We need to send some of our best men overseas

By and large the decision to move to Brazil was for me, a clear calling from God.  A few years ago when I shared my plans to begin our work in Brazil with Restore Brazil, the majority of people were very supportive.  However there were a few people, that were critical of the idea of "sending an American overseas."  They argued on many levels - mentioning an imperialistic history of missions, argued that nationals can always do the work better, theres too much of a cultural learning curve, etc.  While I respected their opinions, I'm not sure that they really understood the clear direction the Lord gave me.

I am careful not to share these thoughts in a reactive way, or to try and justify our work.  God is the judge.  The American church still has massive resources that need to be stewarded for work in the nations of the world, in both income and in people.  Despite the economic crisis, Americans have more disposable income than over 90% of the world.  More importantly, there still remains thought leadership in evangelicalism that is undoubtable, stemming from the US.  Some of this thought leadership is counterproductive, I would add, but at the same time, there is much to be learned and used.

Critics of American missionaries and church planters overseas tend to have the following problems -

1)  They are ignorant of the sending nature of God, where it is clear throughout Scripture that God oftentimes called men out to nations not their own;

2)  They are often ignorant of the unique calling God has given particular men at points in their life;

3)  By this ignorance they don't value the history of the church and of missions;

4)  Oftentimes an evangelical American bubble causes them to not understand the complexities of global cities and contexts to which we are sent.  (I would argue that Rio has more in common than New York City, for example, than a small town in Oklahoma has with New York City.)

5)  Oftentimes they misunderstand the value an American missionary can bring to certain contexts where English is desirable and specific skills sets are lacking;

6)  They often use lame arguments like America is the #1 or #2 mission field in the world and is the most unevangelized.  I don't know of anyone serious that could say that.  Think of Pakistan, India, Saudi Arabia, Iran, etc.  You get my point.  (Even in evangelized Brazil, we have true groups of unreached peoples in the Amazon.)

7)  They don't understand that global cities require missionaries/pastors from all over the world to pastor unique communities, because in these cities there are people from all over the world.

So what is the point?  Be careful not to be critical of those God is calling overseas.  It's not a better calling, it's a different calling.

In the wake of the recent emphasis on cities and urban church planting, I would like to sound a resounding alarm.   We need some of our best men overseas.  We need them planting churches, starting businesses, starting networks for the glory of Jesus.

In Rome, in Dubai, in London, in Tokyo, in Bangkok, and in Rio de Janeiro.

It's true that God's got the world covered and he can do it all without us.  

But our attitude should remain "Here am I, send Me!"

Comments

[robson]

Excelente reflexão!

[Craig]

I respected their opinions, I'm not sure that they really understood the clear direction the Lord gave me.