Missions Catalyst Resource Reviews 11.26.14
- DOWNLOADABLE: Advent Prayer Chain
- NEWSLETTER: Catalyst Postings
- TRAINING: Short-Term Missions 101
- BOOK: Know & Go
- WEBSITE: Great Christian Media in 12 Languages
- EVENTS: December Calendar
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DOWNLOADABLE: Advent Prayer Chain
Source: Weave
The countdown to Christmas is on! Focus your family on God’s global heart and purposes this advent season. Jesus came to redeem all peoples. Create an Advent Prayer Chain and set aside time each day to intercede for those who have never heard the gospel. Each link of the chain represents a people group—tribal, Hindu, unreligious, Muslim, or Buddhist—with simple descriptions and prayers in child-friendly language.
Nice job, Weave: an easy, kingdom-focused craft project and holiday decoration all in one!
» Download instructions and materials.
» Karen at Weave also told us about “a pretty cool prayer journal for families to pray for the world.” Check out 40 Days 40 Bites: A Family Guide to Pray for the World, written by Trudi Parkes of WEC. Available in the US from Amazon for US$7.03.
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NEWSLETTER: Catalyst Postings
Source: Catalyst Services
Postings is a free, monthly e-newsletter of thoughtful and practical articles for church mission leaders. All the articles are posted on the web so you can download and share them with your missions team and other leaders. Take a look at these editions from 2014:
» Learn more or subscribe to receive monthly editions.
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TRAINING: Short-Term Missions 101
Source: Delta Ministries
Looking for an online training curriculum you can use to equip mission team participants? Check out Short-Term Missions 101 from Delta Ministries. This new online course provides ideas, techniques, and skills designed to maximize the on-field experience for adults and youth serving on a short-term mission. Training includes eight self-paced sessions, each of which should take typical participants about three hours.
Topics include character transformation, cultural adaptation, team building, evangelism training, and some field-specific modules. Registration includes access to the online biblical DISC personality profile assessment.
» Learn more or register for US$45. Note that Delta Ministries offers many other resources for short-term teams, some of them free.
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BOOK: Know & Go
Source: GMI Books
Know & Go: Inspiring and Informing Global Mission, edited by Jon Hirst. GMI Books, 2014. 85 pages.
“From the Apostle Paul to William Carey to Billy Graham, the Church’s greatest evangelists and missionaries combine zeal with real-world data about the people they seek to reach,” says the new GMI book, Know & Go, which features articles by top researchers with GMI, OC International, and Joshua Project, as well as a foreword by Paul Eshleman of Campus Crusade for Christ.
This book makes the case for why knowing about your world is important. It addresses the opportunities and tensions that come with living in the information age and offers perspective on how to respond. It includes a history of Christian map-making and celebrates some milestones in the ministry of GMI and its sister organizations in the world of mission research, but also includes a great chapter with practical thoughts on how to do research on a budget.
This quick, inspirational read may only find a small audience but it does a great job of encouraging people to see research as something they can do within their ministry context.
» Learn more or purchase the Kindle edition from GMI for US$9.99; US$14.99 for the paperback. But from now until Monday, it’s 50% off ($4.99 and $7.49). Several other GMI Books publications are also on sale now; take a look at their site.
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WEBSITE: Great Christian Media in 12 Languages
Source: TWR
Have you seen TWR360? Both the website and the related apps provide a portal to inspirational, Bible-based Christian media to enjoy and/or share with others. Access audio and video material from dozens of ministries, study guides, scripture, Christian music, the Jesus Film, and other discipleship resources.
One of the most distinctive features of TWR360 is its ability to detect the language of a visitor’s browser and automatically function in that language. If a visitor selects one of the displayed topics, all available material on that topic in the visitor’s language will be presented. Nice.
» Is this something you could recommend to a friend showing interest in spiritual things or wanting to grow? Pass it on. Materials in two more languages, Vietnamese and Indonesian, will be added soon.
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MissionsCatalyst.net | about us | events calendar | website RSS feed
Missions Catalyst is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry. Missions Catalyst was founded in 1996. Since 2007 it has been a ministry of Pioneers.
Use Missions Catalyst to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely! |
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| Monthly Resource Reviews are composed and compiled by Marti Wade, who has managed and published Missions Catalyst since 2004. Based in Oregon, Marti is a writer, editor, and project manager serving with Pioneers on the Church Partnerships Team. She is the author of Through Her Eyes, a book about the lives of women serving cross-culturally in the Muslim world. She also speaks at conferences, Perspectives classes and similar events.
Our mailing address is:
Missions Catalyst c/o 1100 Brotherton Ave
Eugene, OR 97404 |
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BONUS Content >>>SCROLL for RELATED COMMENTARY by GUEST-POSTERS + FEATURED CONTRIBUTORS
VIDEO: How Does Translation Work?
Source: The Seed CompanyWhether you know a little or a lot about what it takes to translate the Bible into another language, you'll probably learn something from the Seed Company's recent, snappy overview,How Does Translation Work? It's about five minutes long. Maybe you could show it to your church, family, group, or class as well.
» See also the music video Word of God.
BOOKS: Three Tools for Your Toolbox
Source: GMI
Our friends at GMI have recently published three short, informative books that might be good tools for you as you seek out, mobilize, and equip tomorrow's kingdom workers:
1. Searching to Serve: Recruiting Kingdom Workers Online, by James Nelson with Carla Foote. Global Mapping, 2014. 78 pages.
Based on 2013 research previously published in GMI's Agency Web Review report, Searching to Serve describes five kinds of people who look online for mission service opportunities and what they like and are looking for on mission agency websites. It provides many simple suggestions for tailoring your website (and social media activity) for various kinds of seekers in order to attract, engage, and retain the interest of the greatest number of the most qualified candidates. Very practical.» Learn more or get the book from GMI for US$9.95; US$4.99 for the ebook edition.
2. Seeing Your World: 10 Key Global Shifts That Will Change the Way Yo..., by Andy Butcher. Global Mapping, 2014. 70 pages.
Trends in migration, religion, education, technology, and more are transforming people, nations, and the ways the Great Commission is carried out. Butcher summarizes key points from GMI's Global Briefing presentation and illustrates each trend with quotes and commentary from a different Christian leader, explaining how these shifts are forcing them to rethink the ways they serve. Illustrated with helpful charts and maps.
Seeing Your World is designed to be affordable and readable enough to give as a gift or use as a conversation starter, though readers may also want to also dig deeper into each subject.
» Learn more or get the book from GMI for US$9.99; $4.99 for the ebook edition.
3. Crossing Cultures with Ruth: Lessons on Thriving in Missions, by James Nelson. Global Mapping, 2014. 177 pages.
What helps cross-cultural workers, those who launch out and say "your people shall be my people," transition well and come to a place of effective ministry? Author James Nelson finds lessons for contemporary cross-cultural workers in the ancient book of Ruth, seeing in Ruth's story many of the same strengths that make missionaries successful.
"The more I studied the book of Ruth," says Nelson, "I began to see her as a teacher, mentor, and even companion in cross-cultural service. For interns and new missionaries, Ruth could be a memorable role model for the ministry techniques they were learning."
Crossing Cultures with Ruth also includes insights from Nelson's years of work researching "fruitful practices" of church planters working in the Muslim world (also documented inFrom Seed to Fruit and Where There Was No Church). I found this book winsome and intriguing and am already scheming ways to use the contents as I teach and write.
» Learn more or get the book from GMI for US$14.99; US$9.99 for the ebook edition.
Think you can use all three? Contact GMI about bulk discounts. "The idea is that all three of these resources together help an agency to recruit online better, engage new recruits with the global realities of mission, and help new missionaries prepare for cross-cultural service," says president and CEO Jon Hirsh.
CURRICULUM: Count for Zero
Source: Issachar Initiative
Issachar Initiative, a think-tank advocating for ministry to the world's least-reached people groups, offers churches and individuals a free, six-week, small group curriculum about fulfilling the Great Commission. The Count for Zero curriculum includes high-quality video sessions, a participant guide, and sermon outlines. Registration required.» Learn more or get started. Or just take a minute to watch the promotional video.
READERS WRITE: More Practical Ideas on Praying for the World
Source: Missions Catalyst ReadersThanks for the great response to our recent feature article,Passing on Prayer: Practical Ideas on Praying for the World. Readers contributed a few more great suggestions we want to share as well:
1. Pray together
"Pray with others," says Greg. "Something deep, powerful, and encouraging happens when we join with others to pray for the world." Good word, Greg.
2. Pray through the newspaper
"This isn't anything new, but it is a strategy we use in our Perspectives class prayer times, and that is to bring newspapers to class and pray through headlines in the news," says David. "There is not a day goes by that you can't find something in the headlines where God is at work." David also encourages us to watch Prayer Causes Things to Happen (John Piper video). Thanks for the reminder, David.
3. iPray2014
"Thursday, May 1, has been set aside as a National Day of Prayer [in the U.S.]," writes Paul. "We'd like you to join us in prayer throughout that day. Pray for your family, neighborhood, classmates, co-workers, customers, or employees. Be intentional about connecting with God throughout this day as you continue doing what you'd normally do. To help remind you and direct your prayers, we'll be sending out several text messages (that day only) to anyone who subscribes. All you need to do is text "iPray2014" to 95577. We'll send you encouragements, reminders, and suggestions for prayer." Great idea, Paul.
4. 30 Days
"How could you forget the 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim world?" asks Tamara. "For over 20 years this prayer movement has involved hundreds of thousands of believers from all over the world in loving and learning about Muslim people through prayer during the month of Ramadan. The beautifully illustrated prayer guide is available in over 35 languages, and there is also a children's edition. The event starts July 28 this year, so, plenty of time to order guides for your family or prayer group!" We're in, Tamara!
5. Prayercast
"I work for an organization called OneWay Ministries in a branch of their ministry called Prayercast," says Liz. "You tapped right in to what we are trying to accomplish. You asked for any resources that people may have to help others pray. Well, Prayercast.com is a phenomenal resource and free for anyone to use. We currently have a Prayercast video and prayer resources for every nation on earth! We are working to expand these resources in BIG ways in the days ahead." Looking forward to seeing what's ahead, Liz; we love Prayercast!
6. 2Tim22.com
"2Tim22.com has a number of resources on prayer, much of it related to reaching the world of university students, but this can easily be adapted to other groups," says Dennis. "In particular, I find helpful the reminder that we are joining God in what he is already doing." Thanks for the link, Dennis!
EVENTS: April Calendar
Source: Missions Catalyst Calendar
May 8-10, Christian Community Health Conference (Atlanta, GA, USA).
May 16-18, The Journey Deepens (Fort Washington, PA, USA). Retreat for those considering missions. Sponsored by MissionNext.
May 19-21, COSIM Conference (Minneapolis, MN, USA). Annual gathering for the Coalition on the Support of Indigenous Ministries.
May 19-23, Christian Community Development Conference(near Stuttgart, Germany).
May 21-23, Global Children's Ministry Equip Conference(Johannesburg, South Africa).
May 21-25, GO Equipped TENTmaking Course (Larsmo, Finland). Provided by Global Opportunities.
May 22, Faith-based Safety & Security Training (Columbia, SC, USA). Training for mission team personnel provided by an instructor from Fort Sherman Academy.
May 23-24, Al Massira training event (Scarborough, ON, Canada). Learn to share your faith with Muslim friends.
May 23-31, Single Vision (Lisbon, Portugal). Renewal for single missionaries.
May 28-29, Interchange 2014 (Philadelphia, PA). Bi-annual conference. This year's theme is recruiting global workers in the church context. Sponsored by Catalyst Services.
May 29-31, Serving Internationals (Atlanta, GA, USA). Annual conference by the Association of Christians Ministering among Internationals (ACMI).
May 30-31, Al Massira training event (Ottawa, ON, Canada). Lean to share your faith with Muslim friends.
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
About us
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Get RSS feed
Marti Wade is a writer, speaker, and project manager for the Church Partnerships Team at Pioneers. As a mission mobilizer, she has also trained and sent short-term teams to do relationship-based research to serve among the world's least-reached peoples.
Marti has managed and published Missions Catalyst since 2004 and is the author of Through Her Eyes, a book about the lives of women serving cross-culturally in the Muslim world. She and her husband Chris live in Oregon.
Passing on Prayer
Practical Ideas to Help You, Your Friends, and Your Church Pray for the World
By Shane Bennett
Here's the deal: Most Christians don't pray for the world. No big surprise there. This "world" thing is most of my life and I still struggle to pray for it! Christians who don't pray for the world don't do so because they're bad or carnal or somehow inferior to big-time missions people. We don't pray for the world because we've got a whole lot of world right up in our faces, pulling on our pant leg, texting us after we've gone to bed.
And it's tough to remember to pray for people you don't know, whose names you can't pronounce and whose cities you'll never visit. (To be honest, there's also the possibility we don't believe prayer matters. That's a subject for another article, maybe even another author!)
My hunch is still that many Christians, maybe most, wouldpray for the world if they were equipped and reminded. And you and I can do that.
Andrew Murray said, "The man (or woman) who mobilizes the Christian church to pray will make the greatest contribution to world evangelization in history." Do you want to make a great contribution? Here are tools and ideas in six categories designed to facilitate global intercession. Dive in.
1. Deck the HallsWhen our family lived in Holland, our neighborhood was haunted by a small, furtive band of shifty-eyed malcontents who got paid (perhaps in narcotics?) to slap up posters on every flat, semi-stable surface in the city center. They always seemed to be just one step ahead of the law, and neither their dog nor baby looked to be eating well.
Your church has walls and you have a message to get across. But don't be like the malcontents; go above board on it. Ask permission. And ask early. Prime bulletin board space was reserved months in advance in one church I worked for!
Once you've secured permission, make it big and beautiful (like this) and readable from half the distance to the opposite wall! Offer clear, bold prayer requests and flyers people can take with them.
If you've got the digital chops to maintain it, consider leapfrogging technologies to a couple of flat-screen TVs with scrolling prayer info from the ministries your church supports. I've got friends who pull this off well, and they're in a church that isn't big. Maybe you can do it too.
2. Use the Newsletter BetterDoes your church publish a monthly newsletter or a weekly bulletin? Does it ever include questionable clip art of a sunset with a scripture on it or overly large, swirly font headlines in the kids' section? Those are your clues that they might need more worthy content. You could kindly offer to provide that content in the form of winsome, well-written global prayerrequests.
But where are you going to get that content? Glad you asked:
3. Please Remind Me
I frequently invite Perspectives students to subscribe to Missions Catalyst because it will provide a weekly dose of, "Yes, I believe in this stuff." Sometimes all it takes it a little poke in the brain to help us pray for things we really want to pray for. Since you're probably not going to text all of your friends once a week to remind them to pray for the world, here are some resources that might accomplish that for you.
4. More than Cat Videos, Celebrity Updates, and Politics?
Brilliant, kind people have harnessed the power of the Internet for good and made it easier for us to pray for the planet with these great sites:
5. Putting Your Prayers Where Your Wallet Is
I'm helping some visionary friends launch Praelude2020, an online effort to facilitate cross-cultural workers raising 24/7prayer and full funding. It involves prayer partners selecting a 20-minute window in a worker's week and committing to prayfor them some time during that window. The worker adds current prayer requests to the site, maybe once or twice a week.
An hour before the pray-er's selected time, they receive anemail or text message to remind them their time slot is approaching and provide the current prayer requests. There's also a link to click indicating they've prayed. That click gets reported to the worker which, you might imagine, is very encouraging!
The weekly prayer commitment is coupled with a monthly financial donation. We hope to see tons of workers in tons of agencies using this to get seriously prayed for and sent into their work.
6. Some of the Best Prayers Come from Little Kids
Conclusion
I don't want to be your mom or anything, but can I ask you to do three things?
May God hear our prayers and answer them beyond what would could even ask or imagine.
April 9, 2014
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel yourprayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
We welcome comments on content on our website.
Questions, complaints, or submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst was founded in 1996. Since 2007 it has been a ministry of
About us
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Make a donation
» Contact him to speak to your people.
As Christians around the world gather to celebrate the Resurrection, we're reminded that the power that raised Jesus Christ from the dead is also at work in and through his Church. Today's news briefs include stories of that power made manifest.
Blessing,
Pat
People of all denominations pray together each day in the public square in Kharkiv, Ukraine (photo by Sergey Baliuk).
UKRAINE: Unity and Spiritual Awakening
Source: Rostyslav Stasyuk, Ukrainian Bible Society, via United Bible Societies, April 2, 2014
The dramatic events in our country have led to a remarkable unity and a spiritual wakening across the nation. It has been amazing to see the solidarity between representatives of different religions. ... Last week, Archbishop Eustratius of the Ukrainian Orthodox Church (Kyiv Patriarchate), shared the astonishing news that Crimean Tatars − the Muslim minority in the disputed territory of Crimea − have offered to host the church's services in their mosques."They said that if it became difficult for our priests and parishioners to pray in our churches in Crimea, they would make room for us in mosques. They have also assured that they would help protect our rights," said the archbishop.
Over the past month, as the situation in Crimea and the southeastern regions has escalated, churches, and individual Christians have become very active in speaking out and sharing the hope and encouragement found in the Bible. Christians of different denominations have been fasting and praying together for peace and wisdom for Ukraine's leaders and other world leaders involved in the situation.
In Eastern Ukraine, prayer meetings are held every morning in the central squares of Kharkiv, Donetsk, and Dnipropetrovsk. In the city of Lviv in Western Ukraine, a 15-minute prayer session is held every hour from 9am to 9pm in the central square. In Kiev, the prayer tents that were erected during the protests in Maidan square are still there, and many people still come and use them as places of prayer.
The same kind of thing is happening in almost every city and town in the country.
INDIA: Eunuchs Coming to Christ
Source: Mission Network News, April 11, 2014
Eunuchs. Castrated males. There are about 1 million of them in India. Eunuchs are ignored by society. They form their own communities. Are people reaching them with the gospel? Are they ignored by Christians, too? A worker with Scriptures in Use (SIU) says yes, but not anymore.
"We introduce storytelling to cultures that are non-literate, or what we call traditional oral learners. ... Jesus told stories. He told parables. He allowed the story of the parable to speak to the hearts of the individual listener."
[SIU's] India partner became what's called a "well-wisher" to the eunuchs in a community in Orissa State. As the relationships were established, the storytelling began. It started with 14 [participants]. The stories began with the Fall and continued through to the New Testament. "For three days we shared stories and then asked questions about the stories. At the end of the three days, we finally got to the Gospels. When it was done, all 14 of them accepted the Lord."It wasn't a one-time thing. "We're seeing some significant changes in them personally and then this desire to begin, in some way, to share their faith with fellow eunuchs and their families."
» Following India's ongoing elections? You might be interested in this article about how Indian Christians view them (Christianity Today).
THAILAND: Believer Sold His Own Blood to Help Bible Students
Source: God Reports, April 2014
"Teaching the Karen tribal people is such a privilege," [write missionaries from the California-based organization, Pastoral Training of Asia]. "Serving in the refugee camp with no electricity [or] running water and pit toilets [is] always eye opening. Those living there are happy, not complaining but rather glad for the safety from ... the hands of the Burmese soldiers."
"We went to a memorial service of a deeply dedicated believer. He had a heart to help Bible school students and the only way he could give was to sell his own blood. Unfortunately, he gave so much that he weakened his own condition, got sick, and died. He gave his all to equip others to proclaim the gospel.
"The sense of love and unity in this Christian community is a wonderful thing to witness; may it spread to our shores and to our hearts and churches as well."
» Readers might also be interested in Refugee Survey − Most Do Not Want to Go Back to Burma (Karen News).
WORLD: Potential Reach of Scripture Recordings Climbs to 80 Percent
Source: Faith Comes By Hearing, April 10, 2014
Faith Comes By Hearing (FCBH) recently added 16 languages to their expanding catalog of recorded Scripture. Now at 813 languages, FCBH's recordings as a whole represent a potential outreach to more than 5.7 billion people in 189 countries − 80% of the world's population.
Of the current releases, Tajik is the largest people group, with more than 4.4 million speakers, while the smallest is Cree Plains, spoken by about 260 people, primarily in Canada. Combined, these newest releases represent over 10.2 million people who now have God's Word in audio available in their heart language.
FCBH has seen the growth of a small tape lending library established in 1972 to what is now the world's largest resource of digital Scripture content.
CHINA: Christianity in Chinese Society
Source: OMF International, Global Chinese Ministries Newsletter, April 2014
Religion is flourishing in China − particularly evangelical Christianity and Buddhism. The government is now taking a more benign view of the role of religious believers in society. A conference on the role of Christianity in Chinese society was held in Shanghai last October. Government official Wang Xinhua stated: "The government welcomes the support of the church. We lack the resources to meet all the needs we face, so we need religious organizations in order to do so."
The government particularly has in mind the challenge of caring for the elderly who number several hundred million.
There is every reason to foresee that the Chinese church will continue to grow, mature, consolidate, and reach out in effective evangelism in the coming decades. Some Chinese academics advising the government even believe the church is on course to total 200-300 million [Protestants] in the next 30 years or so. This will make the Chinese church far and away the largest church in the world. Is it any coincidence that this is happening just as China is poised to become a world power?YEMEN: Do You Want to Know More about Jesus?
Source: OM News, April 9, 2014
Yemenis are responding to Christian media. "Anas," a local believer, was following up a contact, a young man, by phone. He said, "I am calling because you wanted to talk about Jesus. Is this true?" The young man responded, "Jesus is not here; I think he went to the capital and will be back next week." Since the Arabic name for Jesus is not unknown in Yemen, Anas wondered whether the fellow was confused or just crazy, and the call ended.
God soon after prompted Anas to visit the contact in person − a risky decision, yet he did so in obedience. When he arrived, the young man explained, "Shortly before you called, I had a dream in which a bright shining figure told me that someone named Anas would call me and tell me more about Jesus. When you did call, I thought, this can't be happening. So I acted crazy because it made me afraid."
The young man brought together nine other friends to hear more, and they continue to study the Scriptures together with Anas. This is Arab culture, to do all things together, including a spiritual journey.
» See also Sacrifice, reflections on Easter in an Arab Muslim country (Arab World Media).
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst
was founded in
1996. Since 2007
it has been a
ministry of
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Website RSS feed
Make a donation
Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
UKRAINE: Prayer for Crimea
Source: Lausanne Global Conversation, March 2, 2014
"I do not want to sound alarmist, but the events in Crimea could become one of the most serious threats to global peace," writes Sad Conradie [Coordinator of the Global Generosity Network and past missionary to Crimea]. "We therefore need God's intervention urgently as only he can give social, political, emotional, and spiritual peace which is so desperately needed in Crimea and the rest of Ukraine at the moment."
Prayer Points:BURMA: Day of Prayer Sunday, March 9
Source: Prayercast email, March 2, 2014
On Sunday, March 9, the world will join in prayer for Myanmar (Burma), a nation steeped in poverty and ravaged by 60 years of civil war. Most live on US$1 a day, and two thirds of children are malnourished. Violent military dictatorships have killed thousands and displaced millions. Although freedom is increasing, forced labor, property destruction, and attacks on civilians continue across the nation.
With Christianity strongest among minority groups, ethnic- and religious-based violence often targets [their] particular villages. Even so, the church is growing within and beyond the minority, even into the Buddhist majority. Many Burmese are deeply entrenched in Buddhism and are in bondage to spiritism and the occult. Millions remain unreached.
Mark your calendars for the Global Day of Prayer for Burma; join the body of Christ around the world in intercession.
» Learn more and watch Prayercast video.
MEXICO: Families Refusing to Join Traditional Religious Ceremonies
Source: Christian Solidarity Worldwide, February 27, 2014
Twenty-five Protestant families have had their water and electricity supplies disconnected and have effectively been put under house arrest in Mexico because of their refusal to participate in traditionalist Catholic religious ceremonies.
Traditionalist Catholic village authorities are demanding that the families, who belong to the local Mount Tabor Evangelical Church, contribute financially to religious festivals, and have said they will not permit the families to reconnect their services or receive visitors until they pay 500 pesos each. The village authorities are justifying their actions as in line with the Law of Uses and Customs, which gives indigenous populations autonomy to exercise traditional forms of justice and to protect their culture.
The situation follows an escalation of discriminatory behavior towards the group of Protestant Christians in La Trinitaria Municipality in Chiapas state, beginning in 2010, when the local village assembly blocked their access to firewood and refused them permission to attend or participate in village assembly meetings.
RWANDA: Boys from Garbage Dump Start Gospel Music Group
Source: Godreports, February 19, 2014
Garbage and filth surrounded their makeshift shanty in a small-scale dump in Kigali, Rwanda. Five years ago, three street boys, David, Pacifique, and D'Amour, lived in this squalor, their minds obsessed with survival and numbing their pain.
"They had no hope before they came to us," says Hilliary Anderson, founder of Hope for Life Ministry (HFLM), based in Kigali. HFLM's aim is to transform the lives of vulnerable street kids by providing housing, Christian counseling and discipleship, and resources to break the chains of poverty.
Last year the three boys formed a gospel band called Shining Hope and produced their first song, "You Are Precious," singing about their transformed lives since they began to follow Jesus.
"When we recorded this song they were so excited," Anderson notes. "They never believed anything like this could happen."
USA: Native American Christian TV Network Launched
Source: Godreports, February 3, 2014
An influential Native American Christian leader has created a new television network for Native American Christians called the "Native Waves Network."
"It is up to the leaders of the native tribes to help our people recognize their gifts and callings and to prepare them to share the new direction for the entire nation," says Dr. Negiel Bigpond, founder of Two Rivers Native American Training Center.
Dr. Bigpond hopes their productions will bring restoration for so many who have been devastated through substance and alcohol abuse.
There are 580 Native Nations in North America, according to Bigpond. The U.S. Center for World Missions states that there are at least 200 Native Nations that have not been reached with the Gospel and over 95 percent of the 3.5 million Native Americans in the United States have not accepted the gospel message.
Bigpond believes Two Rivers offers the only Native-founded, Native-led, culturally sensitive ministry training on the North American continent.
SAUDI ARABIA: Families Coming to Faith
Source: Operation Mobilization, March 4, 2014
Two of Fadila's sisters and one brother were in the US and came to Christ through the love and ministry of an American. One sister sent her an email explaining the gospel and her own testimony; when Fadila read it, she immediately believed. She had had a dream the previous night about her sister, but didn't know that she was a believer. She was so amazed at this coincidence that she visited her sister in the US, and her husband came along because he wanted to understand what was going on. He met with the man who had discipled the family and was satisfied that it was OK for his wife and the others to continue in their faith. They returned to Saudi Arabia and she is quite open in sharing her faith.
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst
was founded in
1996. Since 2007
it has been a
ministry of
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Website RSS feed
Make a donation
Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
Three Models for Connecting with Like-minded People in the New Year
By Shane Bennett
With a gloriously clean year stretching out before us chock full of hope and possibility, I want to ask you to consider connecting with like-minded people in some new ways. If you are a classic Lone Ranger, and experience has taught you that your productivity increases with increased distance from other people, this isn't for you! Otherwise, read on.
1. Starting Ripples of Prayer
My friend Robby of Mission Network turned me on to this. "Prayer ripples" are a simple way to encourage colleagues and friends who share your interest in God's global purposes. Someone - like you, for instance - can invite four friends to pray with them monthly for one hour via Skype, Google hangouts, or simply over the phone. You might use an online tool such as doodle.com to find an overlapping hole in everyone's schedule. Three days before the appointed time, the convener (you, for instance) will write and send out an agenda. It may include prayer for the world, the participants' areas of interest or ministry, and their personal concerns.
Several minutes before the scheduled event, the convener (you know who!) will set up the call. Even with people who are rather computer-literate the technology aspect can be a little tricky. Give everyone some grace to work through the kinks. As you wait, humble yourself by considering what William Carey would have accomplished with an iPad and a fast internet connection!
Honor one another by sticking to the agreed-upon time table. Honor God by giving the bulk of your time to prayer rather than conversation. If you do this monthly with people you even half-way like, that will be way easier to say than to do! Part of the convener's job will be to watch the clock and the schedule, gently moving the group along.
Now this is where a prayer ripple gets interesting: from the outset the understanding is that each participant will also start their own monthly gathering with others. If you participate in one prayer ripple, convene and participate in another, you'll devote three hours a month to this effort. Three hours of your schedule matters, but the investment may be well worth it as we significantly bump up the amount of prayer lifted for God's global purposes.
» Forward this email to three or four people scattered around the planet who you'd like to pray with monthly. They might be workers your church is connected to, people in your organization, or like-minded people you met at a conference or on a trip.
2. Mission Meet-ups
This takes a ton more work than a prayer ripple. Really, maybe just pass on this one! You'd be crazy to try to pull together the various missions-interested parties in your city for a monthly meeting of information and encouragement. Probably someone else has already tried and failed anyway.
But what if you could do it? What if God gave you favor and people responded to your invitation? Can you imagine the strength and hope that might emerge as individuals who thought they were the only ones realize that God has many in your city fully devoted to his global purposes?
I've been encouraged when I've had the opportunity to visit gatherings like this, but I've also been equipped. Missions consortiums (as they're sometimes called) provide several tangible benefits:
If you're going to give it a go, here are some pointers to keep in mind:
1. Make sure your city/region doesn't already have a missions consortium.
This could save you significant embarrassment. See this list of about two dozen (and let us know if you have updates).
2. Fish from the biggest pool possible.
I'm thinking in terms of organizations and denominations as well as varied styles and approaches. How open you can be will vary depending on a number of factors. And probably if you invite "that" church, that "other" church will refuse to participate. Happily, missions people, perhaps more than any other subset of church people are able to look beyond difference and collaborate for the sake of God's purposes.
3. Find an anchor church.
It might be your own. Your anchor church should be centrally located, broadly respected, able to seat and feed 50, and have at least one stakeholder who thinks what you're up to is a good idea!
4. Pick a good time.
Some groups meet for lunch. I like a week day at 6.30 or7.00am, as this allows participation by people whose bosses actually expect them to show up for work! If you can swing a light breakfast, more or less covered by donations, you'll help people allocate the time.
5. Invest in invitation.
Visit 20 key people you'd like to see participate. Call another 30. Email 100.
6. Focus on value over size.
A good missions consortium will likely start small, but will grow as people sense value in it.
7. Get a great emcee.
If this isn't your strong suit, now is not the time to try to grow! If you can find a respected pastor who will agree to emcee for six months, you'll benefit from name recognition and consistency. All the better if he or she can tell a good joke!
8. Start and end on time.
Nothing encourages people to stay home next time like, "If I could just take a few extra minutes..."
9. Bring in a ringer.
Don't be afraid to launch on the strength of an outside expert, but build on the value of local connection and collaboration.
» Please take a minute to comment on our website if you have further ideas for for these meetups or would like to mention good models you know
3. Hub Communities
My friend Nate, author of the new book Coffee & Orange Blossoms: 7 Years & 15 Days in Tyre, Lebanon, has given the lion's share of his attention and ample talent over the past two years to spreading the word about city-based groups that call themselves "hub communities." These groups are designed to provide mutual support for a small, but beloved set of people: those who are actively pursuing friendship with Muslims. The word "hub" connotes a center or core, plus it's the Arabic word for love!
Nate has found that often people who have a passion for connecting with Muslims in their town tend to assume they're the only ones. Maybe they've shared their conviction with a pastor or Sunday school class with less than resounding endorsement. Maybe they've invited friends to join them, but it just hasn't happened.
The Hub Community Network aims to gather these people together for ongoing mutual encouragement. The only requirement for joining one is that you have a Muslim friend. That's the common denominator. The groups are not heavily "led," nor do they follow a standard curriculum (though they have collected a list of quality resources). Someone simply facilitates the gathering. The group decides what they might like to study together. They share with each other how their relationships are going. And they pray for each other and their Muslim friends. Simple, but life-giving.
While hub communities are specifically being implemented for people befriending Muslims, the idea could certainly apply to people building relationships with other unreached groups.
» Learn more about The Hub Community Network and how to join or start a hub community in your city.
Subversive Mobilization: Help Tell the Story
Got a red pen handy and hankering to shape the future? I've recently submitted drafts for two articles for a missions course in Arizona. I'd love to have members of my tribe, like you, take a peek at them and offer helpful critique. No pressure, but if you're game, here you go:
» God's Grand Epic of Blessing, Glory and Kingdom
» Jesus and the Global Scope of God's Purposes
Also, here's a chance for a sneak peek at an important upcoming issue of Missions Frontiers. The editors expect this issue on 4x4 Movements to Christ (4+ streams of 4+ generations) in the U.S. to be a game changer. This is your chance to push the issue into the hands of a number of people who might use it to shape their work going forward.
» 4x4 Movements: Coming Soon to an Unreached People Near You!
Much thanks!January 15, 2014
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
We welcome comments on content on our website.
Questions, complaints, or submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst was founded in 1996. Since 2007 it has been a ministry of
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» Contact him to speak to your people.
1. World leaders are meeting in Switzerland to discuss Syria. Since the beginning of the conflict three years ago, an average of 6000 people per day have fled the country. Pray for Geneva II and the formation of an interim government for Syria (World Evangelical Alliance).
2. Also pray for the leaders meeting in late February in Nepal and Kyrgyzstan to discuss Religion, Security, and Citizenship(Institute for Global Engagement).
3. In the US, January is now National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, per proclamation by the president. Much to pray about concerning those issues!
1. The Refugee Project is an interactive map that shows where refugees are coming from and where they are going.
Pray for God-honoring relationships among the nations' leaders!
BANGLADESH: Deadly Violence Mars Elections
Source: Mission Network News, January 7, 2014
The Awami League handily won Bangladesh's [January 6] election, but the victory was marred by street fighting, low turnout, and a boycott by the opposition. Without a contender, the Awami League took more than two-thirds of seats in the contest.
Accusations over unfair process prompted strikes and protests, some of which turned into deadly clashes with police. Asian Access vice president for leader development Noel Becchetti says the process reveals an enmity that goes back decades.
Becchetti says, "When you have this kind of unrest, it puts pressure on everybody who's simply a peace-loving citizen. When they strike in Bangladesh, most of the transportation shuts down. Most of the shopkeepers are afraid to open their stores for fear of violence. It really stops your ability to function."» A great resource for prayer points on upcoming elections isThe 10/40 Window Reporter (Window International Network).
WORLD: Human Trafficking and the Response of the Church
Source: Lausanne Global Analysis, January 13, 2014
Human trafficking is a global crime affecting nearly all countries in every region of the world, and the statistics are simply staggering. Between 2007 and 2010, victims of 136 different nationalities were detected in 118 countries across the world.
Trafficking for the purpose of sexual exploitation accounts for 58% of all cases detected globally, while trafficking for forced labor accounts for 36 percent (double the 2008 percentage). Removal of organs, begging, forced marriages, illegal adoptions, participation in armed combat, and the commission of petty crimes are some of the other reasons for human trafficking.The International Labor Organization estimates that 20.9 million people are victims of forced labor globally. Women account for about 60 percent of trafficking victims, and children 27 percent (two thirds of them girls).
» Read full story, including a call to the global church to respond.
SRI LANKA: Buddhist Monks Lead Mob
Source: Assemblies of God World Missions, January 13, 2014
Violent protests interrupted Sunday morning services, January 12, at two churches in Hikkaduwa, a small coastal town in southern Sri Lanka. Eyewitnesses report that a mob led by Buddhist monks stormed an Assemblies of God church and Calvary Free Church, threatening worshipers and vandalizing church property.
The monks claimed the churches were illegal prayer centers and demanded that they be closed. However, worshipers say they have met at those locations since 1997. Both churches were severely damaged, and sound equipment, musical instruments, furniture, literature, and Bibles were destroyed.
» The Pew Forum reports that, worldwide, Religious Hostilities Reach Six-Year High.
ISRAEL: Jews for Jesus Worker Recounts Deportation
Source: Morning Star News, January 16, 2014
As Barry Barnett's plane lifted off from Tel Aviv, Israel's Ben Gurion International Airport last month, he sat torn with emotion. Over the prior two weeks the British citizen had been harassed, arrested, interrogated, locked in jail, and deported from a country that he had loved deeply since childhood.Still, he was filled with an unquenchable desire to continue doing that for which Israel had deported him - proclaiming Christ to his fellow Jews.
If the deportation order stands, not only may Barnett never set foot in Israel again but, more importantly, it could set a legal precedent to limit missionary work or other forms of religious expression by foreign visitors.SOUTHEAST ASIA: Herbalist Draws Lost to Christ
Source: Baptist Press News, January 16, 2014
Born into a strict Islamic family, Perkasa's journey of faith began two years ago when, in town on business, he encountered [a couple who were] Christian workers.
He heard the gospel presentation during the visit, and an inner wrestling began in his heart. He decided to follow Christ and renounced his Islamic faith.
His family, learning of his conversion, called him to dinner and a fight ensued. Perkasa was beaten and struck in the head with a pistol. To this day, he insists God protected him, as he "did not feel any pain."
Perkasa began visiting the [missionaries] daily, studying the Scriptures in their home.
"There was a time I didn't know if I could go on, but after I was baptized, I had boldness," Perkasa said. "I was not afraid anymore ... I prayed, 'God, what should I do? I want to share your glory.'"
The answer to his prayers came when people began seeking him for healing. His father was a famous herbal medicine doctor in Southeast Asia, working everywhere from Malaysia to China. The youngest son, Perkasa traveled and learned the craft from his father. But [also] trained as a businessman, Perkasa had not practiced medicine in many years.
"Praise God he brought what I studied when I was young back to my mind," Perkasa said.
God began sending people to Perkasa from all over the country, and in [one] year alone, Perkasa said, he shared the gospel with over 1,500 people.
"First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people, for kings and all who are in high positions, that we may lead a peaceful and quiet life, godly and dignified in every way. This is good, and it is pleasing in the sight of God our Savior, who desires all people to be saved and to come to the knowledge of the truth.
1 Timothy 2:1-5
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst
was founded in
1996. Since 2007
it has been a
ministry of
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Get RSS feed
Make a donation
Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
Dear Phil,
A few more Christmas-related stories which may interest you:
» Learn about a multicultural nativity play featuring performers from more than 50 nations (BBC). Guess where the baby Jesus is from!
» Read about Christmas in South Sudan, where more than 20 churches have sprung up in refugee camps (Seedlinks, via OM NewsBytes).» Our friends at OM also encourage us to pray for brothers and sisters who remain in prison this Christmas.
» Finally, lift up cross-cultural workers home(sick) for the holidays (A Life Overseas). Thanks.
blessings,
Missions Catalyst
SOUTHEAST ASIA: Christians Share Christmas Story with Nativity Crafters
Source: Commission Stories, November 10, 2013
Summer Cole, who lives in Southeast Asia with her husband John and their four boys, steps out of the wooden long-tail boat and walks along a narrow path dented into the straw.
Behind her, Mo Kham, a national believer who works with the Coles, jumps out of the boat and runs to catch up. Stepping carefully through a maze of broken clay pots, scurrying, chickens and bleating goats, the women make their way to potter Thant Lin's home in the village where people of the Tai people group live.
At the house, an older woman places a steaming pot of tea on the table and Lin serves a cup to Cole and Kham. While they sip tea, Lin lines tiny figures on a low-lying table in the center of his paneled home.
Assembled in a cluster, the fragile clay pieces depict Christ's birth.
These tiny figures provide Cole access to Lin and his family. She visits Lin's home a couple of times a year and helps to develop his business while sharing the gospel with him.
Setting down her tea, Cole speaks to the excitement of discovering nativity sets in a market in a country that is 80 percent Buddhist, "I was amazed that in a staunchly Buddhist country there was this little nativity set, and I wanted to find out more. So I went and found what village they come from."
"I realized they did not know much about the figures they were making," Cole said. "So I made a plan to come back."
Included in the return plan was the one-hour plane ride, one-hour taxi ride, and two-hour boat ride required to reach Lin's village.
When she returned, Cole brought a children's Bible so the family could look at the pictures as she shared the Christmas story. Though they listened carefully as she told the story, Lin and his family did not fully understand the heart of the message, never having heard the gospel before.
"This is something that they'll probably have to hear many times to begin to catch the significance of it and understand why I would be so interested in these [sets]," says Cole.
TURKEY: Embracing Outcast Children
Source: ASSIST News Service, December 4, 2013
California-born Norita Erickson of Kardelen Mercy Teams, based in Ankara, Turkey, where she works with Turkish people with disabilities, has an extraordinary story to tell.
"Turkey is a country of 75,000,000 people and 99 percent of the population is Islamic, some more strongly Islamic, while others are more moderate. But 17 percent of the Turkish population - and that might include some Christian minorities too - has a disability. That's a very high percentage. Part of it is also a belief in fate. In many Islamic countries, they believe that God has written your whole life on your forehead and nothing you can do will change it. So you don't mess with fate because that's what God has given you as the test for your life."
"I really didn't understand what it meant to serve the disabled until 1997 when I went into a state-run institution and was shocked to find 400 children who had been sent away to live in this place. They were tied in their beds, covered in their vomit and bodily filth, and were screaming, as there did appear to be anyone there to care for them. No one appeared to know what to do with them and the attitude of the care givers was that these children were 'cursed' and they were 'cursed' having to work in such a place and so they would just do a little as was needed until they died.
"I was shocked and I ran out of that place and I cried out to God. I was angry. I said, 'How could You show this to me? I wish I didn't know what I just saw.' It was overwhelming - just like going into a concentration camp... I started to cry and I heard the Holy Spirit saying, 'You are weeping my tears for these children.'"
Kardelen is the Turkish word for a snowdrop flower, the first flowers to emerge at the end of winter when they respond to sunlight.
"I saw these children, and our ministry, like this. These children are hidden away, but they respond to the sunlight of God's love as we bring it into their homes and into these institutions," she said.
» Read the full story, which includes links to an interview with Norita, details the struggle she experienced due to her Armenian background, and more. See also her book, Cry Out.CANADA: Yummo Comes Home
Source: Outreach Canada, November 20, 2013
It is surprising to many Canadians today that 150,000 aboriginal children were forced to go to Indian Residential Schools from 1831 to 1996 as part of Canada's official efforts to assimilate the indigenous people. It is not surprising that many victims did not survive the experience.
Yummo Comes Home is the story of an Okanogan/Thompson Aboriginal man who revisits the Kamloops B.C. Residential School building where he was hurt to reclaim and bring back home his boyhood innocence and confidence. The son of a settler immigrant, Don Klaassen, portrays the sentiments of the descendants of the immigrant settlers who are discovering this often forgotten portion of Canadian history.
In this 28-minute documentary video, the two men demonstrate what it means to experience reconciliation and take bold steps to shape a hopeful future.
SOUTH AFRICA: Praying for Peace and Healing on the Streets of Manenberg
Source: 24-7 Prayer, December 16, 2013
Thursday is prayer walk day, and two friends joined us - their first time walking around Manenberg. We left the office and began to walk, only for people to tell us to get off the road because the gangs were shooting at each other.
We obliged, prayed for and declared peace along the street, and then played with a tortoise in a [shop]. Then we were told it was OK to walk again, because the shooting had finished. We did so. As we went, we saw an old man on crutches. We asked to pray for him. He had broken his hip falling off the roof. He had had surgery, and couldn't walk without crutches, and even then very slowly and in much pain.
After we prayed healing for him, he began to move his leg freely, and exclaimed that he couldn't do that previously and it felt better. The pain had left, and movement had come! He then wept as he accepted Jesus into his life, still overwhelmed by getting healed. Then he walked home, waving his leg around as he went, unaided by crutches.
» Read the full story.An Opportunity for You
As you may know, each of the gang behind Missions Catalyst, Marti Wade, Pat Noble, and Shane Bennett, raises support to do the work they do. Missions Catalyst is a part of that work. If it has been helpful for you this year and you'd welcome a chance to say thank you to and bless Marti, Pat, or Shane, we'd like to offer you that opportunity. The links below will direct you to a donation page at their respective organizations, or send a note if you prefer.
» Give to Marti, or email Marti.
» Give to Pat, or email Pat.
» Give to Shane, or email Shane.
Thank you for being part of the Missions Catalyst tribe. We're grateful for you.
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst
was founded in
1996. Since 2007
it has been a
ministry of
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Get RSS feed
Make a donation
Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
PAKISTAN: Human Chain Formed to Protect Church
Source: The Christian Post, October 8, 2013
Between 200-300 Pakistani Muslims and Christians united and gathered to make a human chain around a church in Lahore, Pakistan's second largest city on Sunday [October 6].
Just two weeks after a church bombing killed more than 100 people in Peshawar, the human chain, organized by the citizen group "Pakistan for All," is part of the movement's goal to raise awareness about minority rights and concerns.
"Well the terrorists showed us what they do on Sundays. Here we are showing them what we do on Sundays. We unite," Pakistan for All organizer Mohammad Jibran Nasir told The Express Tribune.
Mufti Mohammed Farooq opened the event by reading several passages from the Quran that called for tolerance of other beliefs, while Father Nasir Gulfam, who had just preached the church's Sunday service, stood by his side before they took hold of each other's hands, modeling their message.
» Read full story.» Readers might be interested in another story from The Christian Post, this one from the U.S.: Muslim-Born Man Testifies, 'I've Never Seen This Type of Love Befor....
NORTH KOREA: Huge Massacre?
Source: ASSIST News, October 13, 2013
Some 20,000 prisoners of conscience [have disappeared] from North Korea's Camp 22, a massive concentration camp.
According to a story by Robert Park published in Forbes and the Chicago Tribune, the camp was geographically larger than Los Angeles and thought to have once held between 30,000 to 50,000 prisoners.
Satellite photographs indicate that guard posts, interrogation and detention facilities at the camp had been razed last year. By that time, those accused and exploited had been reduced to about 3,000.
While an estimated seven to eight thousand prisoners are believed by some observers to have been taken away at night via train, the rest remain unaccounted for.
On the basis of testimony from former camp guards Ahn Myong-chol and Kwon Hyuk, worldwide attention has been focused on the horrors which took place daily at Camp 22 - a literal killing field.
In an August report, David Hawk of the Washington D.C.-based Committee for Human Rights in North Korea (HRNK) commented on Camp 22's rapid depopulation, "If even remotely accurate, this is an atrocity requiring much closer investigation."
» Read full story.MONGOLIA: A Miraculous Moving of God's Spirit
Source: JESUS Film Project, October 11, 2013
With God, nothing is impossible! Through the "JESUS" Film, his Spirit is moving in amazing and unprecedented ways, changing hearts and transforming lives, even in very difficult and previously unreached countries.
Only two decades ago, there were less than 50 known believers in the entire nation of Mongolia. Now, through the film "JESUS," tens of thousands are turning to Christ. Hundreds of growing, reproducing churches have been planted, as new believers have been nurtured and equipped to share their faith and are now spreading the Gospel and making new disciples.
Praise the Lord for his faithfulness, and for the amazing work his Spirit is performing to bring unreached people "from darkness to joy"!
» Watch the short video From Darkness to Joy.» Did you know more than 175,000 people have installed theJesus Film Media App? It provides access to films you can use in more than 1,000 languages.
WORLD: More People Have Cell Phones than Electricity
Source: Mobile Mission Forum
While over 96% of the world's population has access to a cell phone, 1.5 billion people do not have access to electricity. In the Third World, 79% of the people have no electricity. Yes, they can talk on their phones while they carry water jugs home. So what is the best way to reach these people for Christ? Their mobile device.
The Mobile Ministry Forum (MMF) Consultation at the Wycliffe Bible Translator Headquarters on December 9-11, 2013, in Orlando, FL, is the key gathering for people interested in learning how to use mobile technology for ministry outreach. This three-day conference includes TED-style presentations, discussions, ministry field reports, workshop breakouts, and networking time. The call is to anyone using mobile technology in a ministry context, creating apps or content, or anyone interested in starting a mobile ministry.
The Mobile Ministry Forum (MMF) is a coalition of ministries working towards the goal of giving every unreached person a chance to encounter Christ and his kingdom in a compelling, contextualized fashion through their personal mobile device by 2020. Ministries include Biola University, Campus Crusade for Christ, Christian Broadcasting Network, Cyber Missions, International Mission Board, and Wycliffe Bible Translators.
RUSSIA: Also at a Crossroads
Source: OM News, September 16, 2013
"Before I left home, I started to have doubts," said Tatiana at her interview to enroll as a student at OM Russia's Discipleship Center. "I bought my sleeping bag just in case, and decided to just take a step of faith."
Once she arrived at OM Russia's base, Tatiana was pleasantly surprised when she realized she wouldn't have to sleep on the floor in her sleeping bag! Why was Tatiana so worried about the living conditions? Because she's no longer so young; she's a pensioner (retired).
Last year, OM Russia's board suggested that they train older people, because the training center's goal is "to motivate and challenge people at a 'crossroads' moment in their lives, when they are faced with a choice of either developing a career and pouring their energy in that direction or opening themselves up to God's service and seeking God's Kingdom first," according to field leader Colin Cleaver. This year, OM Russia opened a special faculty for pensioners to train to become missionaries.
For the past eight years, the center has focused on recent university graduates, but team members have realized that not only young people find themselves having to make decisions about their futures.
"Our board observed that pensioners are also often at a similar crossroads, needing to decide on a new life direction," said Colin. "In addition, they are often financially independent, free from caring for their children, and with time on their hands - in short, the perfect potential missionaries!"
» Read full story.About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
Missions Catalyst
was founded in
1996. Since 2007
it has been a
ministry of
Events calendar
Subscribe to emails
Get RSS feed
Make a donation
Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
NEWSLETTER: Missiographics
Source: Global Mapping International
Trying to mobilize people into mission? Thinking through a challenging mission issue? Increasingly our culture is gaining valuable insights from visual presentations of data. Yes, infographics!This publication will launch in October, but you can get a sample by signing up now. It's free.
» Subscribe to Missiographics Email Newsletter.
» Note: See how Pioneers used infographic strategies to visually communicate the results of a complex ministry effort.
BOOK: Telling the Gospel through Story
Source: InterVarsity Press
Telling the Gospel through Story: Evangelism That Keeps Hearers Wan..., by Christine Dillon. InterVarsity Press, 2012. 224 pages.
From the publisher's website: "In an age when prepackaged gospel formulations leave people cold, well-told Bible stories can be used powerfully by God to touch people's hearts and draw them to himself.
"After ministry in both Western and non-Western contexts, church planter Christine Dillon has discovered that Bible storying is far more effective than most other forms of apologetics or evangelistic presentations. In fact, non-Christians actually enjoyed storying and kept coming back for more. Storying provides solid biblical foundations so listeners can understand, apply, and respond to the gospel, and then go on to fruitful maturity in God's service.
"This book includes practical guidance on how to shape a good story, how to do evangelism through storying, and how to lead Bible discussions. With particular insights for trainers and those working in cross-cultural contexts, this guide provides you with concrete steps for sharing the Story that everyone needs to hear."
Outreach Magazine named this book to its list of 2013 Outreach Resources of the Year. The author, an Australian, serves as a church planter in Taiwan with OMF International.
» Preview or purchase this book from Amazon for US$10.45; US$9.93 for the Kindle edition.
» See also the related website, Storying the Scriptures. It includes links, videos, and other helpful resources.
ARTICLE: Creating Missions "On Ramps"
Source: Catalyst Services
"The variety of missions opportunities has exploded," says Catalyst Services, introducing the September 2013 edition of the monthly newsletter, Postings. "Some are nearby, others on the other side of the globe. Some last one day, others a lifetime. Some are appropriate for kids, others for youth, young adults, families, or seniors. But how are we getting people out of their seat and into the action? Is your church building multiple on ramps to use the untapped resources of your people?"
Postings talked to three church missions leaders who are creating new missions "on ramps." Their goal is to mobilize their congregation by matching the gifts and interests of various ages with global opportunities, particularly focusing on fresh ways to connect younger generations.
» Download a PDF of the article.
BOOK: Internationals Who Live among Us
Source: Emmaus Road International
Internationals Who Live among Us: Doing World Missions at Home, by Neal Pirolo. Emmaus Road International, 2013. 224 pages.
Neal Pirolo, author of Serving as Senders Today, The Reentry Team, and several other works has published a new book dealing specifically with welcoming (and ministering to) internationals. Pirolo divides them into seven distinct groups: international students, undocumented aliens, visitors, business people, refugees, established ethnic communities, and (perhaps surprisingly) returned missionary kids. Each group gets its own chapter in this book.
While much might be said about needs and opportunities within each of these populations, Internationals Who Live among Us provides a good introduction and may help readers with compassion for one group to discover some of the others. Interviews, anecdotes, and observations invite the reader to identify with internationals and consider how they and their churches might better understand and engage with these groups.
The book is directed solely to an American Evangelical Christian audience and written with some eccentricities of style which might put off some readers. It is, though, full of little gems - resources, insights, and practical ideas for becoming personally involved in global outreach without leaving your town.
» Learn more or purchase this book from ERI for US$10.95. It does not seem to be available from other online sources like Amazon. A more extensive review is posted at Worldview Church.
EVENTS: Upcoming Training, Retreats, and Conferences
Source: Missions Catalyst Calendar
October 3 - Webinar: Contracting for Technical Solutions(online). Provided by Missio Nexus.October 3-5 - OPEN Expo (Bentonville, AR, USA). Provided by the OPEN Network.
October 5 - Bridges Seminar (Grand Rapids, MI, USA). A training event to help Christians connect with Muslims; provided by Crescent Project.
October 5 - Ignite Conference (Lancaster, PA, USA). Designed to assist church leaders to think intentionally and strategically to develop an increased capacity for sending missionaries. Sponsored by Calvary Church.
October 8-9 - Personal Support Raising Bootcamp (Harrisburg, PA, USA). Provided by Support Raising Solutions.
October 8-10 - Faith Reliance Symposium (Cary, NC, USA). Topic: Instilling healthy interdependency. Sponsored by Trans World Radio.
October 10-12 - North American Central Asia Forum (Portland, OR, USA).
October 12 - Bridges Seminar (Pomona, CA, USA). A training event to help Christians connect with Muslims; provided by Crescent Project.
October 13-16, 17-20 - Thrive Southeast Asia Retreats (Bali, Indonesia). Designed to refresh and encourage North American women serving cross-culturally. Provided by Thrive (formerly Women of the Harvest).
October 16-19 - COMMA Consultation (Lexington, MA). Learn about ministry to Muslims from Muslims who have come to Christ.
October 16-20 - GO Equipped TENTmaking Course (Fort Myers, FL, USA). Provided by Global Opportunities.October 18-19 - ENGAGE Missional Life (Fresno, CA, USA).
October 18-19 - Missions Fest Seattle (Seattle area, WA, USA). Free, community-based mission festival for all ages.
October 19 - Children's Mission ConneXion (Powell Butte, OR, USA). Learn how to nurture children's heart for the world.
October 22-25 - Destination Zero (Minneapolis, MN, USA). The annual roundtable of the Global Muslim Ministries Network. Designed for senior and missions pastors, agency leaders, and missions advocates for the Muslim world.
October 23 - Raising Support for Short-term Missions (online). Provided by Delta Ministries.
October 25-26 - People Raising Conference (Oakbrook, IL, USA). Provided by People Raising.
October 31 - Webinar: Counterproductive Missions - Unhealthy Dependency is a Self-Imposed... (online). Provided by Missio Nexus.
October 31 to November 2 - Oasis Conference (Dallas, TX, USA). For Christians reaching out to Muslims in North America. Provided by Crescent Project.
October 31 to November 3 - GO Equipped TENTmaking course(Gothenburg, Sweden). Provided by Global Opportunities.
"About two-thirds of the Bible is preparation for Jesus. But we have a tendency to jump straight to proclaiming him. After all, we know that Jesus is the most important. Jesus is indeed the central point of the Bible and, indeed, all of history. The problem is that when we go straight to Jesus, most people's hearts aren't prepared. We want to proclaim, 'Jesus is the answer,' but many people are still asking, 'What's the question?'"
Christine Dillon,Telling the Gospel through Story
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
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Marti Wade is a writer, speaker, and project manager for the Church Partnerships Team at Pioneers. As a mission mobilizer, she has also trained and sent short-term teams to do relationship-based research to serve among the world's least-reached peoples.
Marti has managed and published Missions Catalyst since 2004 and is the author of Through Her Eyes, a book about the lives of women serving cross-culturally in the Muslim world. She and her husband Chris live in Oregon.
"The world is experiencing an unusual period of shaking," writes Richard Swenson, one of my favorite analysts of world events. "There is a volatility and soft-anarchy across the globe, and nowhere do we find a center that is holding." Hear what has to say about Syria at Swenson Trends.
In this time of "shaking," God is also sending his ambassadors to teach the world rejoicing. See stories below of singing in Kosovo and North Africa and wedding parties as a means to share the Good News. Apparently God is not worried about the state of events.
Rejoice in the Lord...always,
Pat
The Word became flesh and moved into the neighborhood. John 1:14
CANADA: Move In - Can It Get Any Simpler Than This?
Source: Tentmaking Briefs, September 2013
MoveInners, in a nutshell, are people who decide to move into neighborhoods deemed a "no-go zone" for 99.9% of Christians. Even the police dread to enter these areas of our major cities. Calling 911 [emergency services] may be futile as too often no one will come.
Move-inners are mostly young "Generation Y" couples and singles deliberately moving into low income, crime-ridden neighborhoods, to integrate themselves with the people who have little choice on where to live. These areas are made up largely of recent immigrants from the so-called unreached areas of the world.
KOSOVO: Singing for Soul Healing
Source: Meredith Moench, OM News, September 13, 2013
"You know, we're still not healed from wartime here in Kosova. We're still not really laughing," said 19-year-old "Nora." We're sitting in a crowded cafeteria of teenagers. Nora seems undistracted.
Two nights before, Nora stood in that same cafeteria and stunned the room as she sang for the Arts Camp Student Talent Show. Her voice was strong as a diamond, precise on the highest notes, piercing. She closed her eyes as she stood at the microphone and let her voice do the work.
OM arts camp director "Malachi" hoped to create a special space for young Kosovar artists to develop their art forms. In a country lacking artistic support and development, Malachi's vision is to break cultural and religious barriers with the God-given power of the arts.
Through a spiritual reflection each morning, he turned the students' gaze inward, and pointed them to their need to know the greatest artist of all: their Creator. Each evening the students and teachers were mutually given the dignity of sharing their art form through performance, and experiencing God's presence in the creative expression of others.
For Nora, it was singing that sparked her opportunity to attend camp. "Music is really helping me. It's like it brings peace and joy deep inside a person. I want to heal people, because when people are hurt they do bad things. By healing people we can make things better," she paused.
"I know that I'm not healed yet, but this camp has started to help me. It's difficult to forgive. I haven't forgiven the Serbs yet," said Nora. "But I choose the way of God; I choose the way of healing."
» Read full story. Several other recent stories from OM also highlight the power of music to touch hearts. See Dance for France and Singing Tourists.
AFGHANISTAN: Authorities Call for Death of Christian Converts
Source: Mission Network News, September 16, 2013
According to a report originally published by Mohabat News, Afghanistan's leaders are calling for the death of Christian converts.
"Numerous Afghans have become Christians in India. This is an offense to Islamic laws and, according to the Quran, they need to be executed," stated the Afghanistan Member of Parliament, Nazir Ahmad Hanafi, in a published report.
The number of people coming to Christ from Muslim backgrounds is reportedly increasing. Most Muslim-background believers have fled to India for safety; a growing church established in Delhi reportedly has around 250 members.
Afghanistan's Parliament has addressed this issue on separate occasions over the past few months. One MP, Abdul Latif Pedram, said that "conversions to Christianity are the result of the presence of the United States in Afghanistan." He feels the conversion of Afghans in India is part of the US's longer-term plan to alter the country's culture and religion.
» Read full story.
» See also Afghan Church Grows in Delhi (Matters India).
YEMEN: A Mustard Seed
Source: Wazala, a ministry of SAT-7, August 6, 2013
In his moving account of years serving as a chaplain in the port of Aden, Yemen: Heartbreak and Hope, Peter Crooks recalls a series of conversations that reveal God's undercover Spirit at work in members of this strongly Islamic society.
"Omar [leaned] forward in the chair opposite me. His hands were loosely clasped and he had a scarf wrapped around his head. He had at least two days of stubble on his chin. He spoke very slowly and deliberately in English, and his dark eyes were fixed intently on my own. 'Will you baptize us?' he asked searchingly.
"I had had a hunch that this was where the conversation with he and his friend Mustafa was headed. I hesitated briefly and replied cautiously that to do so might prove a dangerous and costly step for us all. 'We have read the Bible,' he responded. 'We have studied the words of Jesus. He talked about the cross. We are ready to take up the cross. Do not stop us.'"
"I thought about that meeting with the two men and their burning question when, a week later, we were invited to attend a reception on a French naval warship ... an unlikely but congenial setting for the lively conversation that unexpectedly opened up on board between myself and senior members of Aden's security and police services, who had also been invited to the reception, about Yemeni Christians.
"'Are there many Yemeni Christians?' came the first question.
"'Yes,' I replied. No one asked me how many, and I would have been hard pressed to give a figure if I had been asked to. If I had been, I would have ventured several hundred at least, and it could well be several thousand.
"'Where are they?' asked another officer.
"'Everywhere,' I said."
» Full story.
MOROCCO: Christian Jailed for "Shaking the Faith of a Muslim"
Source: Worthy News, September 12, 2013
A Moroccan Christian has been fined and jailed for "shaking the faith of a Muslim."
Spreading Christianity is prohibited under Article 220 of the Moroccan Penal Code; the maximum sentence for this offense is three to six months' imprisonment, but in a September hearing, Mohamed el Baldi was convicted and sentenced to two and a half years.
Baldi was arrested after his house was raided on August 28 and all his religious belongings were confiscated, according to World Watch Monitor.
Baldi, who converted to Christianity almost seven years ago, confessed that he attended Christian meetings in the towns of Meknes and Rabat.
During his hearing, Baldi's mother was said to have asked Allah to exact revenge on whoever tampered with her son's mind.
» Full story here.
About Us
Missions Catalyst
is a free, weekly electronic digest of mission news and resources designed to inspire and equip Christians worldwide for global ministry.
Use it to fuel your prayers, find tips and opportunities, and stay in touch with how God is building his kingdom all over the world. Please forward it freely!
Questions, comments, submissions? Contact publisher and managing editor Marti Wade.
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Pat Noble has been the "news sleuth" for Missions Catalyst since 2004. In addition to churning out the news, she is working to create a SWARM (Serving World A Regional Mobilizers) in Northern New York using the NorthernChristian.org website. You can connect with her at www.flavors.me/patnoble.
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