I just got back from the October trip and am partially recovered from travel, work, and jetlag. Many asked me after I returned how my trip was. My reply was that the travel was smooth and the impact with leaders changed paradigms and moved momentum forward, but personally as a teacher and mentor the trip was particularly challenging. Part of the challenge means more recovery on this end. But it was worth it, and I would do it again. Below is an update. Now I am focused on my next trip in four weeks to Africa. Then we will see about publishing the network-wide mission curriculum.
FOCUS ON SOUTH ASIA
Last month, John taught our mission partners a doctoral course on Mission: God, You and All Peoples. This is an extension of the mission curriculum development for a whole network of churches. It will be used in these churches for sermons, Bible studies, and mission teams. What was amazing was that through the readings and my class presentations these leaders underwent a complete change in missions motivation. Before their motivation was based on people’s need or our duty to share the gospel. Now the motivation is much bigger: To see God glorified in all the peoples. This energized them and also gave them a clearer focus for ministry. In teams they researched an Unreached People Group and gave a presentation on how they would reach them with the gospel. I was amazed. Continue to pray for their motivation to infect others for a growing mission movement in this network. More next time about these developments.
Phu Pham, my teammate, was training in another city. We gathered together with the four working teams from our August leaders’ summit and checked on progress in the areas of 1) Mission Strategy, Missionary Assessment, 3) Missionary Training, and 4) Missions Mobilization. Those leaders were highly motivated, and one group sent out two missionaries since we saw them last! Continue to ask God to bless their efforts together. We will meet online in several weeks.
FOCUS ON FINANCIAL SUPPORT
Beginning this summer, our financial support has gone from bad to worse. Because there were extra vital trips taken this year that were unplanned, I ran through my reserve funds and now end of the year deficits are showing up. This is in spite of some large gifts that have come in lately. We ask you FIRST keep praying about our financial need and ask God to turn it around. Second, check to make sure any commitments are up to date. Third, consider a one-time special gift either now or later this year. These often offset some of the travel costs. Or Fourth, consider regular support monthly or quarterly. Join the team! If you need more information or are interested in giving, please check out our website https://converge.org/global-worker/49651/.
FOCUS ON JAPAN
I attended the two-day Japan Church Multiplication National Roundtable where about 20 national leaders from all over Japan gathered to consider concrete plans for collaboration in saturating Japan with churches. Many participated last year and the momentum is building, faith is growing, and the desire to work together is encouraging. Already several events are planned for the future and another roundtable is scheduled for next summer. Keep praying for the growing momentum among these and other leaders.
