RMNi Blogs

Cross-cultural expatriate missionaries pay a price for their calling. They must learn a new language and culture, leave their family, and develop a new circle of friends. They generally have to wait years to raise financial support. Depending upon their adopted location, they may be liable to exotic diseases, dysfunctionad is necessary—but is most of the extra for ministry, or for the missionary and the agency? Missionaries are ultimately accountable to the Lord, not to my standards of what is “reasonable.” However, I am accountable to the Lord for the use of funds entrusted to me, so must make a value judgement as to whether or not a figure makes sense to me.

We have to start letting go of some of our long-held ideas about church and ministry. Especially when it comes to evangelism and outreach. But it’s not always easy.

Here’s a true story that illustrates that reality. (I’ve kept some details vague, and adjusted others slightly to protect the identity of the pastor and church in question.)

Recently, I was talking with a small church pastor who was upset at his deacons.

"I have five deacons," he told me. "And they help out everywhere but at the church. One of them builds houses for Habitat for Humanity, the others volunteer at the senior center, the homeless shelter, the food bank, and as an assistant coach for the high school football team. That last one makes me especially angry."

"Why is that?” I asked.

Continue reading at ChristianityToday

The Smokin' For Jesus event was a great time for over 100 volunteers to join in loving our friends at the Westside. The first picture below is of volunteers praying before the event--a shot which omits those at the serving lines. We had a lot of fun together, with excellent ministry, music and the message of Christ going out. Nine churches, including charismatic Baptists, Presbyterians, Baptists, Bible Church and Independent churches came together as one, together with a half-dozen parachurch ministries. The Bride of Christ looked great! Be sure to visit the FaceBook page of Westside Network. 

Did you know there is actually a manifesto for African Americans and missions?!

I have talked to Christians who have never met an African American missionary. I have been to churches where members don’t remember ever having a cross-cultural missionary share at their services. And while it may not seem that a lot is happening among African Americans and missions, God is reviving a rich legacy in missions among those who are seeking to serve!

The Bible says, “seek and ye shall find.” A group of mission seekers came together to ratify the African American Missions Mobilization Manifesto. It crystallizes the vision and passion for global missions. It also includes some important history and statistics.

Here are a few quick excerpts:

How did three people look at the SAME thing and see something DIFFERENT?!

Once there was a single lady that was leaving work late one evening with one of her employees as well as a fellow co-worker. As they approached the lady’s car, the lady and the two men all noticed she had a flat tire. At this moment,

You just might be surprised at which of your friends, coworkers, or family members is looking for help, direction, and opportunities to grow in their service in mission.

Have you noticed that many Baptist churches have inserted “Missionary” in their name? So the revised name becomes, for example, Friendly Missionary Baptist Church. Why do you think that is?

Do you recognize these names:

• George Washington Carver?
• Mary McLeod Bethune?
• Mae Jemison?
• William Sheppard?
• John Marrant?
• George Liele?

Did you do pretty well with the first three names? Struggle a bit with the last three? Here is a little help …

William Sheppard – one of the first African-American missionaries, served in the Congo

John Marrant – ministered cross culturally to Native Americans in the 1770’s

George Liele – considered to be the first American overseas missionary, served in Jamaica

It’s not uncommon to hear about the great contributions of African Americans for secular contributions such as inventions, education, and civil rights. As believers, let’s also remember the service of those committed to fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord even amongst great challenges.

Bonus Question: Who is credited as the first African-American missionary to Africa? (Answer at end.) 

Great Books:

William Sheppard: Congo’s African American Lingstone

By William Phipps

In this comprehensive biography of William Sheppard, William Phipps chronicles Sheppard’s childhood and his incredible journey to the Congo. Phipps details Sheppard’s efforts to challenge human rights violations, presents accounts of Sheppard’s life after he left Africa, and explores some of the reasons behind his departure. In addition, the book describes the African American missionary’s indelible impact on the areas of religion, human rights, education, and art. This important work tells the remarkable story of how an African American born in the South during the era of slavery emerged as on the most distinguished Presbyterian leaders in American history.

http://www.amazon.com/William-Sheppard-Congos-African-American-Livingstone/dp/0664502032

African-American Experience in World Mission

By Vaughn J. Walston & Robert J. Stevens

Venture into the world of overseas missions from an African-American perspective. This collection of articles takes you deep into the history of missions in the African-American community. You will learn of the struggles to stay connected to the world of missions in spite of great obstacles. You will read of unique cultural experiences while traveling abroad. You will feel the heart for fulfilling the Great Commission both in the African-American community and beyond.

Buy Now from the William Carey Library

ISBN 10: 0878086099

Bonus Question Answer: Lott Cary

I have heard this question more than once: Why go around the world with the gospel when there are people right here that need to be saved? If we followed the reasoning of “why go”, we would never send relief or aide to others until every American was well fed and well clothed.We wouldn’t bother to help those far away even if they encounter famines, natural disasters, or other hardships. But of course we do send help because we understand there are great physical needs. 

Sadly, there are places in the world where people live in great spiritual darkness and do not have access to the gospel. They don’t have Bibles or churches. Billions of people in our world live in areas where they won’t hear the gospel unless we send someone. Jesus said the road to destruction is wide with many choosing that way. It is a myth that we can put off sending the gospel to others until all our people at home are saved. There are numerous practical reasons we should go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone (Mark 16:15). But the most import reason we should go is because Jesus asked us to go.

First, what is a missionary? He is one that is sent with a message especially to another people or country.

Was Jesus sent?  Jesus said, “I have come down from heaven … to do the will of him who sent me.” (John 6:38) 

Did Jesus have a message? Jesus said, “I must preach the good news of the kingdom of God”. (Luke 4:43) Not only did he preach the message, he was the message! The word became flesh. 

Did Jesus go to another country? Jesus came down from heaven’s glory, not just to another country but to another world! In fact at Christmas we celebrate his coming!  

That’s great, but what does that have to do with me? When Jesus gave the Great Commission, did it apply to you and me? Did he charge our church, or just other churches? Is it part of our responsibility as Christians or is it optional? If we want to be like Jesus, we will be missionary people, not just in name, but in deed and action.

What can we do?

• PRAY >> Pray for more laborers and for those laboring. Luke 10:2 
• GO >> Go and tell somebody! Your family, neighbors, friends and your town. Matthew 28:19; Acts 1:8 
• SEND >> Send people to places where you cannot go. How can they go unless they be sent? Romans 10:15 

We have seen so many times WWJD: What would Jesus do? We see so vividly in the life of Jesus that he would pray, he would go, he would send. The real question now is WWWD: What will WE do?