From Convert-making to Nation-building

"The church has moved from nation-building to convert-making.  We used to be present in every sphere, contributing to creativity and progress.  But we have retreated to our buildings, content with making converts.  It's time we redefine our mission field."

These words, spoken by a DML colleague in South Asia, resonated with the attendees in the DML workshop.  He continued, "Recently a man told me he left his government position with the Income Tax department to start a church.  I told him that he should reconsider his decision.  He had an opportunity to be salt and light in a place of great darkness.  He had an opportunity to reach people that a pastor could not reach."

In my recent weeks in four different cities in South Asia, I have come to the conclusion that governments should want to have Christians in their nations!  A calling to be fruitful and multiply (creativity and provision) for a world that flourishes, seeking to contribute to humanity and creation, not putting profit before people and planet, a solid work ethic...these are things that we are created to do!  Nations who want flourishing through jobs and economic growth should be crying for more Christians!  But instead, we are seen only as risks for converting people, for proselytizing.  

This concern was reinforced on a recent flight I took in a country with anti-conversion laws.  I was seated in a window seat with a couple (nationals) next to me They politely asked me about myself and why I was in this country.  I gave the safe response that I have been instructed to give, "I'm here to visit friends."  They then asked if I was a Christian and I said yes.  At that point, the husband began to share the gospel with me, pulling out the Bible on his phone, asking me to read verses.  I pointed out, again, that I am a Christian and that I have memorized many of the verses he wanted to share.  I tried to ask questions about how and where they are sharing the gospel in these challenging places...but he was intent on witnessing to me.  After about fifteen minutes I resigned myself to just listen and take mental notes of the path he took to share the gospel, to see if I could learn something from him.  He passionately went through his offering for an hour, shushing his wife every time she tried to interject.  The people in front of us, behind us, and across the aisle kept looking over (as he was not quiet).  When he was done, they asked if I had any prayer requests, and then he sat back in his seat for the remaining 30-minute flight, satisfied that he had done his job. 

I loved his passion.  He was articulate and his message was good!  But he spent no time developing a relationship or even listening/caring about the person he was speaking to.  His choice to shush his wife repeatedly (rudely at times) was a turn-off.  

This reinforces the message that many Christians are bent on doing one thing and one thing only - fulfilling the Great Commission.  But when we do that without the Great Commandment (loving God and neighbor) and without the context of the Great Commitment (Genesis 1:28 and 2:15), it can be off-putting.  

We need to get back to nation building.  Jeremiah 29 says that we are build houses, plant gardens, and pray for the peace and prosperity of the nation.  We are to be nation-builders.  Daniel and Joseph are examples of this - even while in exile, they contributed to the growth of that nation. They worked hard. They worked with excellence.  And as they worked, they were a light pointing to God.  

The three Great Directives given by God are like a three-legged stool.  Let's be sure that our stool, as well, has three legs that are balanced.  

Business, Babies, and Birds

Two years ago, when DML first started working in South Asia, I met a young couple who was having some challenges in their business, which was also having a negative impact on their marriage.  They were able to receive some counseling, made some changes and adjustments, and last year when I met them, it was clear that they were doing much better.  I visited their business and saw that there were still some important areas of improvement needed, which we discussed.  Before we left, they showed me the small apartment that they had behind their shop - essentially two rooms - and the wife pulled me aside and asked me very earnestly whether I thought it was time for them to start trying to have children.

In my experience, this is not a typical question, and I was a little surprised!  But of course, I answered that I would be happy to pray for them and if they feel ready and it is God's will, He will provide.  So we prayed together. [I later learned that the husband is an orphan, and the wife is from a different religion who has essentially cut her off as she married for love (not an arranged marriage) and left their religion for Christianity.  So they seek advice from brothers and sisters in the Lord who are now their new family!]

Three months later, I learned she was pregnant, and she gave birth to a healthy baby girl at the end of November.  

And to my absolute surprise and delight, they had the baby dedication service last week and I was asked to give the message and the prayer after the dedication.  What an honor!  What a joy!

I spoke about being "born on purpose and for a purpose," but mostly spoke to the parents about their call to be dedicated as stewards of this gift.  They have been given a gift, but it is not for them alone.  They are raising God's daughter (Deuteronomy 6).  In this country, gender reveals are not allowed as too many will terminate a pregnancy if it is a girl (despite abortion being illegal).  This is so sad so affirming a message of "on purpose, for purpose" for a female baby was near and dear to my heart!

During the service, the baby was fussing.  Mom was bouncing her up and down to keep her quiet and had to leave the service several times to tend to the baby.  After the message, the pastor did the dedication, and then called me to take the baby and say the prayer.  I worried about whether she would be still or fuss and cry.  They laid the baby in my hands, I lifted her to the Lord, and said a long prayer.  And amazingly, the baby was quiet throughout.  Didn't move a muscle!

What a joy to be part of the family of God, the body of Christ, which can extend across miles, nations, and continents!

After the service, we went to a newly planted church in a community where there was none before.  So many trials and such persecution for this dear pastor and businessman, his wife, and their beautiful children.  This man had been in the training of trainers the previous week, where we were training people to teach basic business skills.  He had stated that one of his economic goals was to grow his number of chickens from 2 to 50 by August 2024.  He said that on a Thursday, and three days later, when we came to visit, he said he had already seen an increase his chickens by 8 to a new total of 10!  Eight new chicks had hatched, and he was thrilled!  He told me very confidently that he was sure he would reach 50 by August!

These are the little joyful moments that I get to be a part of and as partners in this ministry, it's a joy to share this with you as well!  Please continue to pray that perspectives may change to see work as a joy and an act of worship, and that churches may see that the purpose of Sunday is Monday!

Lausanne Congress 4: Seoul Journey

Today (Monday) I leave for South Asia where I will be until March 1st.  This is the first of a number of trips planned for 2024 and I'm excited to get going!  I will have the opportunity to speak in four different cities, do business trainings as well as other workshops and speaking events, including a keynote address at a business university on "Globalization, Capitalism, and Flourishing."  

While this is my first trip in 2024, our DML team has preceded me in missionary journeys, with a combined DML team from Burkina Faso and Ghana making their way to Togo to spread the DML message there.  We thank God for how the DML Global team is growing and moving!

I'm now excited to share with you about a very special opportunity in September of this year.  The Lausanne Movement is meeting for their fourth congress in Seoul, South Korea and I have been invited to participate.  This is a special honor as you cannot apply to be part of this congress - you must be nominated.  There will be 5,000 people from almost every nation in the world joining for this congress!

If you aren't familiar with the Lausanne Movement, let me offer some information.  The Lausanne Movement is a global movement that seeks to accelerate global mission by providing a shared platform that is collaborative, biblical, and catalytic for a four-fold vision:  1.  The gospel for every person.  2.  Disciple-making churches for every people and place. 3.  Christlike leaders for every church and sector.  4. Kingdom impact in every sphere of society.

In 1974, Billy Graham felt a prompting to bring the global church together to address issues pertaining to the Global Church.  Each Congress and its ensuing documents offer a vision for how these issues can be addressed.  The first Congress in 1974 brought together 2,700 evangelical leaders in Lausanne, Switzerland and the Lausanne Covenant was written (mostly by well-known theologian John Stott).  In 1989, the second Congress met with 3,000 people from 170 countries, and the Manila Manifesto was formed. In 2010 the third Congress was held with 4,200 people from 198 countries and the Cape Town Commitment created.  In between the Congresses, subgroups met and continue the work; networking and partnerships grow and develop.  For example, in 2004 Business as Mission was discussed and formed the recommendations that DML has adopted for our work. We also often refer to the Cape town Commitment for its important contribution for the global church's responsibility to creation care.  So DML have benefitted and now we get to give back.  To learn more about the Lausanne Movement, especially the fourth Congress, watch this video.

My nomination and selection were based on my work in the intersection of the church and the workplace, and that is what I will participate in specifically during the Lausanne Congress in September.

There are a number of things that are happening in preparation for this Congress.  A document called the "State of the Global Commission" will be released, as well as a number of other important papers/research relating to the global church.  

On a more personal level, I've given monthly reading assignments and videos to watch, small group meetings to join, prayer calls to join, and more.  They are making sure that those attending are prepared and moving together in thinking in one accord in order to hear the voice of the Lord in September.  Many important issues affecting the global church will be addressed and the opportunity for us to work in unity and harmony, across denominations and cultures, calls for earnest prayer and commitment!

Each person invited to attend in person is asked to pay a conference fee on a sliding basis based on income and other factors.  It is a significant fee for those of us in the West, as the funds will be used to help those coming from countries who can't afford the hotel/airfare. I need to raise $5,000 in total for this (conference fee, airfare, and hotel) and this is where I am asking for partnership from the body of Christ.  

God has given every person three key resources - time, treasure, and talent.  I will use my time, talent, and treasure for the Congress and the preparations entailed, but I know that I'm not going alone. I will be representing DML as a ministry with its many denominations and businesspeople -- who long to be seen as contributing to the flourishing of this world through their work.  I also will be representing my church, my family, my community, and my nation.

Therefore, I would ask you to prayerfully consider joining me on this journey with your time, talent or treasure.  I would love for you to join me in prayer for this congress as it will be looking to address the state of the Church in 2050.  I also need financial support to be able to join this congress.  The financial support will make it possible for people from every nation to attend.

If you would like to join me in this opportunity and would like more information, you can read more about the Lausanne 4 Seoul Congress here and read a letter from me here which provides the details for donations.  

While the percent of worldwide Christians has remained the same for the last 150 years (about 33%), there is a real opportunity for that to change.  The goals of the gospel for every person and Kingdom impact in every sphere of society need a global effort. Please join us as we join the Global Church!

[If you do feel led to contribute to this, I respectfully ask that this does not take away from any gifts that you would normally give to DML, as the work of DML continues in sixteen countries and needs the ongoing support that allows us to reach more and more people with its message!]