Pray for Kyrgystan

New Religion Law IS Enacted In Kyrgyzstan

President Kurmanbek Bakiev DID sign the new restrictive religion law Jan.12. The new law mandates that 200 members are necessary to register a religious organization, bans children from being involved in religious organizations, prohibits proselytization and forbids the distribution of religious materials. See the www.forum18.org and www.rferl.org websites for more info. One pastor has already begun to have his church meet in house groups and says that some pastors have been visited by the state and had their documents inspected. Others say they are not doing anything differently. Some are looking to combine; others preferring to stand alone. Pray for our brothers and sisters in Kyrgyzstan as they formulate their responses and figure out how to practice their faith under these newer repressive conditions. Also pray for expatriate workers. Several organizations are sensing tightening scrutiny and developing means of looking away from NGO platforms and developing business platforms to ensure remaining in the country.

The Truth About Missionary Training

Telling the Truth About Missionary Training

Taking Responsibility for Missionary Attrition

by David Parker

Once upon a time, in a typical, well-intentioned Baptist church, a man and his wife surrendered to what they described as God’s call on their lives for missionary service. The excitement of their decision permeated the church. The pastor recognized them during the invitation and said a few words about the church’s longstanding commitment to missionaries and the remaining task of world evangelism. Folks from the congregation came by after the service to shake their hands and offer words of encouragement.

Shortly thereafter, the pastor counseled the couple concerning their need for Bible college training and the need to raise support. Since they were already mature adults, they did not feel the need for the entire program being offered at Bible college so they decided to spend a minimal amount of time getting whatever they could. After all, they had already wasted several of their adult years; and people on the mission field were dying and going to hell. Time was of the essence, and they needed to get there as fast as they could. Their pastor conceded to their truncated plans for training as long as they agreed to spend some extra time helping around the church for a period of time.

While away at Bible college, the couple heard that missionaries were affiliated with mission boards, so they applied with a board that the school recommended and were accepted. The mission board required them to attend a week of training in which they were instructed on the use of forms for filing reports with the board involving their tax accountability to the IRS, the handling of their mission support, and a few other things. In addition, the candidates received a list of churches to contact and were offered some tips on how to raise support. Within five years, the couple had raised support, gone to the field, returned home, and were away from the Lord and out of church. Something went terribly wrong. What happened?

Why do some missionaries not make it? Why do some quit even before getting to the field or before the end of their first term? The truth is, there are many different reasons; but some of these issues are the result of leadership failure. My objective is not to place blame; blaming does not solve anything. However, until we discern where the ball is being dropped, we will never figure out a way to stay in the game – no matter how badly we say we want to win. Further, I acknowledge that there are multitudes of reasons missionaries do not make it, having nothing to do with leadership. But today, I write concerning things that we as leaders can change – things we must change. So the question is, “How can leadership affect the rate of missionary attrition?” I think there are at least two things we can do.

First, we can tell them they are not going to be sent until they get all their training (this includes relevant cross-cultural training). The problem is, there is an overt blindness among many leaders to recognize a missionary’s need for specialized training. Sometimes, I think the average pastor believes that all a missionary needs is a call, a passport, a plane ticket, and missionary support. This perspective suggests that being a missionary is a matter of geography. Missions is not simply doing overseas what we do here. It is much more complicated than that. Understanding in this area may be facilitated by encouraging the pastor to visit the church’s missionaries on the field and really listening to them. Sadly, I know missionaries who have been on the field for more than a decade and have never been visited by their pastor.

Yes, missionaries need theological training (everybody agrees with that); but they also need cross-cultural training which addresses issues directly related to life and ministry on the foreign field. This includes topics such as spiritual warfare, coping strategies for culture stress, interpersonal relationship training, and training in culture and worldview. Missionaries need to know how to learn a language when there’s no available language school, how to produce all the vocal sounds which are not inherent to their native tongue, how to evangelize and disciple people having different learning styles and those who have had no previous understanding of the Bible – people who have never seen or heard of a Bible or Jesus Christ. This is why any college that claims to provide missionary training that does not include these vital areas is not going to help your missionary candidates survive on the field. Additionally, this is also why hanging out and helping around the local church will not fully prepare a person for the cross-cultural challenges he will face. Neither of these processes alone serve to equip missionaries with the skills they need to operate as cross-cultural workers for Christ.

It is wrong and irresponsible to send families off to the mission field without relevant training. These are by and large good people who are simply not prepared for what awaits them when they step off the plane. Most of them succumb to defeat in a matter of months. Others may hold on a little longer not wanting to admit defeat as a matter of personal pride. Those who return home in this condition are seriously wounded, embarrassed, and ashamed. They cannot face their pastor and church, and they begin to experience other spiritual struggles which often make it difficult to attend church anywhere because of a lack of understanding as to what happened to them. These people need help; and if they make it, it will take several years of healing for them to recover fully. Recovery is rare because this kind of help is not available on every corner.

We need church leaders and sending agencies today who understand this need for special training and who love families enough to tell them the truth – “You will not go out of this church until you are fully prepared.” Men who are not afraid for someone to be mad at them for the short-term (or longer), knowing that they are reducing casualties in the long-term. Lives are at stake in the negligent sending of people who stand up and say, “I want to go” without first ensuring they are ready to go.

The second thing leaders can do to reduce missionary attrition is to say, “No” to people who are not ready because of some personal issue in their lives. This is not just a pastoral issue; there is a need among mission boards for leaders to square off with missionaries whom they know need to be stopped from going to the field or pulled off the field. Nobody likes to do this kind of thing because it is messy and hard to explain; and it does not look good either for the church or board’s missionary reputation. It is easier to overlook it and to hope it heals itself. However, it never does.

Sometimes, a pastor is tempted to allow a missionary go to the field even though he knows in his heart that, that person or his wife should not go right now because of sin, lack of preparation, some maturity issue, or a failure to demonstrate personal evangelism and discipleship passion in the local church. The pastor knows if he “puts his foot down,” the missionary’s family (who are in the church) will not like it. This weighs on his decision and may steer him against his better judgment. What is needed today are spiritual leaders who will care enough about a man to tell him he is not ready, why he is not ready, and then assist him in getting the help he needs so he can be sent. When these areas have been corrected, the church may proceed to send that man.

C.T. Studd (missionary to China, India, and Africa) made this elitist request concerning the sending of new missionaries:

Send us people with initiative, who can carry themselves and others too; such as need to be carried hamper the work and weaken those who should be spending their strength for the heathen. Weaklings should be nursed at home! If any have jealousy, pride, or tale bearing traits lurking about them, do not send them, nor any who are prone to criticize. Send only Pauls and Timothys; men who are full of zeal, holiness and power. All others are hindrances. If you send us ten such men the work will be done. Quantity is nothing; quality is what matters. ‘FORWARD EVER; BACKWARD, NEVER!’

Alternatively, to express this in a pecuniary context, “Why don’t we spend God’s money in the sending of missionaries with the same care we exercise in our personal finances (assuming we are frugal)?” We may find that this practice would constrain us to make better decisions that result in higher expectations, strategic placement, and better accountability of missionaries.

What is needed today is for leaders to recognize this need for special training and to “bar the door” to the exit ramp for anyone who fails to prepare adequately. Imagine telling me that your son has decided to go to war, and I suggested that he go straight to the conflict without any training. I might argue: “He is a man. He is in his mid-twenties. He has already wasted a few years by not having gone when he was younger. They really need him over there right now. Besides, at his age as a young adult, he probably has enough life experience under his belt that he does not need any special training.” You would probably look at me in disbelief, thinking that I was crazy for suggesting such a thing. You might respond, “He is going into combat. He is going to be experiencing things that he has never faced before. He NEEDS SPECIAL TRAINING for that!” You might even accuse me of being “off my rocker,” ignorant of the nature of combat, or apathetic to your son’s well-being (irresponsible); consequently, you would be right. We should feel the same way about missions – anybody failing to see the need for special training is crazy, ignorant, or irresponsible. Let’s make sure that none of these people are leaders of churches and sending agencies.

David Parker

Book Review: It’s Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men

I started a short book of 117 pages a long time ago and just finished it today at lunch.  It is a book that I got at a Businessmen Committed to World Evangelism luncheon several years ago, written by S. Truett Cathy called “It is Better to Build Boys Than Mend Men”.

Though a short book, it is brimming over with heart-stirring stories and powerful quotes.  Let me give you just a few quotes:

• Every child I know who overcame long odds and grew into a responsible adult can point to an adult who stepped into his or her life as a friend, a mentor, and a guide.
• [Children] don’t need an adult – especially a parent- to be another buddy.  They need someone they can look up to with respect.
• One of the best ways to teach children respect for authority is to model our own adherence to the chain of command.
• How do you know when a child needs encouragement? If he or she is breathing.
• There’s no limit to what a man can do or where he can go if he doesn’t mind who gets the credit.
• Giving is a muscle.  To be strong, you have to exercie it and grow as a person. – Charlie Jones
• You can’t really enjoy anything without sharing it. – Charlie Jones
• Don’t waste time looking for a better job.  Do a better job and you’ll have a better job. – Charlie Jones

Book Review: Let Me Die In Ireland

I just finished reading a book called “Let Me Die In Ireland: The True Story of Patrick” by David Bercot. 

David does a good job of trying to give a realistic account of Patrick’s life based upon the limited amount of information available.  According to Bercot, “our only genuine sources of historical information about Patrick are the two brief writings he has left us: his Testimony and his letter of excommunication to the British king, Coroticus.”

The book is written in narrative format based that makes it enjoyable and easy to read.  The book is a good insight into what Patrick’s life was like, how God used Him, and what one man wholly surrendered to Christ and His Word can be used of God to accomplish.

From this book I came away with the understanding that Patrick (often called “St Patrick”):

• Was a born again Christian who believed in salvation by grace through faith.
• Believed in baptism by immersion after salvation.
• Believed in the authority, inerrancy and inspiration of Scripture.
• Believed in the necessity to submit ourselves complete to the Word and will of God.
• Believed in the power of prayer. 
• Believed in carrying the gospel to the lost regardless of persecution and danger.

Strengthen the Things That Remain

About a year ago, we met a couple here in Northern Ireland called Wesley and Helen Crawford.  Bro. Wesley has been in the ministry for about 30 years as a missionary and then a pastor of several of the Baptist churches here in Northern Ireland.  We have visited with them a couple of times and really enjoyed the fellowship.  He preached for us in October and was a huge blessing. 

It was a blessing to be able to preach for the midweek Bible study last night at the Poyntzpass Baptist Church, where Bro. Crawford is the pastor.  Poyntzpass is a small town of about 2000 people.  It is about 2 hours away from us and has 5 churches in the town (Catholic, Church of Ireland, Presbyterian, Baptist, and an Independent Church).  The town is 70% Catholic.  God is blessing Poyntzpass Baptist.  When the Crawfords went there three years ago, only a handful of people were coming to the church, but God has blessed and they averaging about 50 people now.  They have just about grown out of their building, so pray for God’s direction.

The church and the people were such a blessing to us last night.  They bought our dinner even though we invited them to go out to eat and put us up for the night in their lovely home.  They gave our church a very generous gift to help with literature and other needs.  Several people also gave us some special gifts. 

It has been a real blessing for us to get to know the Crawfords and to learn from them.  One of the things Bro. Crawford mentioned to me was the need to “strengthen the things that remain.”  He talked about how there are quite a few smaller Baptist churches across Northern Ireland that need pastors.  These churches have a handful of people but cannot support their own pastor full-time.  He said that maybe a possibility would be for men from America to come over who have some support who could work in these struggling or dying churches.  If you are interested in doing that, please let me know and we can talk with you more about what might be involved in such a ministry.

How to Pray for A Missionary

A friend of mine told me about this list found here.  I thought it was a very good list of things to pray for when you pray for missionaries.

How to Pray for a Missionary  

Sunday – SPIRITUAL LIFE
The Missionary knows this is essential.
Hectic schedules can crowd out personal time with the Lord.
Satan constantly works against the missionary’s efforts in this area.

Monday – MONEY
Pray for God’s provision.
The missionary not only needs personal finances but is also responsible for all the ministry expenses.

Tuesday – TEMPTATIONS
Missionaries are not unlike all of us. Satan works to bring temptations in every area.
The complexities of a foreign language, different cultures and the load of ministry can bring fatigue and discouragement.

Wednesday – WITNESS
There are many barriers to the missionary spreading the Gospel.
The field may have many languages.
The missionary may have to confront the teachings of the culture.
The missionary needs God’s power to open doors and to share the Gospel. Prayer warriors back home are the hidden strength of a missionary. We play a major role in missions when we pray for their witness to be effective.

Thursday – TEAM MEMBERS
Friction can develop between missionaries and local partners.
Pray that God will give them extra grace and understanding to work together.
Pray that God will supernaturally preserve the unity of the team.

Friday – FAMILY
The missionary’s wife and children are important and have special needs.
Raising a family, preparing food, dealing with a different culture, etc.
The children grow up in a foreign country with unique problems and pressures.

Saturday – SAFETY
Travel while on deputation, furlough and on the foreign field.
Some serve in countries where it is illegal to share the Gospel.
Health problems
Crime 

 

Showing Meekness to All Men

 

This is a study that we are going to be doing tomorrow at our men’s breakfast.  We have been studying the book of Titus.

Titus 3:1-2 “Put them in mind to be subject to principalities and powers, to obey magistrates, to be ready to every good work, To speak evil of no man, to be no brawlers, but gentle, shewing all meekness unto all men.”

Definitions:

• Brawler – a person who quarrels, squabbles, or fights, a brawl is a noisy fight or argument
• Meekness – patient, mild, humble, gentle; a calm temper of mind that is not easily provoked; power under control.

We are to be meek, gentle, and peacable unto all men.

• Romans 12:18 “If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men.”
• 2 Timothy 2:24 “And the servant of the Lord must not strive; but be gentle unto all men, apt to teach, patient,”
• Meekness is not weakness.  Some of the strongest men in the Bible were meek: Jesus (Matt 11:29, 21:5), Moses  (Num. 12:3), Abraham (Gen 13, 16:5-6), David (Zech 12:8, 2 Sam 16:10-12, and Paul (1 Cor. 9:19)
• Proverbs 16:32 He that is slow to anger is better than the mighty; and he that ruleth his spirit than he that taketh a city.

We should be patient with all men because…

• We remember how we used to behave and God was patient with us. (Titus 3:3)
• We are saved and have new life. (Titus 3:4-5)
• We have the Holy Ghost changing us. (Titus 3:5)

How are we to show meekness to all men?

• By putting on the new man which is renewed in the knowledge that we find in God’s Word of who we are in Christ. (Colossians 3:8-14)
• By working to flee the old life and to follow meekness. (1 Timothy 6:11)
• By seeking the Lord and spending time with the Lord we will become like Him. (Zech 2:3, Matt 11:29)
• By being filled with the Holy Spirit. (Gal 5:22-23)

Going to North Africa

I was planning to lead a mission trip to Peru this summer, but it is proving to be just too expensive, so instead I will be going to North Africa in February.  I have a good friend who is working there.  If you are interested in going the cost should be only about 150 pounds or 230 American dollars.  Just let me know.

Ministry Update

I wanted to just give you an update of where we are in the ministry.  

We came to Northern Ireland in June 2004 and worked for about a year and a half with Roe Valley Baptist Church in Limavady.  We filled in for Ronnie and Marsha Smith while they were in America on furlough for a year and then helped them for a few months after they returned back to Northern Ireland.

From December 2005 to June 2006, we went home for a 6-month furlough before starting Northwest Baptist Church in Derry/Londonderry.  After having home Bible studies for a year, we booked rooms at a local hotel and began to have our church meetings there.  In September 2007, we had our first official opening service.  In May 2008, we officially organised and constituted the church with 13 charter members.  Our pastor, Austin Gardner, was here to preach for us and to represent our sending church.

In October 2008, when the Smiths returned home, we took over the leadership of Roe Valley Baptist Church, and it has been a joy to work with these folks again.  On Sundays, I preach 5 times and am on the road for 2 hours driving back and forth between the church.  The midweek service in Derry is on Tuesday and the one in Limavady is on Wednesday.  I rotate visiting every other Thursday in the different places.

With both churches, our goal is that they would grow strong enough to be able to support their pastor and that from these churches other churches could be started.  Currently during the midweek services at both churches, we are going through an evangelism course that a friend of mine wrote, preparing to go out door-t0-door once the longer evenings come in April.  Every month, we have a ladies’ fellowship, men’s breakfast, and church-wide fellowships.  We send out a monthly newsletter with helpful articles and upcoming events and meetings.  Every Saturday, we go out knocking doors.

We are very excited about what the Lord is going to do this year  At the end of January, we are having a special “Vision Night” to share with the churches our vision for this next year.  We are praying for God to give us students for the Our Generation Training Centre, and we are praying about starting a Bible institute.  Thank you so much for your prayers.

You can keep up with us on this blog, the blog for Northwest Baptist and for Roe Valley Baptist.  Also, you can follow us at facebook and twitter.  If you have any questions, please let us know.

Accountable Whether Like It Or Not

Judges 20:18 ¶ And the children of Israel arose, and went up to the house of God, and asked counsel of God, and said, Which of us shall go up first to the battle against the children of Benjamin? And the LORD said, Judah shall go up first.

In Judges 1:2, God gives the leadership of the nation of Israel to the tribe of Judah.  They do a good job of leading in Judges one.  After that we do not hear of them until Judges 15,17, and 18.  

Even though they did not do a good job of leading, God still said that they were to lead in Judges 20:18.  God was still holding them accountable to lead.

Sometimes, it is easy to neglect our responsibilities.  If God has given us a position of leadership, He will hold us accountable whether we like it or not.  We had better just step up and lead, because God will still hold us accountable regardless.