in The United we did not have, for example, a single what about the nearly two billion people* Methodist Church’s Eastern Pennsylvania missionary performing the role of pastor. in the world we keep hearing about Annual Conference) along with the

6 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org The Mission

Society leadership H.T. Maclin Alvern through the years founding president Vom Steeg and president president emeritus 1994 – 2000

Julia McLean Williams Philip R. Granger president president and CEO 1991 – 1994 2001 – present

members of the Evangelical Missions Language department and would author Church passed a resolution affirming Council, which Maybray headed – had several manuals on the subject.) the work of The Mission Society and been similarly very concerned about encouraging cooperative efforts between The United Methodist Church’s mission Beginnings it and the GBGM. efforts and, independent of each other, After a meeting of concerned missionaries were speaking out. and pastors in November of 1983, Challenges ahead Following the election of the new who agreed to launch a new sending So The Mission Society was born 25 years head of the GBGM’s World Division (a agency and to help find initial funding ago of a desire implanted in the hearts of selection which underlined for H.T. the for it, The Mission Society for United church people to help their church further change in the Board’s mission theology), Methodists was incorporated on January its reach in world missions. Its aim was it seemed clear to the Maclins that the 6, 1984, headed by Dr. H.T. Maclin. and is to provide more opportunities Lord was calling them away from their (Dr. Maclin had not been part of the for mission service for those who sense work with GBGM, to help launch what November meeting, but was tapped by God’s calling, and to partner with the would be The Mission Society for United the group to lead the new effort. The Rev. worldwide Body of Christ to offer Christ Methodists. H.T. Maclin resigned from Virgil Maybray would join later as vice – through word and deed – to the world’s the GBGM in late 1983. president). The Mission Society was then, underevangelized and unreached. Since The Maclins have always lived in and has always been, funded solely by then, more than 450 missionaries have such a way that they could be open to the gifts of individuals, businesses, and been sent. (Currently 225 are serving in follow God’s leading in such decisions. churches. In 2006, as Dr. Granger explains 32 countries.) Throughout the years, The Throughout their marriage, they have (see pages 2 – 3), the name was shortened Mission Society has been used of God to lived debt-free, with the exception of (“for United Methodists” was deleted) to communicate to thousands of people the a home mortgage and, they confess better represent that The Mission Society message of love and Jesus. (laughing), one set of encyclopedias for networks with and sends out missionaries It now stands at the threshold of a their children. Not strapped with debts, from a number of denominations new chapter. As you will read, some of the decision was less complicated. “We within the Wesleyan tradition, and that its biggest challenges may be only just could live on my salary, if we needed to,” its objective is the extension of God’s beginning. (See article on page 20.) U – Alice told us. (In 1983, she was serving as Kingdom and not just a particular Ruth Burgner, editor a professor at DeKalb College in Decatur, denominational expression. Georgia, where she would develop its In May of 2008, the General *Today, the number of unreached people is estimated first-ever Teaching English as a Second Conference of The United Methodist to be 1.8 billion.

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 7 Many more know Him You do not have to look far before finding someone who is connected to The Mission Society. Whether a missionary, ministry partner, staff member, or friend, The Mission Society’s presence reaches to the corners of the globe.

We invite you to enjoy some time with the next few pages and rejoice with us at the many ways Christ has used The Mission Society in the past 25 years. You will learn a little about the ministries in the 32 nations in which your Mission Society missionaries serve. The Mission Society has sought to pursue transformation in all of the locations we serve. Holistic ministry is our goal as we help people PERU come to know Christ and grow in their relationship with Him, as well as assist in humanitarian efforts to clothe, feed, and provide training for people to be able to care for their families. From medical clinics to water well drilling, children’s and youth ministry to leadership development training, refugee and urban ministry to church planting, The Mission Society is involved in a variety of ministries designed to BOLIVIA meet the needs of the people among whom we seek to serve. With more than 225 missionaries scattered around the globe, The Mission Society is positioned to reach many more people for Christ in the next 25 years.

The timeline that spans the bottom of each page provides highlights from each year of The Mission Society’s service. New missionaries were sent out to minister; new fields were added; partnerships were formed; and people across the globe came to know Christ as Savior. Read through this section to discover more about how God is using your witness through The Mission Society to communicate Himself to the world.

The Mission Society’s first decade: 1983 – 1993 1983 In addition to developing the emerging ministries of The Mission Society, Former United Methodist missionary Dr. Gerald Anderson delivered an address entitled, “Why this decade for this start-up agency was marked by ongoing dialogue with [The United Methodist Church] Needs a Second the General Board of Global Ministries of The United Methodist Church Mission Agency” to two groups in Dallas. A group of 34 met in St. Louis to lay the groundwork for regarding the direction of United Methodist mission activities. the Mission Society. 8 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org

8 Bolivia Opened field in 2006 Mission Society missionaries, partnering with World Gospel Mission, are providing leadership development training through the Bolivian Evangelical University, Berea Bible Seminary, and the Santa Cruz Christian Learning Center. Through these ministries missionaries desire to strengthen and train emerging church leaders who will, in turn, impact the future of Bolivia. Missionaries: Len and Betsy Phillips

Brazil Opened field in 2006 Mission Society missionaries in Brazil are working in the areas of children’s ministry, mission mobilization, medical ministry, and community development. The Mission Society is also involved in the formation of a Brazilian mission-sending organization. Two of The Mission Society’s annual missionary training programs have been conducted in Teresopolis/Rio de Janeiro with Brazilian missionaries. Missionaries: Mark and Leslie Benton, Rose Blank, Jennifer Gale, Andrew and Juliana Jernigan, Steve and Shannon Mersinger, Ben and Jenny Reyes

BRAZIL Paraguay Opened field in 1988 Several missionaries teach at the Methodist Bible Institute in Asuncion, Paraguay and work locally in discipleship. They are also involved in church planting and leadership training. Ministries in Paraguay include vocational training, elementary and secondary education, a day-care center, evangelism, church planting, a Bible school, water well drilling, medical care, and a variety of other endeavors. There are also outreach ministries to the Toba Indians, an Indian minority people-group that is largely unreached. Missionaries: Liz Boggess, John and Sandra Carrick, Christian and Angelica Dickson, John and Colleen Eisenberg, Alicia Grey, Jonathan and Amy Killen, Pablo and Claudette Mora, Donald and Carol Paige, Ben and Jenny Reye, Mark and Johanna Waltz

PARAGUAY Peru Opened field in 1997 The Mission Society has ministered in Peru since 1997 in a variety of areas. Missionaries there have established a discipleship program in the Andes that extends to the jungle, preparing Peruvians to serve as disciple-makers in those regions. Other ministries provide pastoral training and lay leadership training through the Methodist Church. Other ministries focus on children’s and youth ministry and offer an alternative to gangs and street violence. Some missionaries coordinate short-term mission teams (including some medical teams) who assist with the work. Missionaries: Bill and Laurie Drum, Arthur and Mary Alice Ivey, Ash and Audra McEuen, Martin and Tracy Reeves, Louise Reimer

1984 1985 1986 On January 6, 1984, The Mission Society for The Mission Society commissioned its first 10 The Mission Society began networking with United Methodists incorporated as a missions missionaries just 16 months after it opened other missionary agencies to reach unreached sending agency for The United Methodist Church – much quicker than anyone expected! peoples. Today, more than 30 cooperative to provide more opportunities for services for Fields in Mexico, Colombia, and New Zealand agreements exist between the Mission Society those called to missions. were opened. By year end a total of 20 new and other agencies. The Mission Society missionaries were approved. field in Costa Rica was opened, and nine new missionarieswww.themissionsociety.org were approved. Winter 2009 9

9 KAZAKHSTAN

JAPAN

CHINA

INDIA

THAILAND

MALAYSIA

INDONESIA

1987 1988 1989 Field in Ghana opened. The initial focus was Field in the Philippines opened; and the field The Evangelical Methodist Seminary of Costa Rica evangelism and training lay pastors. Another 19 in Paraguay is opened, in partnership with was born in partnership with The Mission Society. new missionaries were approved. Brazilian Methodists. Nine new missionaries Nine new missionaries were approved. were approved. Groundwork for the establishment of a hospital in Ankaase, Ghana was initiated. 10 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org

10 China Opened field in 1993 Indonesia Opened field in 1989 Malaysia Opened field in 2007 The Mission Society commissioned its first This nation of 235 million people is home to the Sixty percent of the population of Malaysia is missionary to China in 1993. This young largest Muslim population in the world. Mission Muslim, while 19% are Buddhist, 9% Christian, man had been called of God to reach an Society missionaries in Indonesia work in the and 6% are Hindu. Mission Society missionaries unreached Muslim people group that live in an areas of community development, tsunami in Malaysia work in community development economically depressed and geographically relief, humanitarian aid, and other ministries ministries to meet the needs of local people and isolated region. Another Mission Society team which seek to meet the physical needs of local share the love of Christ. began a counseling ministry in this nation, people while witnessing to the love of Christ. Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons which has the highest suicide rate in the world. Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons Other missionaries are working to mobilize Chinese Christians to serve as missionaries in New Zealand Opened field in 1985 their homeland of China and throughout Asia. Japan Opened field in 1992 The Mission Society partners with Wycliffe Bible Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons Of Japan’s nearly 128 million residents, 84% Translators in New Zealand. These missionaries claim Shinto and Buddhism as their religion, minister at the regional office of Wycliffe in New while Christians account for only .7% of the Zealand while continuing work on the Aiwo India Opened field in 1995 population. Mission Society missionaries language translation project in The Solomon Mission Society missionaries in India have in Japan are involved in pastoral ministry, Islands. established Alpha Homes which serve as rescue youth ministry, International Prayer Summits, Missionaries: John and Rosalie Rentz centers for children living on the streets; Alpha a ministry among Japan’s business people Schools that provide an education and share (International VIP Clubs), and discipleship. Papua New Guinea the Gospel with children in families; medical Missionaries: Neal and Mari Hicks camps where basic medical care is provided Opened field in 1990 for people and through which churches are The nearly six million residents who create the Opened field in 1993 planted; and water projects to provide safe Kazakhstan population of Papua New Guinea speak more drinking water. In addition, a Pastoral Training Despite the challenges that persist in a post- than 820 indigenous languages. The Mission Center, which primarily trains rural pastors, has Soviet culture, the Church is established and Society has partnered with Wycliffe Bible been established with 15 pastors now a part of continuing to grow in Kazakhstan. Mission Translators in Papua New Guinea in the work of the center. Society missionaries work in the areas of church Scripture translation for the Agarabi language Missionaries: Peter and Esther Pereira planting, leadership development training, in the Eastern Highlands, as well as in literacy children’s and youth ministry, orphanage training and community development efforts. ministry, humanitarian aid, education, and Missionaries: Ron and Michelle Olson ministry to families affected by alcoholism. Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons PAPUA NEW Thailand Opened field in 2008 GUINEA Missionaries in Thailand teach English as a second language classes, teach in several of the village schools, and work with children’s and youth ministries. They reside in the poorest province of the Esarn region in Thailand. Missionaries: Chris and Dora Barbee

NEW ZEALAND

1990 1991 Approved a record 25 new missionaries, including The The Methodist Faith-Healing Hospital was opened in Ankaase, Mission Society’s first to work among foreign students on Ghana, providing health care in a much-neglected rural area a major U.S. university campus (Chinese students at the of the Ashante region. In later years the hospital became a University of Georgia). The Mission Society field in Papua regional hospital for the area, and Ankaase became a base for New Guinea opened. development, literacy, and church planting efforts. Fifteen new missionaries were approved. www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 11

11 France Opened field in 1994 Russia Opened field in 1993 Today, in this nation where 95% of the towns Missionaries in the eastern part of Russia work and villages do not have a resident Christian in the areas of pastoral training, discipleship witness, a Mission Society team is engaged of Russian nationals, church planting, and in in offering Christ in a way that reaches to the partnership with the Russian United Methodist hearts of the French. One ministry encourages Church. Others provide supplies and care to and disciples Christians working in the arts; local orphanages. One couple manages an another strengthens families and couples; still orphan transitional program which helps another encourages missionaries and pastors orphans find work and shelter after graduating in a retreat center setting. Other outreaches from the orphanage (around the age of 18). focus on relational discipleship or are partner Missionaries: Chris and Sue Champion, Charlie and Miki Chastain, ministries with local churches. Steve and Carol Johnson Missionaries: Jim and Angela Beise, Andrew and Margaret Howell Some names not listed for security reasons Some names not listed for security reasons

Ukraine Opened field in 1999 Hungary Opened field in 2001 One Mission Society missionary serves as The Mission Society field in Hungary officially the headmaster of Kiev Christian Academy FRANCE opened in 2001, but the actual Mission Society (KCA) and as chairman of the board for Safe ministry in the country began in 1993. Today, Haven International, a ministry to orphanage outreaches such as English Club, Mama/Baby graduates. Two other missionaries teach at KCA, Club and a Horse Camp serve as bridges in one of which was also one of the developers building relationships and offering Christ to the of the Life Skills Training Manual, which is being people of Hungary. used widely by training educators in Ukraine Missionaries: Dave and Beth Greenawalt and Russia. Missionaries: Faith Thomson, Dai and Neva Wysong Israel Opened field in 2006 A native Israeli and Mission Society missionary founded Olive Branch, a ministry focused on training emerging young leaders by improving their skills in leadership, preaching, and strategic planning for church growth. Olive Branch also seeks to empower women for ministry. Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons

1994 – 2003

1992 1993 The Mission Society’s Launched a youth mission program, “Get The Mission Society sent its first five second decade: Ready (Global Evangelism Teams)” to organize missionaries to Kazakhstan. That same year, short-term mission trips for youth. Mission six cell groups were planted and a church The Mission Society disengaged from dialogue Society fields in Japan and Tanzania opened. was born. The Mission Society field opened on church renewal with the General Board of Nine new missionaries were approved. in China with a focus on a totally unreached Global Ministries and refocused its attention people group in Western China. In addition, on its own ministry as a supplemental mission 12 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org fields in Guinea and Haiti were opened. organization for United Methodists, finding its Nineteen new missionaries were approved. own place in the world mission community. 12 RUSSIA

UKRAINE

HUNGARY

ISRAEL

1994 1995 Sent its first CoMissioners to Russia. CoMission was an A mobile medical clinic was delivered to Kazakhstan to provide unprecedented joint effort of more than 80 Christian medical care to remote villages surrounding Karaganda. organizations formed to teach ethics in Russia’s public schools Through U.S. AID, The Mission Society provided 700 metric (by invitation from Russian officials) to provide support in the tons of food to Karaganda, feeding 60,000 at-risk children and rebuilding of the Russian nation. Also during this year, the first retirees for six months. The Mission Society partnered with non-United Methodist candidate was accepted as a member the Fairfax District in Virginia to plant a Hispanic church in of the CoMission team. In addition, The Mission Society field in Washington, D.C. The Mission Societywww.themissionsociety.org field in India opened. Winter 2009 13 France opened. Thirty-five new missionaries were approved. Seventeen new missionaries were approved. 13 MEXICO

NICARAGUA

COSTA RICA

coordinate short-term mission teams. Costa Rica Opened field in 2006 the Vine of the King Church, which serves as Missionaries: Tim and Daina Datwyler, Graham and Sharon Nichols a center of discipleship and Christian worker Mission Society missionaries to Costa Rica are training. Other Mission Society missionaries primarily focused upon the many orphans and continue efforts in rural areas around street children throughout the nation. Some Nicaragua Opened field in 2004 Monterrey. They host short-term teams and are serving as house parents in children’s work together with Mexican nationals to Nicaragua is the second poorest country in homes; others are working to help local families minister through cell churches, outreaches the Western hemisphere and has the most become foster parents for orphaned children. to women and children in the impoverished unequal distribution of wealth. More than 50% Another family is teaching a youth and adult barrios, and service to the “garbage people.” of the population lives below the poverty line. mentoring program throughout various areas Other missionaries train pastors and leaders at Mission Society missionaries work alongside of the country. the John Wesley Seminary. national pastors at a community camp, and Missionaries: Doug and Brooke Burns, Bryan and Beth Tatum others are involved in water-well drilling Missionaries: Jennie Clements, Florencio and Maria Guzman, Jon and projects. Both ministries help the missionaries Jeanne Herrin, Ron and Bonnie Hipwell connect with Nicaraguans and share with Ecuador Opened field in 2005 them the love of Christ. Opened field in 2005 The growth of the evangelical church in this Venezuela nation has been astounding in the past several Missionaries: Ed and Linda Baker, Ronnie and Angi Hopkins Mission Society missionaries to Venezuela years, and The United Methodist Church serve in the area of leadership development of Ecuador has extended an invitation for in connection with the Wesleyan Seminary of Mexico Opened field in 1987 missionaries to help with the work. Mission Venezuela and the Church Planting Institute. Through one of its first missionary couples, Society missionaries in Ecuador minister Missionaries: David and Carol Cosby through agricultural projects, evangelism, natives of Latin America, The Mission Society discipleship, community development, and began its work in Mexico. This couple planted

1996 1997 1998 In rural Tennessee, the first WOW Week was Field in Peru opened and a pastoral training The Mission Society conducted training for 70 conducted, a cross-cultural mission event for institute was established. The Living Vine district superintendents and all seven bishops of youth. The Mission Society joined CoMission II Church in Kazakhstan (founded by The Mission the Methodist Church of India. Twenty-one new to establish a platform for church planting Society) commissioned its first missionary. missionaries were approved. in Russia. A Bible institute was launched in Eighteen new Mission Society missionaries Paraguay. First ministry team was sent to Peru were approved. to conduct pastors’ conferences in Huancayo. Ten new missionaries were approved. 14 VENEZUELA

ECUADOR

1999 2000 The International Leadership Institute was launched for the The International Leadership Institute (ILI) gathered more purpose of training national leaders. A second Mission Society than 100 missionary leaders from 20 nations in Amsterdam for field opened in China in the province of Yunan, and a Mission leadership training. The Mission Society partnered with Global Society field opened in Ukraine. “Missionary Kid” program Focus, Inc., to help local churches be strategic in their global began. Twenty-six new missionaries were approved. outreach. Fourteen new missionaries were approved.

15 Ghana Opened field in 1987 Kenya Opened field in 2004 The Mission Society’s work in Ghana began Mission Society missionaries in Kenya with an invitation in 1986 from the Methodist are working in areas of church-planting, Church of Ghana to provide personnel for discipleship, micro-loans, and medical care. ministries of evangelism and pastoral training. One missionary, a native of Kenya, is an AIDS Today, the Ankaase Methodist Faith Healing orphan who has returned to his homeland Hospital (developed and staffed in part by to help other AIDS orphans find foster care Mission Society missionaries) is a model through relatives or Christian families. facility and provides medical care for the Missionaries: Michael Agwanda, Julie Campbell, Nicole McCoy, Rick more than 10,000 local residents. Missionaries and Debra Slingluff, Amanda Smith also minister through Community Health Evangelism (which provides rural communities with basic education about healthcare as a Tanzania Opened field in 1992 foundation for explicit Christian witness), a In 1992, Asbury United Methodist Church of literacy program, orphanage care, mobilization Tulsa, Oklahoma launched an outreach to of Ghanaians as missionaries, and a water-well the Kami people, which at that time was an drilling ministry that provides safe drinking unreached people group in Tanzania. God’s water to rural areas. Mission Society workers Word is spreading among the Kami, who also participate in evangelism and leadership now have about 30 churches planted among training throughout Ghana, including remote them, and the Masai who now have about 40 areas in the North, where Islam and animism churches. Other missionaries work in the areas are prevalent. They also play a key role in the of agricultural development and children’s church’s first mission efforts to neighboring ministry among the Kami people. countries. Missionaries: Kristin Matveia, Robert and Linda Spitaleri Missionaries: Adam and Jennifer Dalenburg, Cameron and Anne Gongwer, Charlie and Mark Kay Jackson, Sue Kolljeski, Michael and Claire Mozley, John and Bess Russell, Kirk and Nicole Sims Zambia Opened field in 2007 In partnership with Christian Blind Mission International (CBMI), Mission Society Guinea Opened field in 1993 missionaries to Zambia are working to The Mission Society partners with Pioneer help eradicate various forms of blindness Bible Translators in Conakry, Guinea to which affect millions in this nation. Another translate the Bible into languages that have yet missionary serving in Zambia is an ordained to receive the Gospel in their native tongue. United Methodist pastor. She works with local Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons pastors and assists with various ministries in the region. Missionaries: Tamlyn Collins, Michael and Jannike Seward

2001 2002 2003 Field in Hungary opened. The first Mission The model of Community Health Evangelism World Parish Ministries (now the church ministry Society-sponsored Global Focus Leadership (CHE) was put into action on The Mission department of The Mission Society) went Seminar was conducted in Marietta, Georgia. Society field in Ghana. Sixteen new international when it presented its newly-created The Mission Society began sending campus missionaries were approved. Global Vision Seminar in Ghana. Twenty-three missionaries to work with Wesley Foundations new missionaries were approved. at colleges across the nation. A total of 21 new missionaries were approved.

16 GUINEA

GHANA

KENYA

TANZANIA

ZAMBIA

2004 – present The Mission Society’s 2004 third decade: The first “President’s Gathering” was held in Florida, introducing potential ministry partners to The Mission The Mission Society affirms that it is being called to a Society’s ministry. Fields were opened in Nicaragua and Kenya. wider field of ministry than one denomination. Among Twenty-eight new missionaries were approved. Twelve Global its missionaries and supporters are people from 14 Outreach Seminars were held. denominations.

17 Restricted Areas Wesley Foundation Started work in 10/40 window in 1986 Opened field in 2001 Currently The Mission Society supports dozens The Mission Society has partnered with of missionaries serving in areas with restricted Wesley Foundations across the nation to access (due to security concerns) and within send missionaries to college and university the 10/40 window (the area of Africa and Asia campuses. These campus missionaries engage with high concentrations of Islam and which the students in Bible study, fellowship, worship is largely unreached). These missionaries work services, discipleship groups, mission trips, and in a variety of roles within society, such as: outreach to the freshman class. humanitarian aid, tsunami relief work, Bible Missionaries: Amantha Claxton, Cathy Coburn, Caren Dilts, translation, literacy training, discipleship, cell Rebecca Griffith, Marshall Head, Jill Henderson, Trevor Johnston, church planting, and ministries to unreached Clay and Deborah Kirkland, Katie Nash, Laura Newton, Laura people groups. Phillips, Tate Welling Missionaries: Names not listed for security reasons Global Resource Team United States Global Resource Team (GRT) members are More than a dozen Mission Society individuals with specialty skills who serve as missionaries are appointed to work in the full or part-time Mission Society missionaries. United States in a variety of ministries around They use their expertise not in one geographic the nation. Many served as missionaries location, but globally on various fields. Current overseas before beginning ministries in the GRT members are specializing in areas such States. These missionaries are involved in as water-well drilling projects, TESL classes, ministries including church planting, Christian agricultural work, micro-loans, evangelism, and education, videography, Muslim refugee leadership development. ministry, leadership development, pastoral Missionaries: Margaret Buell, Patrick Cummings, Jim and Barbara ministry and urban ministry. Gray, Tallat Mohamed, Doug and Becky Neel, Bill White, Larry Missionaries: Otto Arango, José and Audrey Bañales, Alan and Williams Beth Barrett, Reid and Lola Buchanan, Margaret Buell, Debra Buenting, Charlie and Chris Hanak, John and Katheryn Heinz, Joetta Lehman, Leon and Vicki Reich, Ron Tyler, Bill and Beth Ury, Some Names not listed for security reasons

For more complete descriptions of The Mission Society’s worldwide ministries, visit www.themissionsociety.org.

2005 2006 The Latin America Mission Mobilization Seminar launched the The international missions mobilization accelerated with the East Africa international missions mobilization ministry, combining training in Missions Mobilization Conference (75 leaders from 9 African countries cross-cultural communication of the Gospel with the Global Outreach meeting in Nairobi) and the first conference in Brazil. The Mission Society Seminar. The Mission Society opened fields in Venezuela, Honduras, opened fields in Brazil, Israel, Bolivia, and Zambia, and launched a U.S. and Ecuador. In recognition of the broadening ministry of The Mission version of the Global Outreach Seminar. Twenty-seven new missionaries Society, a “rebranding” activity was initiated. Thirty new missionaries were approved. Nineteen Global Outreach Seminars were held, including were approved. Twenty-two Global Outreach Seminars were held, three international seminars. including one international seminar. 18 UNITED STATES

2007 2008 The Mission Society’s missionary training, historically held within the A “Horizon Mission Visioning” initiative was undertaken to United States, was moved to Brazil. International missions mobilization bring better focus to the mission fields’ ministries and to help conferences were conducted in Kenya and Brazil. The process was develop a consistent vision for field and home-office ministry. begun of training other mission agencies in teaching The Mission International missions mobilization conferences were held in Society’s Global Outreach Seminar (so that they might introduce Ghana, Mexico, Brazil, and Kenya. Twenty-six new missionaries this material to the churches and international communities in their were approved. Thirty-six Global Outreach Seminars, including spheres). Thirty-two new missionaries were approved. Twenty seven six international seminars, were conducted. Global Outreach Seminars were held, including five international seminars. 19 A conversation with David Mays of Mission Exchange Here comes the hard part Reaching the unreached was among the reasons The Mission Society was founded 25 years ago. For it, as for every church and mission agency, the biggest challenge in world missions might just be only beginning.

By John Michael DeMarco

Some complex challenges face mission post-Christian world, if you will,” Mays really no recognized government at all,” workers and churches today, observes observes, “as well as with those who are adds Mays. David Mays, director of learning part of another strong world religion. “What I think we’re seeing here, and initiatives of The Mission Exchange Christianity has not made nearly as much I’m kind of speculating on this, is that (an association of about 100 mission progress among Muslims, Buddhists, the spiritual battle is so intense that organizations). Mays and his colleagues and Hindus as it has among tribalists it flares up into the physical world. If stay apprised of the state of world and nominal Catholics and so on, and you’ll notice, many natural disasters missions through continual contact it has had more difficulty under strong (earthquakes, tsunamis, etc.) happen with missional leaders and incoming totalitarian governments. The remaining in areas where people are unreached data and research. The past 40 to 50 task, which is still large, is probably going with the Gospel. But these happenings years have, says Mays, “without a doubt, to be the most difficult.” also create conditions where God can seen the greatest ingathering of the And while noting that studies show the work, because when people’s worlds are Kingdom in all of history. …The advance percentage of the world still needing to be disrupted – where there is refugee status, of the Gospel in Africa, Asia, and Latin reached for Christ has shrunk from about natural family ties are broken, and great America has been truly astounding. 40 percent to just under 30 across the past desperation – people are much more The percentage of people who could be couple of decades, the world’s population open to the Gospel.” considered Christians in those areas has expanded and the actual number of has grown dramatically.” However, unreached persons is even greater. Leading the charge notes Mays, much of this advance has A distinction of the regions that have been among Christianized people in Progress at much more cost been most open to a touch of God is their Latin America with a cultural Catholic “So now we’re seeing how the progress status of being formerly “pre-modern background or people of tribal regions we’re looking at is coming with much cultures,” Mays adds. In other words, in Africa who had much to gain both more cost; in areas of the world where people who believe in “supernatural spiritually and materially. What remains there is conflict between Christianity powers” are more receptive to the to be gathered into the Kingdom will be and Islam – as across northern Africa in Gospel. The churches there have much far more challenging. places like Nigeria, and then places like more connection to the Holy Spirit, for “Christianity is having a much more Sudan, Ethiopia, and Eritrea, where there example, and are more literal in their difficult time advancing in areas where is great ethnic conflict, places in India – interpretation of Scripture. there are people who think they are above places where we see a lot of persecution – “Philip Jenkins, who has written a or beyond it, such as in the Western, Myanmar, places like Somalia, that has couple books on this topic, points out

20 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org Studies show that while the percentage of the world still needing to be reached for Christ has shrunk from about 40 percent to just under 30 across the past couple of decades, the world’s population has expanded, and the actual number of unreached persons is greater, notes David Mays. that the people of this area will be leading An important factor in missions the Southern Baptist International the charge in the next generation and over the past 20 years has been the Mission Board said, ‘We’re going to open that they’re much more conservative impact of the Jesus film, which Mays up our database. We’re going to work than the Western church,” Mays notes. asserts has been the impetus for a great with other organizations. We’re going to “Non-Western churches see the Scripture movement of people understanding try to help equip our churches.’ We’ve differently in light of their situation and Christianity and which has helped lay seen movements like this, and we’ve seen their condition. Some of their cultures groundwork for decisions for Christ. the leaders of the big three broadcasting are much more like the cultures Jesus “Several billion people have seen it, and companies say, ‘If we’re going to reach lived in – and they see the Scripture in it’s had an impact. And of course, the this territory, we’re going to work some ways a lot more like Jesus did.” big three Christian radio broadcasters together.’ We’ve seen quite a bit of this at So who is leading the wave to harvest [Trans World Radio, HCJB, and Far East the top levels.” these regions that are far more difficult Broadcasting], as well as others, have Mays adds that another group to evangelize, as well as to disciple those all partnered together over a span of a who is becoming influential in world cultures who have already responded to decade or so to try to get the Scripture evangelization efforts are those who move the Gospel? Mays estimates that about broadcast in the languages of as many to another country for work, such as 70 percent of the missionary work done people as possible. So there have been a Filipino maids who live with host families in the world today is by those from the lot of cooperative movements over the in Saudi Arabia. “Philip Jenkins has non-Western world. They hail from places last decade or two that I think have been pointed out [in his books] that, whereas like Nigeria, Brazil, India, and South really helpful.” a lot of talk has been given to Muslims Korea. For example, the Indian Mission moving into Western Europe, it has gone Association has 220 (mission organization) No more walls largely unnoticed that there is also a large members, while Mission Exchange itself Partnerships among Christian population of Christians immigrating has about 100. Another significant chunk organizations and churches are becoming into Europe – for example Christians of missions work is increasingly being more abundant. “It seems to me that from Latin America arriving in Spain. carried out by international partnerships about 15 years ago, or maybe a decade The long-term influence of major formed between indigenous and Western ago, mission organization leaders really population movements with a Christian organizations, as well as professionals began to press down the walls between base will be something to watch. U and business people going overseas and them so that they can work more ministering through the development effectively together, and I think it’s been of businesses. very beneficial,” says Mays. “For example,

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 21 What’s a good church to do? Strategic outreach seems more complex than ever before. In this changing world environment, what should every congregation know about missions? We asked David Mays, who has consulted with hundreds of churches.

As the struggle to share the Gospel with the unreached grows Why it can seem so hard more intense and missions organizations grow more savvy Today is a tremendous time of transition in local church and collaborative in their efforts, the U.S. church remains a missions, Mays continues, in part fueled by economic pressures challenging resource, David Mays reflects. and limited people resources. “I think the number one need for missions in our churches “It’s become a lot more expensive in the last couple of decades today is what I call missions education,” he says. “And I to do church,” he says. “We need better buildings. We’re trying differentiate that a little from missions promotion, awareness, to appeal to a group of people who are accustomed to going to exposure, and missions experience. very nice theatres and banks and libraries, Mission education consists of the basics. and the church has to be top quality; we I think the church has tackled so many People today do not have have to take good care of their kids, and topics and so many issues that we don’t we can’t have people in a moldy church the “mental picture” of the hear much teaching in most churches basement. about the Great Commission and about fact that a large percentage of “Reaching and discipling people is a glorifying God by reaching the nations.” much more labor intensive process; it’s not people have little or no access Mays continues, “We don’t hear very just a matter of having a preacher teach much about the history of the movement to the Gospel. and a part-time custodian. When people of Christianity around the world and do come to Christ, chances are their lives how whole peoples and nations have are a mess and a great deal of healing, been lifted by the Gospel. We don’t hear much about the great rehabilitation, and training is needed. That’s very labor intensive. missionary heroes of the past. Basically, missions is not featured So everything about church is more expensive than it used to be.” as a main item in most church agendas. So I think the centrality In addition, Mays observes, church leaders have adopted a in Scripture of God’s heart for the nations and the teaching on “purpose-driven” mindset of being effective as well as faithful. that, so that our people understand that this is a major purpose This often leads to focusing more money on fewer things with of the church, is perhaps our biggest need.” visible, tangible outcomes closer to the congregation’s sphere People today, Mays opines, do not have a “mental picture” of of influence. “So, for example, if you adopt orphans, you can the fact that a large percentage of people have little or no access have pictures of them. If you’re working in a country where it’s to the Gospel. “That doesn’t figure in. They see lost people as very slow going, there’s not much to show. A lot of churches are lost people, and think, ‘We have lost people all around here. thinking about partnerships, but most of us are fairly mono- Let’s work around here.’ And they don’t have the picture that, cultural, so we don’t really understand too well what we’re after 2,000 years, there is a substantial portion of the world that getting into.” has no access to the Gospel and that this ought to be a priority.” Church members’ interest in missions also must frequently be maintained by getting them some hands-on experience with

22 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org David Mays has advanced degrees in both Mission Exchange (formerly the Evangelical science and theology and an extensive Fellowship of Mission Agencies). management background with a major The mission of The Mission Exchange is pharmaceutical company. He has been to facilitate relational and developmental involved in missions as a layman, church initiatives that increase the effectiveness of leader, and missions consultant, through the Great Commission community. Its vision is which he has helped hundreds of churches to see missional leaders learning, serving and to greater missions commitment and intentionally partnering to accelerate the effectiveness through workshops, seminars, fulfillment of the Great Commission of Jesus conferences, and consultations. He serves Christ. For more information, visit as director of learning initiatives of The www.TheMissionExchange.org.

mission work. Mays estimates that more than 1.5 million U.S. on the flavor and the core values of the pastor and church Christians travel overseas on a mission trip each year, and such leaders. … “So, for example, you can have a John Piper [pastor trips require a substantial amount of time, energy, and money – and author of several mission books], for whom the world is perhaps as much as a quarter or a third of all the money churches very much on his heart, who stays in his position for a long spend on global missions. But at the same time, he observes, time, and raises up and disciples leaders who believes like he many churches are becoming aware of deteriorating conditions does, and you will have a church that has a great focus on the in our own society and are seeking to be involved locally. world. On the other hand, when there is leadership turnover or A key emerging resource today in the United States, church problems, missions suffers.” Mays notes, is the younger adult generations who are very Mays observes that when it comes to strategically supporting compassionate and want to work among the marginalized, the overseas missions work, what also impacts churches a great poor, and the suffering, many of whom are in our own cities deal are the conferences and books produced by the leading and communities. megachurches. “Church leaders are looking at what the “Many churches are seeking to be a positive influence in our successful churches are doing, and they try to implement the communities, and therefore, working to develop relationships principles that those churches espouse,” notes Mays. with government institutions, educational institutions, and Reflecting on the big picture of missions efforts today, compassion ministries. We need to be part of the solution for Mays describes himself as “standing on two icebergs” that are abused women, addicted kids, poverty relief, inner-city strife, drifting apart. “Some churches are doing missions like they did and tutoring the underprivileged. Our congregations need to be in the 50s, raising as much money as possible and sending it involved. So we’re trying to apply our finances and deploy our to as many different people in as many different places as they people to be the hands and feet of Jesus in our communities. can,” he says. “And then, on the other hand, I was in a large Our leadership efforts are being spread between local and multi-campus church a year ago, the church was spending 80 global, with a growing emphasis on the local. And there’s percent of its mission budget to expand its campuses in the only so much time, and so much leadership to go around. So Midwest. I plotted where all the missions money went, and the ministering to our declining society competes with reaching church had 23 points in the U.S. and only five outside the U.S. the rest of the world. None of these overseas mission points were in unreached areas, “The funding that supports compassion ministries overseas is and the church wasn’t supporting any individual missionaries. multiplying much more rapidly than the funding that supports I didn’t know whether to applaud or shake my head in evangelism, church planting, and leadership development.” frustration.” U

What’s the answer? John Michael DeMarco, the writer of this article, is a United The answer? Mission education and modeling a heart for Methodist deacon and a freelance writer, speaker, and trainer missions, says Mays. “Local church ministry gradually takes based in Tennessee.

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 23 Shape your missions mind

For your 2009 reading list, Dr. Darrell Whiteman, Mission Society vice president for mission education and resident missiologist, recommends some mission classics – or soon-to-be classics (listed here in alphabetical order).

Constants in Context: Translating the Message: A Theology of Mission for Today The Missionary Impact on Culture by Stephen Bevans and Roger Schroeder by Lamin Sanneh This masterpiece by two Catholic missiologists In this fascinating book, Sanneh who grew up in portrays mission theology from a historical per- a Muslim home in West Africa before becoming spective and argues that biblical and theological a follower of Jesus, demonstrates historically constants are found throughout history, but they how the Gospel has had a positive impact on must speak clearly to people’s changing contexts many traditional cultures by using indigenous through time. It will become a classic. (2004) languages in Bible translation and worship. Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 488 pp. (1989) Maryknoll, NY: Orbis Books. 255 pp.

Discovering Missions What is Mission?: by Charles Gailey and Howard Culbertson Theological Explorations Two Nazarene missiologists give a contemporary by J. Andrew Kirk overview of mission today, looking at strategies, An Evangelical Anglican missiologist challenges, and the spread of Christianity approaches a wide range of issues that mission around the globe. (2007) Kansas City: Beacon Hill must deal with today and demonstrates Press. 240 pp. why our theology of mission must be clearly articulated and biblically based. (1999) London: Darton, Longman and Todd. 302 pp. The Next Christendom: The Coming of Global Christianity Whose Religion is Christianity?: by Philip Jenkins the Gospel beyond the West In this best-selling, very popular book, Jenkins by Lamin Sanneh shows how evangelical Christianity is growing In a lively question and answer format, rapidly in the Global South of Africa, Latin Sanneh takes on the tough questions raised America and parts of Asia, whereas the mainline by skeptical pluralistic Westerners and churches in the West are declining rapidly, demonstrates that Christianity has become a causing a huge shift in the center of gravity for faith that is owned and clearly at home in many Christianity. (2002) New York: Oxford University traditional cultures around the world. (2003) Press. 270 pp. Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans. 138 pp

Thomas Oden on Christianity’s “Rarely has a work of such brevity distilled so much debt to Africa vintage wisdom with such elan. How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind fills a crucial gap between the How Africa Shaped the Christian Mind: early church in Africa and Western Christianity, and Rediscovering the African Seedbed of represents a timely challenge to Christian Africans Western Christianity and to a post-Christian West. It will be impossible – by Thomas C. Oden and foolhardy – to ignore this book.” (2007) Downers Grove, IL: InterVarsity Press – Lamin Sanneh, professor of world Christianity and of history, Yale University 24 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org Jesus rules the nations

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, we want to take note of how God is moving among hearts and communities around the world. So we asked Mission Society missionaries to tell us what they are seeing the Lord doing as they announce His Kingdom. We had many responses. Here is a small sampling.

• This summer we saw more than 1500 gather from all parts of Mexico and all “sides of the … We recognise that if Vision 2025 (to see work to worship the Lord Jesus and pray in a Paris table” come together with a common passion of begun in every language that needs a translation concert hall. There has not been a similar following God into mission. by the year 2025) is to become a reality, it will gathering of young believers like this in France – Jon Herrin, Mexico take ALL of us working together in partnership. since the beginning of the 20th century. – John Rentz serves jointly with The Mission – Jim Beise, France • There is a sense of urgency for the lost. Our Society and Wycliffe in New Zealand. indigenous evangelism workers are not only • God is moving students to take ownership of winning people to the Lord, but they are also • I see the Lord working among young adults, their faith and to live it out in active service to training those won to train others. We are not giving them his spirit of love for others in their others by initiating and starting prayer groups, just adding to the Kingdom, but multiplying in a communities and in the world. … So many of my by starting and leading Bible studies with fellow shorter time period. friends from college, for example, have opted students, and by reaching out to non-believers – José Bañales, United States to do full-time community service through through sports and through outreaches to street AmeriCorps or PeaceCorps after graduation. children and orphans. …It is deeply encouraging • We see Jesus Christ strengthening and growing Some have gone into full-time prayer and wor- to see God’s truth being treasured and taught His church in the rural parts of Paraguay. Every ship at the International House of Prayer. Some by our next generation of world leaders and pastor has at least one “annex” meeting in a plan to go into missions. …It is exciting to see so influencers! believer’s house, and there are always requests many people who translate their love of God into – Dai Wysong, Ukraine for more. …We constantly hear of how the Holy action in prayer, worship, service to others, and Spirit is working in the lives of the believers with honest examination of His Word and the world • The way we see the Lord moving in Ghana is in physical healing and restoration of relationships. He created. the expanse of the church planting movement. – Ed and Linda Baker, Paraguay – Rebekah Ramsay, a recent graduate from We see the national churches owning their Houghton College who grew up as an MK in mandate in the Great Commission. • At a recent meeting, we heard about a cleaning Central Asia, is now serving in Scotland. – Kirk Sims, Ghana lady who stopped by a tea shop and learned for the first time about Jesus from the shop owner. • During our past two years in Bolivia and now · In spite of a proposed law that will “very … So now every day the cleaning lady comes to after five months back in the United States, we delicately. …in a very coordinated way the shop where she was converted looking for see the Lord creating in people a desire to be and without notice” close some religious someone who doesn’t know Jesus and proudly involved in a cause larger than themselves. … organizations, lives are being saved as more shares her testimony. People want to be able to change the world, and more people come to Him. God will not be – Beth and Bill Ury, veteran missionaries right injustice, impact society, bring about good, mocked and is working! to China make a difference. In Bolivia in recent months, – Margaret Farnsworth, Central Asia people have been willing to risk their lives for • We see God reaching into the hearts and lives such a cause. What an opportunity to call people • We see God giving hope to families of of multitudes of unreached Japanese business to seek the Kingdom of God! …As missionary alcoholics. … Stories of misery are becoming people in the secular business world through C.T. Studd once said, “Only one life, it’ll soon be stories of love, peace, and joy. a Christian network called the International past, only what’s done for Christ will last.” – George and Carol Steele, Central Asia VIP Club. In just over 10 years the VIP Club has – Betsy Phillips, missionary to Bolivia, established 147 chapters throughout Japan, currently in the States • The Lord is training and preparing the church and there are also now 10 chapters in Asia, 11 in Mexico to go out in mission. A number of in Europe, 1 in the Middle East, 1 in Africa, 4 in the young people are responding to God’s call Oceanic, and 12 in North America. to enter cross-cultural ministry, and the doors – Neal Hicks, Japan in countries closed to “white Americans” are opening to our Latino brothers and sisters. Our • We are seeing more unity within the Body of recent Global Outreach Seminar saw people Christ than ever before, especially in missions.

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 25 World By Jim Ramsay

Discerning the path ahead Missionaries from around the world came together to seek God’s direction for The Mission Society’s next 25 years

In late October, we gathered 16 of our new challenges will face those who move forward, He expects us to act – to missionaries, several staff members from respond to God’s missionary mandate? move forward in obedience. As we do headquarters, and some guests in the city As new world powers arise, how will that that in community, God uses the process of Prague. The purpose was to spend some impact the global Church? The whole to create a sense of unity between us. time as a community looking 25 years into exercise was a picture of the interplay That certainly was our experience as we the future, considering what that future between absolute reliance on God concluded the meetings. We had a might look like and what ways The and the mandate to be active in our profound sense of community that Mission Society will need to respond to it. obedience. Our facilitator used the superseded the roles we each held or any From that vantage point, we then looked example of the feeding of the masses – constituency represented. back to consider what we need to be doing Jesus could have simply waved his hands in the coming years to prepare ourselves. The awe We selected our missionary We left Prague with both a sense of awe at participants by pulling a sampling of men the world in which we live and the and women of various ages, serving in challenges that are ahead of us. We also different regions of the world with various had a sense of excitement that God has lengths of service. We ensured that the allowed us to be alive and part of His whole event was bathed in prayer – mission at this unprecedented time in prayers offered frequently during the event world history – a time when there truly is by those of us participating, as well as the potential of reaching every people prayers offered up for this event by friends, group, when the Body of Christ has truly family, and ministry partners all over the become a reflection of the variety and world. As much as we worked to organize beauty of hundreds of distinct world the event, we knew it would be a futile Above (from left to right): Missionaries cultures all worshiping the same Lord. U exercise if the Holy Spirit didn’t show up! Kathryn Heinz, U.S. ministries, Kurt Sims, Ghana; John Heinz, U.S. ministries; Jon Herrin, Mexico Jim Ramsay, former missionary to Central The questions Asia, is the senior director of field ministry. The result was a very intensive five-day and all would have had food. Yet He Bill O’Brien, the discussion facilitator for the process of seeking the Lord together, chose to feed the crowd by using the Prague event, is the former executive vice grappling with the many issues that we meager portions of a young boy, the president of the Foreign Mission Board of anticipate in the coming years. How do organization of putting people into the Southern Baptist Convention and the we engage people of other religions? How groupings, and the hands of the disciples. founding director of the Global Center at do we recognize movements of God and As people engaged in the mission of Samford University’s Beeson Divinity School. encourage them? What role will U.S. God, all of us as believers are to do no He and his late wife, Dellanna, served formerly missionaries play in a world where the less. We are to be totally reliant upon as missionaries in Indonesia. center of Christianity and missions is God, knowing that without Him, our moving to the global South and Asia? As efforts are just frenetic doings. After the United States moves increasingly abandoning ourselves to seeking God, toward becoming post-Christian, what and after discerning His will on how to

26 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org “We felt that the Holy Spirit was very much guiding our thoughts throughout the week,” writes Jim Ramsay. Among the attendees were (from far left): Arthur Ivey, Peru; Jon Herrin, Mexico; Darrell Whiteman, staff; Brooke Burns, Costa Rica; with back to camera: Michael Mozley, Ghana; Jim Ramsay, staff.

Conclusions

“We did arrive at some conclusions,” tells Jim Ramsay, speaking • Our commitment to helping plant and strengthen churches of the Horizon Vision Initiative held recently in Prague. “Of continues. We recognize that the definition of “church” is course, these conclusions will serve as input into continuing changing, so we want to be sure we are seeking movements discussions at various levels and constituencies within The of God that may come in different forms in different cultures. Mission Society. In other words, they do not represent final The key component to any healthy church or movement is directions, but they do reflect where we are in the process of the making of disciples who themselves can make disciples. discernment.” Here are some of the highlights: • We need to keep a keen eye toward the unfinished task and seek opportunities to reach the least reached of the world’s • We believe that we will more and more find ourselves in people groups. collaborative relationships with others engaged in Kingdom • Missions increasingly will require new approaches of entry work. That network will become increasingly global in into the culture. We need to have understanding in how to nature and led by believers from areas that in the past had engage in business as mission and how to send people as been considered mission-receiving cultures. professionals, such as educators, community developers, • We will maintain a commitment to living incarnationally and and other specialties. In all these cases, missionaries need keep exploring what that means in the different contexts in to be trained in how to effectively live incarnationally in the which we will find ourselves in the future. culture and share the love of Christ in ways that the people • We heard a strong mandate to keep abreast of issues of will be able to understand. justice and to be intentional in finding appropriate and Spirit-led ways to be advocates for people who are victims of injustice and oppression.

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 27 Abundant Life By Dennis E. Brown

A divine appointment Mapping out the trip never included this ending location

Hometown U.S.A. is one of God’s greatest missions headquarters.

Our advancement team at The Mission Society to be the vehicle of her obedience to support her. So he gave her $50 and Society desires to connect personally as to participate with God’s mission? sent her into the world to find her way. often as possible with ministry partners When I called to ask if I might stop by, Eventually she became a nurse serving (those who give through financial support she was stunned. Her response surprised with the U.S. Army. and prayers) and encourage them in their me. “Are you sure you have the right She married and had a son and faith journeys. As we do, it is not person? No one has ever cared to stop by daughter. Her daughter and her grandson uncommon for us to hear some amazing to see me before,” she replied. I (her son’s son) live in a house on the other stories of God’s faithfulness. confirmed I did indeed have the right side of the fence from her trailer. Her Here is one such story, shared with us by person, and I would be blessed to stop by one of our advancement department for a visit. “Come on then,” she told me, When she was 15, her father told her workers. It illustrates the kind of people the “I live in the trailer behind the bar.” Lord has brought together over the years When I arrived I realized what may he and Jesus loved her, but he could through The Mission Society. Christians who have at one time been a bar is now a gas no longer afford to support her. So he give to missions are a very special group. station. And the “right behind” was gave her $50 and sent her into the God bless each of you! –Denny Brown about a mile and a half. (In her late 80s some details have dimmed for her, while world to find her way. Recently, as I was planning a trip to visit others remain crystal clear.) For many a donor in another state, I was reviewing years she has indeed lived in a small daughter is a woman of faith and the two records of ministry partners who live in trailer surrounded by a chain linked of them pray for her grandson. Some the general direction of my travel. As part fence on a small piece of land owned by Sundays her daughter and grandson will of this review, I came across what I now her son, whom she rarely sees. Her daily take her to church where they worship understand to be a divine appointment. companions are her feral cat, a stray dog, with the remaining 11 regular attendees. This woman lives on the outskirts of a and a goat who roams inside the fence. Those are her best days. small town many miles off the suggested She shared that she was born into a A few years ago she received a letter MapQuest direct route. Nevertheless, I farm family and grew up within a couple from the president of The Mission was convicted to seek her out, to thank of miles of where she now lives. When she Society appealing for support. As she her for her faithfulness, and to hear her was 15, her father told her he and Jesus read the letter over and over, her heart story. Why had she chosen The Mission loved her, but he could no longer afford was convicted. But how could she give?

28 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org There was no material abundance to draw from. No storehouses. Just a trailer her son owns and her Social Security check. Even the cat and dog had just wandered in. (Who knows where the goat came from?)

Her ”greatest day” She told me she had prayed over the We’ll help … plan your estate letter for several days. Then out of her prayer came the memory of a CD that Whether old, young, rich, or just comfortable, you have an estate. Your home, your business, savings, investments, and important would mature in 2007. She made a note personal items have been accumulated as a result of your labor and placed it in her Bible to remind her and God's blessing. of the maturity date. Having waited for years, when the day came she went to the Planning for the distribution of your estate at death, in harmony bank, cashed in her CD and wrote a with God's plan of stewardship, is one of the most important check for the full amount to The Mission decisions you will make. Plan it carefully. Society. She told me it was the greatest To do so, you need to be informed about taxes, day of her life. She felt so blessed to be wills, joint ownerships, trusts, charitable gifts, "I know I should able give so others might go into the and many other complex issues of estate have an estate plan, world with the Good News of Jesus planning. but I'm confused about how to get Christ. She said to me, “God gave that started." money to my husband years ago. I just Many individuals – in circumstances similar to yours – have found our Guide to Planning Your gave it back to God. After all, I didn’t Estate to be a valuable tool in the estate need it. Jesus is taking care of me now. I planning process. hope it helped!” I cried with her as we prayed together. Not only does it provide the background information you need, As I drove away, I had to pull over at the it also gives you complete directions on how to get started. Why gas station. I was physically and mentally not write for your free copy today? overcome by the power of the witness I had just received. Out of her little she gave mightily. The story of the widow’s mite THE MISSION SOCIETY 6234 Crooked Creek Road, Norcross, GA 30092-3106 repeated in my mind as her words rang in Phone: 678.542.9037 E-mail: [email protected] my ears, “I just gave it back to Him. After © Lifestyle Giving, Inc., 2007 all, I didn’t need it. Jesus is taking care of me now.” U

– The Mission Society advancement team

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 29 Church Ministry By Stan Self

Don’t put off reading this article How procrastination can silence your church’s witness

Well, I have done it again. The deadline for talking with local church pastors and words, they intentionally put off this edition of Unfinished is due, and once missions leaders. The primary focus of something they know needs to be done. again I have put off writing my article to these conversations is about their church the very last minute. Oh sure, I can becoming more strategically engaged in Delay tactics rationalize how I seem to arrive at this reaching out to their community, their Those who have studied procrastination point every quarter. I had other things to country, and the rest of the world. say that there are some typical approaches do – important things. It’s funny. They Although many of these calls are initiated we employ when putting off a particular don’t seem all that important now that I action. I think three of them speak to the am staring at this computer screen waiting issue of procrastination with regard to for the characters, the words, and the global outreach. sentences to appear. There is a word that describes my 1. We sometimes ignore the task, hoping behavior. That word is procrastination. that it will go away. Merriam-Webster’s Dictionary defines There are a few things we can ignore procrastination as the act of intentionally and they get better. For example, we do putting off of something that needs to be not run to the doctor every time we feel a done. Procrastination is such a persistent pain. However, when it comes to the need problem there is even a website devoted to to share the Good News of Jesus Christ, it (www.procrastinus.com). The website this approach will not work. Whether at states, “At least 95% of us procrastinate at home or abroad, the needs are so great least occasionally, and about 15 – 20% of Ignoring the reality of needs and suffering that every church needs to be doing in the world will only make the Church’s us do it consistently and problematically. task greater and more burdensome. everything possible by every means Also, there are historical records of people possible to touch lives with the Good procrastinating going back at least 3,000 News. In our own neighborhoods and in years. Unfortunately, very little is by the local church, we find it often takes other nations, people are suffering under understood about why we put off doing months or even years before some the weight of physical, emotional, and until later what we think we should churches commit to an initial course of spiritual pain. Ignoring that reality will actually be doing right now.” action that will enable such engagement. only make our task greater and more Now before you look at the front Still others, after taking the initial step, burdensome. cover of this publication to make sure fail to take the next steps in getting “on you are not reading a psychology mission” with God in a strategic and 2. We tend to underestimate the impact journal, let me connect procrastination significant way. Interestingly, all agree we can have. to global outreach. The church ministry that their church needs to be more Far too many churches have a similar department spends a great deal of time involved in global outreach. In other attitude as that of the 10 spies of Israel sent

30 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org What they are saying We hear back from churches with which we have worked fre- of being “360 degree disciples of Jesus.” What that means is quently. Their reports are a blessing and inspiration to us. Here is He turns us 180 degrees from the world toward Him, cleanses one such report from John Bailey, director of missions at Asbury us by His blood and gives us his Spirit and then turns us back United Methodist Church in Madison, Alabama, regarding plan- around, 180 degrees, into the world to tell others about Him ning for their 2010 Global Impact Celebration (GIC): and to make disciples. We have heard it said that we worship “beyond the veil and outside the gate.” This speaks of the Lately we have been looking forward to the GIC in February intimacy of prayer and worship followed by being sent out 24 – 28 of 2010. … We have been praying for the Lord to reveal into the world to testify of His great love. We believe the cycle to us what would be His “theme” for the conference. One of repeats where we regularly experience intimacy with Him fol- the things that has resonated with our hearts is the concept lowed by service for Him.

to reconnoiter the land of Canaan. In that there is a lot going on. For many urgency concerning leading our Numbers 13:33, their report included churches, busyness defines them. Just congregations to be more missional? Do these words, “We seemed like Google “we are a busy church” and see the people our churches have the potential grasshoppers in our own eyes…” This how many hits you get. Busyness in the to reach have the same luxury of time that grasshopper mentality has hamstrung church is not an inherently bad thing. The we seem to have? I think not. many a congregation and has kept them question is: Does our busyness advance A story is told about the well-known from being the church God desires. While the Kingdom of God? Are we doing many missionary J. Hudson Taylor and a saying they are a people of faith, they often important things at the expense of the recently converted Chinese Christian. act as a people of fear. So in regard to really important? The Chinese man, Mr. Nyi, asked Taylor, global outreach, they decide to wait until I led a 30-week classical doctrine class “How long have you had the glad tidings their numbers are greater, until they have in a local church for six years. Each year in England?” He replied vaguely, “Several the class worked through an exercise in hundred years.” “What? Several hundred Busyness in the church is not an which it remade our local church. They years? Is it possible you have known were allowed to keep the people and about Jesus so long and only now have inherently bad thing. The question facilities but did away with every pro- come to tell us? My father sought the is: Does our busyness advance the gram and ministry. They then reformed truth for more than 20 years, and died by allowing only five programs/minis- without finding it. Oh, why did you not Kingdom of God? tries. Once the group settled on the five, I come sooner?”* asked how many of the five are currently That’s a good question, and one we more financial assets, or some other a top five priority of our church. In the should not put off considering. U situation that will bolster their confidence. six years not once did all five proposed The Bible is full of stories where the programs/ministries match up to the *From J. Hudson Taylor: God’s Man in seemingly small and insignificant became current reality. Missions and evangelism China by Dr. and Mrs. Howard Taylor impactful in the hands of God. The rod of always made the proposed list, but the (Chicago: Moody Press, 1965), pp. Moses, Gideon’s army of 300, and the groups never thought they were a current 139 – 40 boy’s loaves and fishes are just three priority. Perhaps the really important had examples. Should we not expect God to do fallen victim to the important. Stan Self is The Mission Society’s senior director the same with a local church as it seeks to If my article is late due to my of Church Ministry. extend the Gospel? procrastination, Ruth Burgner, our editor, will gently remind me that it is due, and 3. We often opt for something important she will extend grace to me. The rather than something really important. consequences of my tardiness will be If one looks at the typical church nothing severe. Can the same be said bulletin or newsletter, it is readily apparent about the consequences of our lack of

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 31 Calling By Richard Coleman

Going where no missionaries have gone before We are becoming more and more strategic in our outreach. Join us.

Have you ever wondered about the Specifically, we are looking for like- will Mrs. Parker play in a society that has meaning of The Mission Society logo? minded believers who sense a call to the a different view of women? The Parkers President Phil Granger explained its unreached and least-reached parts of the wrestled (and continue to wrestle) with significance in the Fall 2006 Unfinished: world. We are looking for cross-cultural these and other issues through prayer and “The left side of the globe and fish workers who are passionate about Jesus godly counsel. Nonetheless, of one thing (an ancient Christian symbol) are and passionate about people. We are they are certain: God is calling them to incomplete, signifying that the task [of looking for flexible, teachable, servants join Him in the Middle East. global evangelization] is unfinished.” who are willing to be team players. If these The Mission Society’s commitment to words describe you, we would be glad to Available to go finishing the task of global evangelization talk with you and help you to discern your Like the Parkers, are you willing to go?** continues to become more and more call to cross-cultural service. Willingness doesn’t mean that you have all pronounced. From our logo to the the details worked out; nor does it mean renaming of our quarterly publication you have no concerns. It simply means (Unfinished), we are intentionally that you are available. increasing our emphasis on the In the words of our beloved Savior, unreached and least-reached peoples the one who sent laborers to preach to of the world. Yes, we are called to the us: “this Gospel of the kingdom WILL reached places of the world, and we will (emphasis mine) be preached in the continue to send people to these parts The left side of the globe and fish (an ancient WHOLE WORLD as a testimony to Christian symbol) are incomplete, signifying that of the globe. However, with more fervor the task of world evangelization is unfinished. ALL NATIONS, and then the end will and focus than ever, we will ramp up our come.” (Matt. 24:14) Come, join us, and efforts to send individuals and families to together, in the power of the Holy Spirit, the parts of the world where the name of Willing to go and along with the worldwide Body of Christ is unknown. Such was the case with the Parker* family. believers, we will finish the task.U Statistics show that approximately Joe and Nancy Parker contacted us and 1.8 billion have never heard the Gospel. told us about their interest in becoming Richard Coleman is The Mission Society’s director These people have no church in their full-time missionaries. They didn’t have a of mobilization and candidacy. culture, no Bible in their language, desired country of service, but they were and no Christian in their life. Today, leaning toward Latin America. After all, * Real name not used for security reasons. nearly 2,000 years after Jesus gave His they had been to Latin America before. ** Due to the sensitive nature of these assignments, pre-ascension charge, the Church must During Missionary Candidate Week, the you will not find them listed in the personnel needs section of the Unfinished, nor will you find refocus, retool, and rethink the task that Parkers learned what God was doing in the them on The Mission Society website. Please call lies ahead. By God’s grace, The Mission Middle East. To our delight, they stated one of the missions coaches at 800.478.8963 for Society has been, and will continue to a willingness to explore the possibility more details. be, a part of this process. Would you of serving there. They soon discovered consider joining us in these efforts by that although the willingness was there, going as a missionary to the unreached so were the fears: Will my kids be safe? people of the world? What will our parents think? What role

32 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org Personnel Needs

She hasn’t heard yet.

While we usually reserve this space in the magazine to list opportunities for missions service with The Mission Society, there is a whole area of the world that we have never been able to present. The Mission Society currently has 54 cross-cultural workers serving – or preparing to serve – in locations often closed to the Gospel among unreached people groups. Most of these missionaries minister in or around the 10/40 Window, often the most difficult The 10/40 Window refers to those places to serve. They need fellow workers to serve with them. regions of the Eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees As The Mission Society ponders its role in the fulfillment of the Great north of the equator. Of the least evangelized countries, 97% of their Commission, we see that the hardest places to reach compose the population lives within this area. remaining task. We feel a sense of urgency to strategically raise up, train up, and send workers to incarnationally live and bear witness in these unreached places. Is God calling you to go?

Call us at 1-800-478-8963, ext. 9025, or visit our website at www.themissionsociety.org. We would love to talk to you about how God can use you to announce His Kingdom to people who have yet to hear.

www.themissionsociety.org Winter 2009 33 HeavenTable of inContents their hearts, the world under their feet

As we celebrate The Mission Society’s anniversary year, we begin by thanking God for the men and women who, over the past 25 years, have responded to His call to serve in cross-cultural missions through this ministry. The following list includes those approved to serve as career Mission Society missionaries, as well as those approved to serve one- and two-year terms. (Missionaries serving in areas in which security is an issue are not listed here.) Join us in rejoicing for all of these men and women (and their families) and the inestimable ways the Lord has used them in His mission.

1985 1991 1995 Potts, David & Lori Svoboda, Jan Stelow, Nancy Borah, Max & Patty Bañales, José & Audrey Ahlin, Chris Thompson, David & Jennifer Thatcher, Pat Walters, Reed Guzman, Florencio & Maria Carnathan, Glenn & Jill Caterson, Patrick Williams, Larry Wildmon, Angela Waser, Katie Hoover, Leon & Paula Davis, Don & Linda Chellis, Joyce Wright, Tom & Jo Ella Wilson, Steve & Heather *Two additional missionaries Lear, James & Sheryl Phillips, Len & Betsy Devore, Todd Wysong, Dai & Neva Van Dorn, Nadia not listed for security reasons. Markle, Bill & Mary Margaret Pope, Keith & Cindy Freeman, Gerald & Karen *Two additional missionaries Moushon, Herb & Mary Rogers, Harold & Lavinia Gongwer, Cam & Anne not listed for security reasons. 2004 2007 Reich, Leon & Vicki Stinson, Cooper & Robin Howell, Andrew & Margaret Boggess, Elizabeth Arango, Otto Rentz, John & Rosalie *One additional missionary not Jackson, Charles & Becky 2000 Dilt, Caren Benton, Mark & Leslie Rice, Tim & Grace listed for security reasons. Johnson, Amanda Baker, Ed & Linda Dickerson, Don & Laura Blank, Rose Tyler, Ron & Belinda Stine, Earle & Bernita Buchanan, Reid & Lola Godwin, Dan Clements, Jennie 1992 * Two additional missionaries Deloach, Emily Harp, Casey & EmiLy Dalenburg, Adam & Jennifer 1986 Greenawalt, David & Beth not listed for security reasons. Harris, Michelle Hopkins, Ronnie & Angi Griffith, Rebecca Decker, Frank & Vicki Hackney, Mark & Renu Moore, John Jernigan, Andrew & Juliana Henderson, Jill Spaulding, Roger & Helen Wallace, Kurt 1996 Reeves, Martin & Tracy Johnson, Steve & Carol Killen, Jonathan & Amy Tuttle, Jim & Shirley Wickes, George & Eva Genco, Michele Smith, Mike & Valerie Kendrick, Wilson King, Melody *Three additional missionaries *Two additional missionaries Griffin, Kevin & Diane Taylor, Valerie Paige, Donald & Carol Matveia, Kristen not listed for security reasons. not listed for security reasons. Hirst, Jeanine Rodriguez, Ruben McCoy, Nicole Isaacson, Kim 2001 Sims, Kirk & Nicole Mersinger, Steve & Shannon 1987 1993 Newton, Joy Adams, Kate Slingluff, Rick & Debra Nash, Katie Christie, John & Leanna Buenting, Debra Titus, Joyce Althaus, Joan Tenpenny, Rebecca Neel, Doug & Becky Dendiu, John & Diane Dexheimer, Don & Dottie White, Debbie Carrick, John & Sandra Tucker, Scott & Patty Newton, Laura Eisenberg, John & Colleen Duggins, Joel & Marylee Dickson, Christian Zdorow, Michael & Jennifer Reimer, Louise Green, Mary Hanak, Charlie & Chris 1997 Hydrick, Deb Kirkland *Two additional missionaries Roark, Katy Hatfield, Wayne & Sharon Horne, Thomas Andrews, Kris Kirkland, Clay not listed for security reasons. Tatum, Bryan & Beth Inglis, Bruce & Marlene Johnson, Jeff & Jasmin August, Sandray Kolljeski, Sue Walton, David Tipsword, Ruth Lehman, Joetta Granger, Candace Langford, Courtnay 2005 *Six additional missionaries Ury, Bill & Beth Meyer, Jennifer Moore, Virginia Griffin Hankins, Mihlbauer, Jasin Agwanda, Michael not listed for security reasons. Weiss, John & Clazina Petzold, Erica Rachel Nash, Melissa Hunt Bowman, Victoria Wiley, Amy Richardson, Ralph & Beverly Helveston, Karen Oldham, Martha Buell, Margaret 2008 Young, Robert & Jean Stevenson, Jack Lewis, Mark & Angela Quindsland, Ivar & Andy Burns, Doug & Brooke Barbee, Chris & Dora *Three additional missionaries Palmer, David Russell, John & Beth Campbell, Julie Collins, Tamlyn 1988 not listed for security reasons. Salisbury, Elizabeth Spurgeon, Schambach, Wendi Champion, Chris & Sue Gale, Jennifer Backues, Lindy & Donna Jan Tullos, Mark & Suma Claxton, Amantha Head, Marshall Carlson, Greg 1994 Walker, Primrose Workman, Dave Coburn, Cathy Nichols, Graham & Sharon Craig, Don & Jackie Arfaras, Ari * One additional missionary not Cummings, Patrick Patterson, Bobbie Farnsworth, Margaret Bakehorn, Jennifer listed for security reasons. 2002 Dickson, Angelica Peters, Janice Harper, Gene & Evelyn Beise, Jim & Angela Auman, Dan Fears, Douglas & Shelly Phillips, Laura Wall, Ivan Bilyeu, Robert & Lisa 1998 Eldridge, Micah Grogg, Justin Stotler, Elliott & Katherine Burgess, Vera Krach Alexander, Bert Getchell, Jessica Herrin, Jon & Jeannie Thomson, Faith 1989 Burt, Charlie & Sandra Evans, Myrtle Gilmer, Emma Herzog, Kathy White, Bill Braunschweiger, Brian & Judi Feagin, Richard & Mary Hayward, Kevin Gossett, Beth Jackson, Charles & Becky *Eight additional missionaries Grimes, Norman & Christine Fortenbery, Laura Looney, Patrick Grey, Alicia Jackson, Charles & Mary Kay not listed for security reasons. Howard, Mark & Robin Fuller, Sue Mills, Clayton & Shelley Mozley, Hipwell, Ron & Bonnie Torku, Akpene Mink, Gary & Rebecca Graham, Dayton & Ann Mike & Claire Hoppe, Mike Welling, Tate Williamson, Lee Ann Hook, Kristie Wortz, Terry & Renee Hunt, Jake *Three additional missionaries Horton, Anne Park, Terry & Syble Kipuke, Esaho & Beatrice not listed for security reasons. Reyes, Ben & Jenny 1990 Mathews, Kathy Nations, Dondee Rogers, Ansel & Jennifer Steele, Boggan, Austin & Mary Mayo, Zachary Sandy, Mary Beth 2006 George & Carol Winkle, Johnny Dejarnett, Jeff & Kibbie Metz, Ken & Cathie Spitaleri, Robert & Linda Barron, Julianna Donner, Jim & Rita Priest, Carol White, Vaneida Beeles, Erica Escobar, Mary Mcknight Ramsay, Jim & Shawn 1999 Bess, Bill & Becky Healan, Randy & Jean Reitz, Charlene Pushkin, Paige Buzbee 2003 Chastain, Charlie & Miki Hicks, Neal & Mari Rosenberg, Candy Clark, Judy Andrews, Katie Drum, Billy & Laura Cravens, Brent & Beth Mcgraw, Kailing, Joel & Kim Tarver, Tom & Ellen Barkholz, Hank Gray, Jim & Barbara Cheryl Najjar, Peter & Jessie Walters, John Buchanan, Jamie Heinz, John & Katheryn Datwyler, Timothy & Daina Olson, Ron & Michelle Waltz, Mark & Georgia Cosby, David & Carol Johnston, Trevor Freethy, Barbara Pereira, Peter & Esther White, Gloria Rush Heikes, Kevin & Laura McEuen, Ash & Audra Ivey, Arthur & Mary Alice Miller, Smith, Tim & Donna Withers, Jim & Chanel Kaboli, Shireen Powers, Susanna Grant Spottswood, Phil & Michele Zentmeyer, Georgiana Norris, James & Deanna Samaro, Nabil Tillman, David Olds, Sarah Seward, Michael & Jannike White, Dan Roth, Angie Smith, Amanda 34 Winter 2009 www.themissionsociety.org