daninreallife: In church in Burundi watching offering collection, mostly cash and 1-chicken.

daninreallife: Sun has set over the Congo, cool breeze blowing, God is good.

daninreallife: Sunday in Cibotoke: we are beyond internet connection, I can only transmit via phone. We also learned water is not on 24-hrs but whenever.

daninreallife: Sun has set over Congo, sky darkening. Sipping tea in thick humid air, reflecting on Burundi church planting campaign.

daninreallife: In Burundi, on hill surrounded by cows & people. 3-gospel presentations going @ same time. Cool!

daninreallife: In Burundi, shared Jesus w/ a Christian family. Children sang songs for us (new for me). We prayed together. We left the kids our lunch.

daninreallife: NOOoooooooo!! Left my shaving kit in Burundi! Tooth brush, soap, shampoo, razor… All gone! Oh well, I’ll still look good in 10-days.

daninreallife: In Burundi, our bus driver, who became a Christian last week, went w/ e-cube & led 6-people to Jesus!

daninreallife:Love my translator. Choir dancing (not singing) in front of me, translator leans in & says, “They dance”. Uhh, thanks, I’m not blind.

daninreallife: At Burundi Rwanda border customs made us unload all our bags & searched them…

daninreallife: Almost out of “hand wipes” they go fast when water is out at hotel. 12-days to go in Africa.

daninreallife: Going to bed tired, filthy & sweeting in Burundi. Good day 5-Americans, 11-Burundi & 2-Tanzanians shared Jesus w/ 1201-people, 472 prayed.

Photo by  Jonas B

Missionaries work in a gambit of ways, using a variety of methods, but toward a common purpose. That purpose is to add to God’s Kingdom as often as they are able.

Through a basic Christian principle, they are driven to show the lost the way to heaven.  They follow the directions given to us from Scripture, take them and apply
them to the areas of ministry in which they work. Missionaries are blessed with a
global vision and not simply a community one. Their training and experiences allow them to see the world in two categories, lost and found.

New Testament accounts speak of the disciples commitment to share Christ. After Jesus’ assent to heaven, they took up the cause and mission to spread the Good News far and wide. Many references say they added to the kingdom, when souls were won for Christ. This is the same work that missionaries around the world are doing right now, town to town, village to village.

They overcome barriers of race, nationality, education and language in order to perform the work of the mission. Just as the disciples knew that not every hearer would accept the message, missionaries today know as well. But the mission is about telling, watering the plants and trusting God for growth. What a happy reunion heaven will be, seeing all of those who entered the kingdom through the
sharing of the Gospel!

Artwork by ToOliver2

Brother Andrew was brave and bold. He faced daily dangers and hardships. But he wasn’t always working for God.

As a kid, Brother Andrew would constantly sneak out of church and was famous for his pranks. When he got older, he joined the army and killed anyone he thought was being rebellious. He was famous for wearing a bright yellow hat and running around yelling, “shoot me if you can.” He finally did get shot in the ankle. Eventually, while in recovery, he gave his life to God and later experienced a miraculous healing of his foot.

Even though he was rejected by Bible school, he didn’t let that stop him.

After the fall of Communism, Andrew shifted his focus to the Middle East and has even preached to alleged Palestinian terrorists. Brother Andrew has been responsible for starting a mission that has sent Bibles and the Word of God to over 60 “closed” countries.

So, no matter what your background, God can use you to make a difference for Him. What do you think He might have in store for YOUR future?

Photo by dno1967

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To find out more you can read this article at hyperhistory.net, or go to Brother Andrew’s ministry website at Open Doors USA.

Open Doors is an international non-profit ministry which supports and strengthens persecuted Christians. Open Doors works in over 45 countries worldwide. Open Doors’ outreach includes Bible and Christian literature distribution, leadership training and assistance, Christian community development, prayer and presence ministry and advocacy for the persecuted.

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Take the Quiz Which Famous Missionary Are You Most Like? 

PHILIPPINES: FACTS & STATS

Capital: Manila

Climate: Tropical marine with heavy northeast monsoon in the period between November to April and southwest monsoon between May and October.

Population: 96,061,680 according to July 2008 estimates. 30% of the population live below the poverty line as per 2003 estimates. A 2007 estimate places the rate of unemployment at 7.3%. Philippines experienced a boom in its economy in 2007. Remittances from abroad made by non-resident Filipinos contributes to economic growth in a big way. Agriculture is another major contributor and consists of exports in sugarcane, coconuts, rice, corn, and a variety of tropical fruit such as mangoes, pineapples, and bananas. Seafood, eggs, pork, and beef also exported. Other than income from exports, Philippines has thriving industries based on electronics assembling, garments, footwear, chemicals, forestry, food processing, and petroleum refining.

 
Photo by The Dilly Lama

Ethnic Make-up: Tagalog 28%, Cebuano 13%, Ilocano 9%, Bisaya/Binisaya 7.6%, Hiligaynon Ilonggo 7.5%, Bikol 6%, Waray 3.5%, Others 25%.

Religions: Roman Catholics 80.9%, Muslim 5%, Evangelical 2.8%, Iglesia ni Kristo 2.3%, Aglipayan 2%, Others. Philippines is a Roman Catholic country but has the freedom to practice any faith. Christian missionaries carry out evangelisation in remote areas as well as run charity organisations that encompass all faiths.

Language: Filippino, English, and other dialects.

Government: Republic

Travel Issues: Travel to Philippines requires a valid passport that has at least 6 months validity beyond date of stay. You do not require a visa if intending to stay for a period less than 20 days and are citizens of countries such as the US. Citizens of Brazil and Israel do not require a visa for a 59 day period. Others have to inquire at their embassies to get specific information.

Your application for visa is to be accompanied by one passport sized photo signed on the reverse, your passport, proof of financial support for period of stay, application fee, and a self-addressed stamped envelope. You also need to provide travel documents for return or onward journey. Those arriving from areas that have threat of Yellow Fever need to show proof of vaccination in the form of International Certificate of Vaccination.

Health & Safety: Travellers to Philippines are required to be immunised against Hepatitis A, Malaria, and Typhoid. Precautionary measures need to be taken against diarrhoea, dengue fever, and certain varieties of influenza. Consult your health practitioner well before date of travel and ascertain from your embassy about the need for any specific current medical information that you should be aware of. Carry bottled water with you at all times. Eat only fruit that has been peeled by you.

Photo by Mediatejack

SOCIETY & CULTURE

The People
About 60 different ethnic groups co-exist in this nation and that should speak volumes about the ethnic diversity. In addition to this is the influence of foreign influences, especially Spanish and the Western civilisation.

The Religion
Philippines is a Christian country that ardently practices its faith. A contribution of their erstwhile Spanish colonisers, Christianity has influenced the culture and is an intrinsic element of the social fabric. Islam is also practised though by a minority in the southern islands. Conflicts between the two major religions have marred the otherwise tolerant society in recent years.

Role of Family
Family relations are very close and tight knit among Filipinos. This preserves their identity from the mass of ethnic groups that co-exist on the islands. Traditionally grandparents, uncles, aunts, and their families all lived together under the same roof. Modern societies consist of nuclear families as well as extended families including grandparents. Kinship is solid whether as direct progeny or through marriage and even friendship. Close friends and god parents also receive the same treatment as family members. Parenting is a community affair where not just one’s own children but other nieces and nephews also naturally receive care and concern as one’s own.

Ancestors
Filipinos revere their ancestors while alive and after they have passed on. The elderly are taken care of by the children who normally share this duty without complaints. They have elaborate funeral rituals to see off the dead family members. Graveyards are always maintained well and visited by family as a matter of routine and not just on the day of the dead. All Saint’s Day is celebrated as the day of the dead when extra prayers are offered for all dead ancestors.

Recreational Activities
Filipino children in rural areas would never be caught indoors. City kids have their electronic diversions much like the rest of the world. Traditional forms of recreation like jai-alai, horse racing, and cock fighting have under gone transformations or slowly disappeared. As a nation they have a passion for sport in the form of baseball, football, softball, and volleyball. Martial arts are practised widely. Being a group of tropical islands water sports such as canoeing, sailing, scuba diving, and surfing have many aficionados.

Anything else important for this culture
Filipinos are very hospitable and friendly people who have a diehard bonhomie in their personality. They have a colourful vibrant culture and history that they are happy to share with visitors.

Photo by The Dilly Lama

ETIQUETTE & CUSTOMS

Meetings & Greetings
A non-aggressive hand shake with a cheerful smile is the Filipino mode of greeting for both male and female business associates. At social gatherings close friends and relatives share a hug and a kiss on the cheeks. Youngsters greet senior family members by a typical gesture of touching the back of the seniors’ right hand to their forehead.

Courtesy
Always greet the senior most person in a group first and work your way down. Address people using their academic or job-related titles and surnames rather than first names. Most Filipinos have pet names or nick names that are used only by family and close friends. Make sure you do not use it unless invited to.

Gift Giving
If visiting a Filipino home it is good etiquette to bring flowers or sweets. Certain flowers such as lilies and chrysanthemums are to be avoided as they are associated with funerals and considered inauspicious. If gifting chocolates keep it to token levels and not extravagant amounts as this might be taken as an insult. Any gifts should be wrapped well and presented without fanfare. Gifts are not opened before guests.

Dress Code
If at a business meeting, dress conservatively and smartly. First impressions are crucial to winning the trust and respect of your counterparts, so take the trouble to put your best foot forward for your first meetings. Subsequent ones can be toned down but smart dressing is mandatory. Women need not stick to conservative suits, although it is appreciated, but need to keep shoulders and knees covered.

Casual dressing is acceptable at other occasions and is largely guided by the weather. Warm tropical temperatures dictate the need for loose cotton wear while cooler evenings might call for a light jacket.

 
Photo by Mediatejack

Dining Etiquette
Do not seat yourself but wait to be seated as there is a protocol involved. Unless it is a buffet style do not serve yourself. Wait til the elders have served before you do so yourself. Likewise, do not begin to eat until the elders have commenced. If you’ve invited people for a meal avoid serving pork and alcohol if Muslims are present.

Visiting a home
If invited to dinner at a Filipino home do not arrive too early. You may even take the liberty of arriving about 15 minutes late and it will not be deemed offensive. Bring a token gift in the form of candy or flowers. A bottle of wine is acceptable in Christian homes but not in a Muslim home. Avoid dressing too casually however friendly you might be with them; it is an insult to be not dressed well at dinner. When invited to dine do not immediately move to the dining room but wait to be pressed a couple more times.

Communication Style
Filipinos have a natural gregariousness that makes communicating with them an enjoyable experience. A warm greeting accompanied with a smile is all it takes to break the ice. English is spoken widely and they are very happy to answer questions whether it directions or about their art and culture. Do not attempt to discuss politics so as to avoid causing them embarrassment.

Dos and Don’ts
Filipinos set great store by their personal image. They have the concept of Hiya that regulates their everyday behaviour. This is the causing of some one or the self to be shamed. They go out of their way to avoid causing shame whatever the situation. So it should be a priority with the guests to never put them in such a situation. They will never say a direct Yes or No, so never press for a direct answer if you sense evasion. Do not lose your temper, argue, or raise your voice because of this because it will not get you anywhere but result in a loss of respect for you. Avoid direct and prolonged eye contact, especially with the opposite gender. Filipinos have subtle social class systems that outsiders may not be aware of; so be careful.

River Photos by  Mediatejack
Bus Photos, Sunset, Tribal Mountains by The Dilly Lama
Smiling boy by  Jayel Aheram
Cute boys by  Rain Rannu
Map by  joelogs

Translation: “I’m afraid that it would be much too dangerous for me.”

There’s no question our world has become a much more dangerous place to live since 9-11. It’s no wonder that people are more hesitant about traveling to different countries nowadays.

Still, if we are called to “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matt. 28: 19-20 ESV), can we really use that as an excuse not to go?

I hardly think so. If Jesus would leave his 99 sheep to find one lost sheep, he would do it, no matter what the cost. Therefore, we can and must assume that Jesus would expect us to be willing to do the same.

Besides, in Matthew 10:19 tells us, “Do not be afraid of those who kill the body but cannot kill the soul. Rather, be afraid of the One who can destroy both soul and body in hell.”

And in verse 29-31, it say, “Are not two sparrow sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father. And even the very hairs of your head are numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows.”

Therefore, we can no longer use excuse #9 as a valid excuse.

View Original Article: TOP 10 DUMBEST REASONS NOT TO GO ON A MISSIONS TRIP

Photo by Peter Rivera

K. P. Yohannan grew up in a small village in southern India and accepted Jesus at age 8.  He is the author of “Revolution in World Missions” and is a life-long missionary. Yohannan is well known for his passion for spreading the Good News of Christ to the peoples of Asia. Yohannan credits the prayers and fasting of his mother with the heavy influence missions now has on his life.

When you read K. P.’s writings from any of his many books, you can’t help but understand the love he has for his country. One of Yohannan’s approaches applies his belief in the importance of Indian people hearing this message from other Indians. He believes that it is easier to convince Indians of who Christ is, if the messenger is one of their nationality.

Yohannan doesn’t discourage missionaries of other races or nationalities, but promotes the training of those men and women from India, who feel called to this assignment. K. P.’s belief was so strong that in 1979 he resigned from his pastoral position in America to work full time in missions. Through his work thousands of missionaries in 11 countries have been trained to minister to those needy and suffering in the world.

One of the trademark teachings of Yohannan is that the physical needs of the people must be met, if one hopes to have them listen to the message. So a large part of this work requires funding to provide such things as food, water, clothing to potential hearers of the Gospel. Yohannan’s philosophy is that one would have to ministerto the body in order to focus on the soul.

To read a copy of Yohannan’s book, “Revolution in World Missions,” you can purchase it at Amazon.com along with his many other books, as well.

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During a short term mission to Japan, previous to our time here now, we were spending the day with our home stay host. He teaches in a Jr. High girl’s school and so he invited us to join them for a field trip to a local sea park. Most of our day was spent with the teachers and staff.

At the end of the day we had a meal with the school staff. The woman sitting across from us asked me, “So, why are you in Japan?” As I began to answer, it seemed suddenly all ears at the table were focused on what we had to say. I explained that we were missionaries and that we were Christians. She was asking me questions about my God.

Then she said, “Would you like to see one of my gods?”

“Sure,” I said. She pulled out a handkerchief and began to unwrap it carefully, producing a small wooden circle that had an ink image stamped upon it. I asked what it was for–their gods are for special purposes.

“This one is for traveling,” she replied.

In reply I said, “I mean no disrespect, but your god is a dead little piece of wood. Here, I can make another god for you just as easily.” I proceeded to draw a little “happy face” on a napkin.

She replied, “Yes, but this one is different. I paid the priest for this one and he has blessed it.”

I answered, “Tell me, if you didn’t have this little piece of wood with you, would you be afraid? Is this why you carry it?”

“Yes,” she answered.

I looked her in the eye and with a calm reassuring look I answered, “My God is alive. He lives inside of me and He is with me always.”

I then sensed my wife tapping me on the knee under the table. She was signaling me she wanted to say something. She began to speak, “You know when I was a little girl, I had so much fear. It seemed I was afraid of all kinds of things: people, traveling and being successful at things. I was always dealing with and trying to overcome my fear, and it was so hard for me. Now God lives inside me and He gives me the assurance that I can do anything He asks me to do, because He gives me hope and strength.”

It was very quiet at the table. Everyone was listening to us with polite and careful intent. Our home stay host was looking at us with a smile that said, “Thanks. You said it when I could not.” We don’t know that anyone received Christ at that table that day but the seed was planted. Someone will water, someone will harvest. The complete work is up to God and the power of His Holy Spirit. We are just asked to be faithful in the part He gives us to do. For my wife and me, this was a very exciting moment that we will never forget. That was when God started the work in our hearts to come to Japan full time.

Photos by bhollar and  x-eyedblonde

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If you would like to learn more about the McBades, and their ministries, visit them on the web at www.mcbade.com or www.gracejapan.com.

Betsey Stockton was born a slave in Princeton, New Jersey. She was given as a gift by her slave owner to his daughter and son-in-law upon their marriage. The home that she entered as a gift was probably one of the greatest blessings of her life, considering her circumstances. The Reverend Ashbel Green was the President of Princeton University and as such promoted reading and intellectual endeavors. Betsey was even allowed to attend evening classes at the Princeton Theological Seminary. The more that she learned the more her heart was burdened to share her faith. Betsey Stockton expressed her heart’s desire to become a missionary, and her owners granted her with the gift of freedom.

(What the Reverend did to free Betsey was a commendable counter-culture move, but we can’t help note the sad facts that slavery was so common in his society, and that he, himself, had a slave in the first place.)

Betsey became a member of the American Board of Commissions for Foreign Missionaries and was assigned a mission in Maui, Hawaii. Betsey Stockton was the first overseas single American woman missionary. There, she pressed to not only educate the missionary children and the chief’s children but the common children as well. Betsey believed that everyone had the right to be taught and learn. When she was granted permission to do so, she learned the Hawaiian language and established a school where she taught English, Algebra, Latin and History. After Betsey returned to Princeton she continued her missionary ways, leaving to teach Native American children in Canada and then black children in Philadelphia.

If a woman who began life as a slave can achieve such wonderful things through the grace of God, what is possible for us now in this age of opportunity?

Photo by babasteve

We at MissionsLaunch like to let you know what’s being tweeted about in the world of Twitter surrounding missions. This week our theme is the Great Commission and reaching out to those in the 1040 window.  According to world evangelism statistics: Of the 55 least evangelized countries, 97% of their population lives within the Ten Forty Window, which is mostly Muslim, Hindu, and Communist. @CrescentProject is a great person to follow if you are interested in reaching out to Muslims, specifically. Happy Friday!

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sidraz: Sahara Challenge -There are only 2.3 missionaries for every million Muslims.

FJTMinistries: Our primary call is to fulfill the Great Commission by sharing the Good News of Jesus with those who have never heard.

DerikOberholzer: 921 MILLION lost people in China who don’t know Jesus. Among another 690 MILLION in the rest of 1040 Window…send me

ProfessorQB: If you can’t feed a hundred people, then feed just one. ~Mother Teresa

WorldVisionUSA: - It tastes a little like mutton, but it’s camel meat, a staple of the daily diet in #Somaliland

MissionsLaunch: More churches have been planted in Iran in the past 15 years than in the past 1500 years - John Hull, EQUIP CEO

jasonkovacs :As of yesterday, there were 6,532 unreached peoples (according to JoshuaProject.net)

sidraz: “Missions is just one beggar telling another beggar where to find bread.” -D.T. Niles

30dp: God is powerfully at work in Uzbekistan, a Muslim country ruled by one of the most repressive regimes

NationsBeGlad Piper: - I am praying several hundred of you in this room lay your lives down on the mission field

NationsBeGlad: Stetzer - don’t forget that there are people around the globe who don’t even have a word for our Savior.

iChristianLife: Luis Palau talks about the call to sacrifice for the Great Commission

CrescentProject: “Our job is not to make a Muslim become a Christian. Our job is to show them the true love of Christ.” -Fouad Masri

CrescentProject: Presenting the truth of Christ and the Gospel to a Muslim believer takes relationship, dedication and time. Are you willing?

Margaret Engle

Margaret Engle was an ordinary girl born in Industry, Pennsylvania in 1895. At the age of 15 she met her first missionary, and the course of her life was set in motion. The spark and desire for spreading the Gospel to the world were planted. A good friend of hers, a missionary, challenged Margaret to seek God’s plan for her life through prayer. Engle did just that, but did not see the fulfillment of this plan for years. She went on to college at Penn State pursuing a degree in teaching.

Almost everyone who knew her had expectations of what Margaret’s life would amount to. What she experienced is probably what a lot of potential missionaries face. There are people in their lives who have other plans for them. But God’s plans and purposes have to be the most important. Through unexpected events and an invitation to join a friend in Africa, Engle ended up on the other side of the world, far away from home and familiar trappings.

Eventually she settled in a town near Mount Kilimanjaro where she ended up teaching African children. The skills she had acquired in America and her love of teaching were used, but in a different way and in a different place.

Trust in God requires our faith to be engaged! Margaret had no idea what God would do in her life, but she trusted Him. The seed planted long ago was brought to fruition. Her courage to place her trust in God may have caused others concern, but Engle’s heart was fixed. Margaret would also go on to meet her husband in Africa, Tom Marsh a widower at the time. The two, worked as missionaries in the continent for the majority of their marriage.

photo by Stig Nygaard