Missions as Seen from Singapore

I want to share something amazing that we experienced while in Singapore. Here in the US, we have long thought that the world revolves around us in a lot of important ways. Think about it - we have the "World" series, but it only involves American baseball teams. There are more things like this, even in our Christiain circles.

We think that we send the most missionaries, that we send the most money, that we are the primary hope for the world to hear about Jesus.

I now think we are wrong, or at least sorely misguided in some ways - or perhaps just a bit ignorant of some key facts.

Becki and I found churches in Singapore that have AMAZING mission programs! We read about ministry to several difficult countries. We witnessed reports from very recent trips. We heard from young people and older people, it seemed that everyone had a place to go.

We heard plans for several trips from just one church, to go to several countries, all during this coming Christmas time!! I was deeply convicted that we are not doing all we can do!

I was also taken with the fervor we witnessed and the level of commitments we heard.

I also saw that this strategy really makes a whole lot of sense! Sending white skinned Americans into some areas just doesn't make sense - they stick out too much! Sending Americans who need to spend 2-3 years trying to learn the local language doesn't make a lot of sense either when there are thousands upon thousands who already know the language. Sending Americans who require a whole lot more money to support than the nationals isn't always the best stewardship either.

Understand that I am not bashing our efforts but I am saying that I have seen that the Body of Christ has partners who are eager, zealous, highly committed, actively GOing and not waiting for the US church to lead the way.

Yes, there are still times when these nationals and others need some specfic help that is not available locally, but - I believe now more than ever, that there are times that we simply need to pray and get out of the way.