I don’t have Missiomishmash in my blog reader but judging by the quality of these two posts I may have to reconsider. The insights from David Hosaflook, minister in Albania are refreshing.

The first article is entitled “On Adaptation (or, Should I Wear a Loin Cloth?)” and features a picture of a thoroughly adapted Hudson Taylor in China. This article is a wealth of knowledge coming from a seasoned foreign minister. (An Albanian resident since 1992.)

The second article is his take on the type of items that supporters should add to their prayer lists. It’s actually an adaptation of an 1984 article on the same subject. It’s comprehensive in its approach to prayer and I think covers the specific needs for successful cross-cultural ministry well. I’m sending these to our supporters and I suggest you do to.

Tags: Missionary Life

Justin Taylor’s take on McClarenism:

Justin Taylor at Between two Worlds posted some thoughts on the latest book by Brian McClaren called “A New Kind of Christianity” and its well worth a read. He also links to Kevin DeYoung’s 12 page tome where Kevin reviews “A New Kind of Christianity” chapter by chapter all the way through the book. If you’re interested in Emergent philosophy or just a fan of McClaren, these words are worth your time. I think Justin sums up my thoughts on the subject nicely.

“I hesitate to post on Brian McLaren’s latest book, A New Kind of Christianity. My personal preference with books like this is often to ignore them, not giving them the attention they so desire. -After all, ‘controversy sells.”- But the book was published by a major publisher (HarperOne), and as of this morning it is #706 at Amazon.com. So people are going to read this book—a book that represents a significant attack on orthodox Christianity.”

Tags: Jots

In 2001 my wife (then girlfriend) convinced me to switch to Apple Macintosh computers. I had been working (and still am) as a technology expert using Windows based personal computers and had never personally used a Macintosh. Being so in love that I could barely spell my own name, I agreed and it (along with marrying that girl) was one of the best decisions I ever made. They say that once you go Mac you never go back... its true. We’ve been a Mac house ever since.

Last week I plunked down a wad of cash for a brand new 27” iMac. Despite all of the quality control issues they’ve had since December, Apple still got my money. Even though I could have saved $50 from a 3rd party vendor I bought directly from them. Even though I could have built a screaming fast Windows PC at similar cost I still chose an iMac. Why? And what did that teach me about being a missionary?

They make it their goal to offer the absolute best

From shopping, to components, design, and attention to detail, the experience of buying an Apple computer is saturated with the goal of selling the very best technology experience. Don’t believe me? Visit one of their temples stores. As missionaries, we must be utterly convinced that what we’re offering is hands-down the absolute best “product” in the marketplace of ideas. Nothing else out there comes close to a relationship with God through Jesus. Go ahead and sample any other philosophy you want, you will leave disappointed. I am convinced of this because of what I’ve witnessed in my own life; when missionaries believe that Jesus is the only way, people, families, communities, and cultures are transformed. If you need some fire-power, this book will help.

They use what they’re selling

If you’ve ever talked to an Apple employee you will know one thing; they actually use their own products. Back in November, Apple swapped out their old in-store payment system for one designed for the iPod Touch. It was important for customers to see that Apple used their own products. Talking with the Apple rep about my iMac concerns last week he described his experience with his own iMac so I could better understand the quality issues. Because of this, I listened to what he had to say. If you want to be eternally successful in ministry you’d better be using what you’re selling.

"The greatest single cause of atheism in the world today are Christians who acknowledge Jesus with their lips and walk out the door and deny Him by their lifestyle. That is what an unbelieving world simply finds unbelievable." - Brennan Manning

They serve people well

Having been an Apple customer for nearly 9 years let me assure you, they are not perfect. Their products break, sometimes they’re dead on arrival, and I never buy first releases. However, the one thing that has retained my loyalty more than any other thing is that they have served me well as a customer. The saying is true, “Business is like tennis, those who serve well win.” As missionaries, this same sentiment should define our ministries also. We serve people well because we’re modeling our Lord Jesus who came to serve not to be served. This means that I work to make acquaintances into friends. I remember names. I make sure to contact people and be on time when we meet. I remember important events (even if I have to put the info into my calendar). Serving well means that my ultimate goal is giving people every opportunity to come to know Jesus, never hindering their journey, but allowing them to see him through me.

One lesson Apple will never teach

There is a lot about service we can learn from companies like Apple. The reason they are so successful is that whether they acknowledge it or not, embrace it or deny it, they are (in principle) practicing Jesus’ model of service. Yet while we can learn a lot from them, there is one lesson they can never teach. In sacrificial love, Jesus humbled himself and became obedient to death, even death on a cross. At the end of the day, this alone is the distinctive principle from which the rest must flow and one only the King of kings is qualified to teach.

Tags: Missions, Missionary Life

Missionary Confidential posted a link to a new Support Raising Solutions article from BodyBuilders.net called the Top 5 Support Raising Mistakes. It’s a fantastic article with a lot of helpful advice especially for those of us who’ve broken each of these at some point in our ministry. My favorites?

1. I prayed too lightly

WHY oh why do I not pray more?! When I pray…I see God work. When I don’t pray…it seems like His blessings dry up. So, why do I not pray more? I guess I am just a fool. To think I can plan my work and work my plan without bathing “the before, during, and after” in prayer is the height of arrogance and pride and shows precisely where my security is—in myself, instead of God. If I choose to sacrifice time in the prayer closet because I am supposedly too busy, I am literally shooting myself in the foot!

and...

#2. Put a $ on their forehead

I thought I could determine in advance what someone would give. The better off they seemed, the more I expected. Well, not anymore. I have been blessed so many times by the sacrificial giving of those who didn’t seem to have anything to give.

Well worth a read if you’re in the support raising season.

Tags: Missions, Money

Today the official website for Pope Benedict XVI’s visit to Portugal was announced and although I’ve been rather silent on the blog front for a few days, this caught my eye. Why should I care about the May visit of Benedict XVI to Lisbon, Fatima, and Porto and why should you? As you might guess, Portugal is a heavily Roman Catholic country with very ancient ties both to ancient Rome and to the vatican. It’s Roman Catholic population hovers somewhere around 88% while the evangelical Christian population sits at .08%. That’s a big difference! There are a number of reasons why his visit is important for Christians and missionaries concerned about Portugal and Europe:

• Ironically, his visit is occurring at the same time as our planned move.
• His visit will bring a heightened sense of spirituality to the country.
• The contrast between biblical Christianity and Roman Catholicism will be clearly seen.
• Those seeking God will be open to listening for his voice.
• His visit will encourage a very down-trodden people.
• Christians in America will be able to see how desperate Portugal really is for the Gospel.
• The pope will leave yet the Lord’s church will remain to help people come to really know Jesus.
• Many young people will be reminded of why they left Roman Catholicism and be open to finding a better way.
• The veil of sin will be lifted and it’s perverted, soul-stealing lies revealed for all the world to see.

I remember all normal programming on T.V. was stopped as Pope Benedict was revealed as the new pontiff. I remember being in Ireland, another ultra-Catholic country when he was crowned as “head of the church.” I remember hearing the hopes and dreams of millions of Irish come crashing down when after a period of time the event was forgotten and life went on. And I remember having the opportunity over the next days and months to share with disillusioned Catholics the truth and hope revealed in Jesus, the real head of the church. I truly believe that the Pope’s visit is an opportunity but only for those willing to see it as such.

Colossians 1:18

“And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy.”

Tags: Portugal, Why Europe, Missions