Archive - July, 2007

The Laborers Are Few

July 31, 2007 in Missions with 0 Comments

Below is an excerpt of an email from my good friend Ben Hoar who is working in Northeast Thailand. This is his first hand experience of engaging the unengaged and reaching the unreached. Let it stir your heart.

“Yesterday my family went out to pass out tracts to a nearby high school.There are over 1000 students there. We passed out tracts there in the evening as they left school to go home. I spoke with many of the students and some of the teachers. They said that no one had ever once come and told them about God. They said that no one had ever given them a tract or spoken to them about Jesus. I spoke to Alisha who lives with us and she said that no Christian ever visited her school either or told her anything about God. She said Chinese Buddhists who practice witchcraft and self mutilation came often, but no Christians. It is a crime! Here in the year 2007 near the end of the world and in a free country so many, around 90%, of the ones I speak to say that they have never heard. If it is this bad here in the second largest city of a free and developing country, imagine the small towns and villages of Thailand. Do they have a witness? What of those in Burma, Laos, Cambodia, Malaysia? The job is not done and the laborers are few. Pray for us that we would endure and glorify God. Pray for more laborers to go to the unreached. Remember that most of the people in the world are unevangelized. Be an instrument in God’s hand to bring salvationto the nations.”

Take a moment and write an encouraging letter to this missionary family of 5. Send them a tangible sign of your love as well by helping them financially. You can send your gift to:

Ben Hoar
International Servants Acting As Christ, Inc.
3651 Peachtree Parkway
Suite E139
Suwanee, GA 30024

Contact me directly and I can get you in contact with them.

JL

Top 3 Movies At the Box Office

July 30, 2007 in Commentary with 1 Comment

1. The Simpsons

2. I Now Pronounce You Chuck & Larry

3. Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix

What conclusions do you draw about American society from this? How many American “Christians” do you suppose chipped in on the 10′s of millions that these movies have been making just this week, but haven’t given $10 this year to a missionary or any type of outreach? As I said before quoting Jesus, “Where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”

JL

South Korean Missionaries Held Hostage in Afghanistan

July 27, 2007 in Missions with 1 Comment

23 Missionaries from South Korea are being held by the Taliban in Afghanistan and one of the hostages has recently been murdered. Many of you may not know this but the largest church in the world is not in America, but in Seoul South Korea. I have been to South Korea and for the limited time that I was there I can attest to their zeal for the purposes of God. Even the mainline denominational churches have a missionary zeal and fire. God is raising them up to go to some of the hardest and least reached places of the earth. Would you commit to praying for our brethren there? They need our support in this time of testing.

This incident reminds me of the stark differences between Christianity and Islam. Christians are called to lay down their lives even for their enemies while Islam calls for their faithful to take men’s lives even if those lives are trying to help them.

A writer from the International Tribune writes, “For South Koreans, this new crisis represents the cost the country is paying for the aid and evangelical operations that its Christian churches conduct in some of the world’s most dangerous places….With 12,000 to 17,000 evangelists working in more than 160 countries, South Korea has one of the most aggressive armies of Christian missionaries on earth. Only the United States sends out more – 46,000 by some estimates…A conservative association of Protestant churches in South Korea has called for dispatching 100,000 missionaries by 2030.” Read more here. JL

Why Western Missionaries?

July 24, 2007 in Missions with 0 Comments

Some would argue that Western Missionaries are not needed in the world any longer.

“Let the natives believers do the work” is their cry.”

What they forget is that there are some places that still don’t have any native believers!  They are unreached and unengaged.

In some places the church is still very weak, divisive, and engaged in distracting doctrinal arguments that keep them from fulfilling the Great Commission to their own people.  I have seen this in my own field of Thailand.

Some native leaders, just as many Western leaders, are corrupt and deceitful.  They know how to ask for funds and show certain projects that will illicit funding from the west.  Without proper relationship, financial support from the West will only add to the problem.

The cultural perspective of native leaders is highly valuable, especially when trying to make the Gospel truly “good news” to their own people.  But other times it can be a major hinderance and a blind spot to moving in the right direction.  I believe God raises up and sends part of his Body from other regions to give a sometimes much needed “outsiders” perspective.

Only after these cross cultural missions leaders put in the time to become one with the culture and language can they speak from a position of authority.  Those who have paid this price, are highly regarded advisors to native leaders.  In many cases much more than a Pastor or leader from the West who has not paid this price.

Still many other native leaders are still welcoming “on the ground” missionaries to partner with them in very specific and helpful ways that don’t create unnecessary dependence on Western funds.

These “goers” are still very needed in many places around the world.

Some places are strong enough to stand on their own.  We are thankful for them.

Dependence created by paying native pastors salaries many times that they wait for more funds to move forward in outreach when they used to do outreach without the funds.  Steve Saint, the famous missionary son of Nate Saint, shows this clearly in his book “The Great Omission.”

Don’t get me wrong, we need to partner with those who have a heart to reach their country for Jesus, but that doesn’t preclude us from going and sending the right people ourselves.

We need the whole Church to take the Whole Gospel to the Whole World!

We can all participate in God’s global mission by knowing, praying, giving, and/or going, but how many of us are participating in these things in regards to those with little to no ACCESS to the Gospel?

We cannot neglect the rest of the world for the sake of reaching our community.

When God has given us the resources and wisdom today in the Western Church and we consume it all on ourselves, won’t we be held accountable when their are so many multiplied millions in the world who have never had the opportunity to hear the Gospel even once?

My challenge then to the Missional/Emerging/Post Modern/Seeker Friendly churches of America is to run with the vision they have for reaching the lost in their own back yard, but also remember that

“to whom much is given, much is required.”

Support worthy native leaders and don’t completely give up on the practice of sending your best missionaries from the nations.  Make sure that those you support and send from the West are or will be meeting a strategic need, whether it is felt yet or not.

Make sure they are well versed in church multiplication movement principles, discipleship, the courage to challenge the status quo when needed, to pioneer, the ability to work in humility with others, and the ability to give the native leaders tools they need to contextualize for their people rather than simply following the imported Western model.

If they have the raw talent, some preparation and a clear calling from God, they can be sent to work with mentors for a season before launching out to be catalysts and strategists in their own right.  If Western missionaries are supported and sent by our churches, I believe these are the most needed, especially among the places that still have little to no access to the Gospel.

I believe every church in America should find a way to support the right kind of native leaders, especially among the unreached blocs of Islam, Buddhism, Hinduism, and Atheistic Chinese.

But as they do, they will soon find out that they also need the right people on the ground working in partnership with these leaders and groups of people.

In our efforts to support native leaders, let’s not advocate for a position that “throws the baby out with the bath water” and stops supporting any and all missionaries sent from the Western world.

We don’t have to use an argument against one to help support the other.  But we may need to bring some clarity and new definition to the roles of those we send.

At the end of the day, those who advocate for the needs of the unreached can all agree with this main point:

Jesus bled and died for people from every language, tribe, and nation and yet there are still multitudes in our generation waiting to hear…just once.  We are all responsible to see that the Gospel goes to them.

 

Harry Potter and Witchcraft

July 22, 2007 in Commentary with 2 Comments

“There shall not be found among you anyone who …practices witchcraft, or a soothsayer, or one who interprets omens, or a sorcerer, or one who conjures spells, or a medium, or a spiritist, or one who calls up the dead. For all who do these things are an abomination to the LORD, and because of these abominations the LORD your God drives them out from before you. You shall be blameless before the LORD your God. For these nations which you will dispossess listened to soothsayers and diviners; but as for you, the LORD your God has not appointed such for you.” Deut. 18:10-14

Reading this verse, it is plain that the teaching and values of the Harry Potter series concerning witchcraft and the like are contrary to God’s Word and God’s will. I will say that what amazes me is that a whole generation has been indoctrinated to accept witchcraft and wizardry as acceptable or at least a fantasy that they can particpate in without harm. I saw a girl on TV the other day who started reading the books in middle school and was now in college and was excited to read the newest book. One kid said that he had read each book at least 5 times. Doesn’t anyone think that this is more than just a new fascination with reading? People are saying, “Well at the least kids are reading”! To me, that’s like watching a kid eat cookies laced with rat poison and saying, “Well at least he’s getting something to eat”!

The Church must speak out and educate people on the reality and potential danger of the supernatural world. It cannot be an issue that we think will take care of itself if we don’t address it. We must help people to see the supernatural in the light of the revelation of God’s word. I have heard of people who are mediums (people who communicate with the spirit world) who claim that their “gift” is from God. For anyone who knows the Bible, this is clearly deception.

Likewise, people who believe in “white witchcraft” are deceived if they think that they are “doing good.” While out sharing the Gospel, I had an encounter with a man on the street in Brisbane Australia who was a Druid Priest. He told us about his Father’s spirits and the fairies (yes, he was sane!) that protected him growing up. He talked about the supernatural powers he had and justified himself saying that he used them for good.

He was amazed and scared when speaking with us because he saw that although his spirits wanted to hurt us, they could not touch us. They stood at a distance cursing and calling this man to come away. We decided to take this man to dinner with us as we realized that God was at work. He told us that all of his life, even as a child, he was friends with these spirits. He said they were the most beautiful creatures he had ever seen and he loved them dearly. After we preached Jesus to this man, he told us that he believed. After his confession, he was amazed because these “beautiful spirits” changed into the most hideous creatures and ran away from the scene screaming.

This is a long story made shorter, but I wanted to share it to say, “Witchcraft, sorcery, wizardry, devils, spirits, omens, and the like are not kid’s play. These things are real and in essence represent manipulation. Only through Jesus Christ do we have the power and victory over them. Satan, the master manipulator, will let you think you have the control if he can gain an even greater control because of it. He will let you think you are using “good” to prevail over evil if you will only stay preoccupied from finding salvation in Jesus Christ. Don’t be deceived. Read Here.

Christian, speak the truth in love to the world of Harry Potter around you. Swim against this rising tide of witchcraft and raise up the standard of God’s Eternal Word which alone has the power to interpret the spirit world and set people free from deception.

JL

Missional and Obedience

July 20, 2007 in Missions with 0 Comments

I have been following the conversation recently regarding the idea of being missional.

Let me say that I fully agree with the practice of going into our communities as the whole church (not just the paid ministers), seeking and saving the lost, being missionaries to our “host societies”, and reaching people in our day to day lives in America.

I understand this as a reaction/Biblical response to the “pew sitting”, “what’s in it for me”, “bless me club” lifestyle of most Western Christians.

Many of those who are running with the missional vision are younger church planters who sense a call to reach their generation in an incarnational way (being all things to all men so that they might win some).

For many churches, especially many mainline demoninational churches, this is fresh vision that has brought new life to many congregations.

To others, it was their mentality even though they never called it any other term but obedience.

Fight the Fight!

July 20, 2007 in Development with 0 Comments

“Fight the good fight of faith; take hold of the eternal life to which you were called, and you made the good confession in the presence of many witnesses.” I Tim 6:12

I was meditating on this scripture this morning as I thought about how many times I have been going along in life, coasting so to speak, and not really having a care in the world. Relationships are good, money’s coming in; you know what I mean? It’s allll gooood.

It’s in these times that we can forget that we are in a battle for our lives. FIGHT? I would rather REST! But if I don’t fight, I could find myself losing more than I bargained for. There is a rest and a peace for the people of God, but it comes in the midst of the battle not merely outside of it. My responsibility is to fight; fight for the promises of God in my life, fight for the souls of my family, fight to remain an influencer in the Kingdom of God, and fight to make my life count for eternity. All of these things may be the cry of my heart, but it’s up to me to FIGHT, and TAKE HOLD. We’ve made the good confession. We’ve talked the talk. But it’s in the midst of the battle where what we are made of really comes to the surface. By God’s grace we will always be led in victory if we will only fight. (2 Cor 2:14)

JL

New World Missions Atlas

July 16, 2007 in Missions with 1 Comment

I love looking at maps and studying the locations of various countries. I recently came upon a site that I thought was great. It’s an atlas and missions reference all in one called World Map. There is country information, history, and links to other resources. Take some time to check it out here and see the enormous need and potential out there for those who dare to care. Who knows? Maybe God will lay a certain place or people on your heart that you would have never given a second thought to before.

JL

Reverse Missionaries Fulfilling the Great Commission

July 14, 2007 in Missions with 0 Comments

The Washington Post just did an article on the trend of nations that have traditionally received Christian missionaries now sending missionaries to Europe and even the US. I love hearing about how God is using our Asian, Latin, and African brothers and sisters to revitalize and rebuild the church all over the world. Make no mistake about it, Almighty God is not limited to what western Christianity will or will not do in regards to preaching the Gospel all over the world. If we drop the torch, he will continue to get it into the hands of those who will run with it.

The news writer states, “For centuries, when Europe was the global center of Christianity, millions of European missionaries traveled to other continents to spread their faith by establishing schools and churches. Now, with European church attendance at all-time lows and a dearth of preachers in the pulpits, thousands of “reverse missionaries” are flocking back, migrating from poor countries to rich ones to preach the Gospel where it has fallen out of fashion. The phenomenon signals a fundamental shift in the power, style and geography of Christianity, the world’s largest religion. Most of its more than 2 billion adherents now live in the developing world. And as vast numbers of them migrate to Europe, as well as to the United States, they are filling pews and changing worship styles. Churches in countries such as Nigeria, Ghana, South Korea and the Philippines have sent thousands of missionaries to Europe to set up churches in homes, office buildings and storefronts.” Read the full article here.

JL

8 Random Things About Me…

July 12, 2007 in Commentary with 0 Comments

1. I climbed to the top of Mt. Fuji in Japan and back down in half a day. Of course, that was many years ago! Now I can climb into my bed for a nap in half a minute!

2. One of the most powerful moments in my life was being baptized in the Holy Spirit.

3. I’m originally from South Louisiana and love to eat boiled crawfish, gumbo, Jambalaya, and Boudin. It’s a Louisiana thing, you may not understand.

4. I’ve traveled to 14 different nations: Japan, S. Korea, Thailand, Hong Kong, Singapore, Philippines, Indonesia, Australia, United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Guatemala, Germany, Mexico, and Ukraine.

5. If money were no object, I would love to travel as a catalyst for world evangelism, strengthening churches and movements to send their people and resources to the least reached/least engaged people groups.

6. I have never swung a golf club in my life, but I’ve been thinking about giving it a try, much to the dismay of my wife.

7. I used to be in a worship band called “Consuming Fire” where I sang back up, but I’m not a good singer…just zealous for God! “Make a joyful NOISE” is my motto!

8. The first Bible I bought myself was a leather bound KJV Dake’s Annotated Reference Bible with the smallest type print you’ve ever seen! I guess I like to make it hard on myself or something.

 

July 12, 2007 in Uncategorized with 0 Comments

I am in a video posting mood today and found this little gem thank to the Tony Woodlief’s manly site Sand in the Gears :-) . Man, the guy in this video inspired me! Working a job as a phone salesman?! He was a jewel just waiting to be encouraged and drawn out. What a great life picture of humility & potential. Enjoy!

JL

The Call Nashville

July 10, 2007 in Missions with 1 Comment

This is just a glimpse from THE CALL NASHVILLE 7/7/07:

[youtube=http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yl-G3_MvneA]

JL

The Call Nashville Prayer

July 10, 2007 in Missions with 0 Comments

Holy Hush…
Exalt the Lord…

Whenever two or more agree concerning anything…

Open up the heavens Lord….
If my people who are called by my name will humble themselves…

We surrender to your ways Father…
JL

 

The Call Nashville Diary

July 9, 2007 in Commentary with 1 Comment

Just made it in from The Call in Nashville on Sunday morning. We headed out Friday at around 8pm and rested in Knoxville for the night. Saturday morning we woke up early and headed in to LP Stadium. While we were coming in, there were 10′s of thousands of people marching silently through 3 miles of the city and praying as they went. We entered the stadium to find thousands already praying and worshipping. By the time the event got under way, the stadium infield was fill as well as all of the seats up to the top section.

It was HOT! 30 minutes into the day, sweat was cascading down my back. I was drinking loads of water, but it wasn’t until the end of the day that I made my first bathroom break! Once we started praying I could tell that these people were here to go after God and the majority didn’t seem to care about the weather. Think about it. Thousands of God hungry people, traveling from across the country to skip food, stand in the heat, and pray for God to move in our nation! The place was electric at times. Praise roared out of the top of the stadium. People knelt down on the concrete in front of their seats and called out to God. One time, the worship leader told everyone to praise God with a wild David like praise and the whole place seemed to be moving up and down! It was crazy and fun! There were times when people were in groups of 3 or more, confessing, praying, and asking forgiveness.

One of the main things that impacted me was how almost none of the speakers were named before they prayed. None of the worship leaders were introduced even though many were well known. Lou Engle even remarked, “I don’t care if you like the music or not. This is a fast, not a festival.” There isn’t any other event that I can remember being apart of where 10′s of thousands of people met together to just make it about God and not man.

There were times when I thought, “This is like a one day fasting, prayer, and worship bootcamp.” Some people weren’t respecting their bodies by drinking enough water and they made unscheduled visits to the nearest hospital. Other people were well broken in from fasting for 40 days prior. This was the culmination to everything that had been sacrificing for and they were fully engaged with what was going on! I only fasted from the night before to later that evening and it was still difficult with the heat. I can only imagine what it was like for people on extended fasts.

I truly believe that some things were changed in my own life from this event. I know that things have shifted in regards to the things we prayed about. The prayer was earnest, in agreement, in faith, focused, and fervent. What more can you ask for? It was getting the job done on a mass scale and I know that God is going to do something in America through this event.

Senator Brownback, who has been a regular attender of Call events, was there for personal reasons. He publicly repented and ask for forgiveness for the Federal Governments treatment of Native Americans, African Americans, Latinos, and Women.

Some alarming statistics were given on the affect of pornography on the church in America, especially in regards to leadership. Pastors were called to the front to lead the way to repentance. Pastors were on their knees and their faces calling out to God by the thousands.

Three couples were married on this day in front of the whole stadium. As the crowd sang, they walked the aisle to meet their bridegroom. It was a beautiful scene and had to be very impacting for the couples involved.

All of the people that I brought from Freedom House were impacted by the day. We left for Charlotte exhausted but glad we made the trip. We left with a renewed sense of hope and a desire to believe God for greater things through fasting and prayer. We look forward to heading to the mall in DC in 2008 for the Call DC II. Why don’t you consider meeting us there and being one of the million people that we believe are going to be there on that day?

Over the next week, I will post some pictures and comment on some of the main scriptures that have to do with themes that were presented at the event. Themes like solemn assembly, massive fasting and prayer, etc. So, check back later!

JL

Fasting and Prayer This Weekend in Nashville

July 3, 2007 in Commentary with 2 Comments

Getting ready to head to Nashville, TN this weekend for The Call. I attended the Call DC and the Call New York, so I look forward to what God is going to do at this event. There is something powerful that happens when thousands of young people fill a football stadium for no other purpose but to fast and pray for our nation and generation. I got goose bumps just thinking about it today! God is drawing people who are hungry for Him. These people are not coming because of a certain speaker or musician, or a even a festival atmosphere. I believe that God is going to change something in my heart through this event. I hope to blog my way through it, so stay tuned!