Global Mission

Sorry for late reply.. a bit hectic time. --- I heard about that - what you wrote. I do not have detailed info. Recent years, Islamic influence has been increasing in Africa. - I was told by someone involved in outreach to Muslims in Africa. --- My interest/focus in Africa was on searching "new ministry model." It is my view that Church in Africa needs new type of ministries. Countries (I focused ) had already large Christian population. Christian leader in Uganda (Kampala area) had a vision for "new ministry model"-community outreach/transformation. --- As I said before, there are unreached areas/places in Africa. Indigenous missionaries/ministries are much needed.

I have been working with young Christian leader in Uganda. - I met him on my first visit to Uganda - about 10 years ago. He was on church staff at that time. Soon after he started "community outreach/transformation" focused ministry. Now he runs Christ-centered "community outreach, leadership development/training..." ministry. ---- My perspective is that some countries in Africa need new type of Christian leaders..like young leader in Uganda. ---- There are still "unreached regions/areas" in Africa. Pioneer missions are much needed in those places.

African continent has several challenges. - Corruption, poverty, civil wars..etc. Many countries in the world face some of those challenges. In terms of level/degree, Africa is different/unique. ---- When I was in Uganda, I talked with young Christian leaders. They told me that one of top issues in Uganda is corruption. "Leadership development" should be on priority list in Africa mission. --- In spite of those challenges, there are "pioneering Christian leaders" - in some countries. They have commitment and passion for ministry.

I was involved in nursing home ministry many years ago. We ( ministry team ) did singing - songs/hymns. - Shared the Gospel message. There are still some churches involved in "nursing home ministry" - where I live.

Good paintings! My favorites: #5 Vicente Sunset #9 Canyon Trail

I prefer the word "mission", not "evangelism" in this context. I assume you read article ( Wikipedia ) about "1910 World Missionary Conference". It shows that conference was about World Mission / Evangelization. " Mission" focused conference started ecumenical movement. ---- Try to find following articles. Article from: Wikipedia "John Mott" - He was of one of key figures in 1910 conference. Article from: Christianity Today - "Mission and Ecumenism : John R. Mott" Title of his book - " Evangelization of the World in this generation" --- Article from: Christianity Today - "Nicholas Von Zinzendorf" He is the real father of missions - ahead of William Carey. He is known to be the first to use the word "Ecumenism" at that time. ---- I took a course called "ecumenics and mission"...many years ago. ---- I am sure that you can find more info. - through other sources. ---- You have commitment and passion for Christian Unity. - reminds of Zinzendorf. -I visited Herrnhut, Germany.. birth place of "Mission" Blessings,

You wrote, "..The beginning of the ecumenical movement is normally reckoned with the 1910 World Missionary Conference.." You are right about that. ---- The focus of 1910 Conference was about "world evangelization / reaching the lost.." --- After that, the focus changed..to other things.

Good topic. You wrote, "...while these authors have said some good teaching, they often added error." It seems that we focus ( maybe too much? ) - on finding better teaching / authors. Then we find out the book has errors... sometimes surprised / disappointed that these authors have flaws.

Persecution in India ------- Persecution level: Extreme Persecution type: Religious Nationalism Major religion: Hinduism ---- " While the source of Christian persecution in India depends on location in the country, most of it comes from a variety of Hindu radical groups and organizations.. " ---- Info. from "Open Doors" www.opendoorusa.org

Good topic. I have been working with mission leaders / indigenous missionaries in India for many years. These mission leaders have passion and commitment to give Gospel to the unreached / least evangelized. ... in spite of persecution.

Alister McGrath ( mentioned in the article ) - Author of "Christianity's dangerous idea. - Protestant Revolution" - About "History of Reformation" - from 16th to 21st century. - I enjoyed reading.. even though I did not agree with some things in the book. ----- You wrote, "...right theology, not politics". - ( first line ) - It is inevitable that politics get involved. ---- When people hear the word "Ecumenism", they think of "modern ecumenical movement". - I assume you knew. As you mentioned, - introduction to this topic origin of "Ecumenism" goes back to early Christian History.

"Christian Aid Mission" ( which you mentioned ) was started by Bob Finley - a pioneer in "indigenous missions." He was much criticized by traditional missions. I had an opportunity to meet him. -many years ago.. --- Some of "traditional missions" are using his concept / ideas nowadays. Paradigm shift has been going on in world missions.

Good comment. - on early / pioneering years of "Contemporary Christian Music." - "Technology" issue. --- My spiritual journey started in 1970's. - Many memories of those days.. Blessings,

There is a fountain filled with blood Drawn from Emmanuel's veins; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains: Lose all their guilty stains, Lose all their guilty stains; And sinners, plunged beneath that flood, Lose all their guilty stains. --- E'er since, by faith, I saw the stream Thy flowing wounds supply, Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die: And shall be till I die, And shall be till I die; Redeeming love has been my theme, And shall be till I die. --- from Hymn "There is a Fountain Filled with Blood." - one of my favorite hymns.

Good comment. - it seems like that you did short exegesis / interpretation. You wrote some important issues from that text. - Titles..etc. --- Blessings,

"Pagan Christianity" by George Barna & Frank Viola. It is worth reading..even though I do not agree with some things mentioned in the book. --- Another book - worth reading. . "Revolution" by George Barna

Good topic. Basic / foundational topic..but important to be reminded again. ---- You wrote, ".. Jesus had covered that with His blood and sacrifice." Recent days, I am learning / experiencing "the power of the blood of Jesus" again. Blessings,

Good topic.. --- Concept of "state church" started in 380 AD. - (Correct me if I am wrong.) Emperor Theodosius I made Christianity the empire's sole authorized religion. - Constantine should get recognition. He did contribute in some way ..early on. --- It seems that important issue concerning state church is "attraction to political power." After Christianity get hold of political power, it loses simple devotion / commitment to Christ. Spiritual dimension is not on priority. - Christian history shows that . - It becomes part of political power system. History of Catholicism is classic example. - Often accused of Christian imperialism. Protestantism did some of that, too.

Good topic. - Timely needed "word of encouragement." Blessings,

To JTC & Willa, Good comment.. It is true that through visions and dreams, some Muslims are coming to Christ. As Willa mentioned, "some became missionaries..." These missionaries are "pioneering mission leaders / workers." - They go through tough challenges.

Good Topic.. We encounter spiritual battles / warfare during our journey. To face / overcome battles, put on the full armor of God. - ( Ephesians 6:11-17 ) Also, you need "discernment and wisdom".

You wrote, "...we are destined to win the battles." I agree. Good word of encouragement!

Good topic.. -important topic to discuss / search / reflect.. at this hour.

Good comment ( insight ), Gideon You are in battles.. even in promised land. - Different battles / level It seems you agree on that. ---- - from your comment: " ..ever learning and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth.. " ---- "But until we are desperate enough to cry out to Him.." I agree. ---- Blessings on your journey,

Good topic, Gideon We encounter spiritual battles on our journey.. One after another. He gives us strength to face / overcome. - Isaiah 40:31 --- Press on.. - Philippians 3:12-14 * Those are my favorite verses..when I go through battles. Blessings,