imagining how the church can reorient around mission

 

"The local church in much of Europe is like a crippled man.  We must not turn in disgust and abandon this hurting man.  We also must not criticize him for how he got himself in this position, or walk around him to get our task done.  We must come alongside him and help him to walk straight and powerfully.  Indeed, this man could bring great hope to his people if first healed and directed onward!" read more

"Tell the students to give up their small ambitions and come eastward to preach the gospel of Christ." — Francis Xavier, missionary to India, the Philippines, and Japan

In an era where we are wonderfully recapturing the realization that each and every person is a missionary, in context, I am also seeing a bit of a shrinking away from the idea of leaving land and family for the sake of the Gospel.  In my situation, I am seeking to inspire and recruit people to a very unchurched land – Europe.  I know, it is not seen as needy like India or Asia, but the stark reality is western Europe, in the words of the late missiologist Lessilie Newbigin, is the last great mission field. I am just going to say it: will you pray about involving yourself in missional/incarnational church planting in Europe?" read more

I knew I stood in the wrong line almost
immediately.  There were several
Irish couples (fifty-ish) and in front of them a young Muslim family of five.  The wife wore a "hijab" with full-face cover and I was wondering if
she was going to get through without disclosing who she was.  I wasn’t the only one.  As she went forward (with her family)
literally every one of the Irish folk careened their necks to see what would
happen.  Well, after a lengthy
wait, with lots of hand motions and consternation, she turned discretely toward
the customs-officer and revealed her face.

Ok, are you ready for what happened
next?  Wait, wait…ok.  The Irish people in line literally
applauded.  It was a public
outburst.  The young woman, after re-positioning her scarf, turn and looked back with a surprised and embarrassed look.  I was standing there not
really knowing what to think or feel – kind of staggered.  To be honest, I didn’t want her to get through
without disclosure for security reasons (regardless of religion or heritage), but
I was taken aback by the stridency of the white Europeans.  Standing behind one of the couples I
listened in as the husband  said to his wife, “Dear, we have to make a stand.”  The same guy, as he went up to show his Passport leaned into the guard and said loud enough for most to hear, "Bravo!!!"