Reviewing The SOFM: Week 4

During the fourth week of the SOFM we took a look at the subject of member care.  Member Care is based on the Biblical command to love one another (John 13:34-35) and involves looking after and caring for those around us.  In our context it deals largely with coming alongside those living overseas to meet any needs they have.  These could be logistical, spiritual, or even mental needs.  Living cross-culturally is not easy and it's always beneficial to have someone who you can talk to when going through culture stress or other difficult times. 

The focus of the week was three-fold.  First, we looked at some common challenges in order to better prepare the students for what lies ahead.  Second, we talked about self-care, or some practices that each individual can utilize to stay in a healthy place.  Finally, we talked about the resources that are in place should they need some outside help.  I loved this week because, to me, if all we do is send people overseas and leave them hanging, I've only done half of my job.  My goal is to send out people who are able to thrive, even in the face of difficult circumstances, and that requires a team of people supporting them. 

Quote of the Week

Our quote this week, to me, does a great job of explaining the state of Christian mission efforts today.   Too often instead of the gospel being a fire burning in our bellies, it is treated more like a special blankie, that we clutch only when we need it for our own comfort.  Every time I read this it challenges me deeply, because one characteristic of fire is that it spreads, quickly, and the Gospel contains that same potential if we truly understand that and live our lives accordingly.

"The Gospel is not an old, old story, freshly told. It is a fire in the Spirit, fed by the flame of 

Immortal Love; and woe unto us, if through our negligence to stir up the Gift of God 

which is within us, that fire burns low.” - Dr. R. Moffat Gautrey

Quote of the Week

Our quote this week is taken from the book The Missionary Call by  M. David Sills.  I have seen this truth first hand.  More than once while sitting down with people in a remote area of the Himalayas I have been offered a Pepsi to drink while receiving blank stares when I ask if they've heard of Jesus.  It's really quite sobering, to be completely honest.

"Today, 112 years later, 94% of the people in the world recognize the Coca-Cola logo 

and product.  In 112 years, we can reach the world for profit’s sake, but we cannot 

do it for the glory of God in 2,000 years.” - David Sills

Reviewing the SOFM: Week 3

In the third week of the SOFM we went through a module entitled "Cross-Cultural Insights for Missionaries."  In this course we looked at ethnography, anthropology, and the importance of learning the culture and worldview of the people you are reaching out to.  The graphic below takes a light-hearted look at how different cultures view something very common.  Until you learn enough about the culture to understand someone's worldview it is hard to communicate the gospel in a meaningful way.  We also look at some of the challenges, such as culture stress, that arise from trying to assimilate into a new culture.

Quote of the Week

With the recent violence in Kunming weighing heavy on my heart, I thought this was a great quote for this week.  It comes from Isobel Kuhn, who played a huge role in bringing the gospel to the Lisu people of China who are from the same province Kunming is in.  Her life was not easy, as the Lisu live in mountainous regions where travel between villages wasn't easy or safe.  Father rewarded their faithfulness as they saw great fruit within the Lisu.

"When I get to Heaven they aren’t going to see much of me but my heels, for I’ll be hanging over the golden wall keeping an eye on the Lisu Church!” - Isobel Kuhn

Isobel Kuhn