This is how God changed my perspective over the course of e few months.
After I had applied to the World Race, my Aunt told me about this class she had taken. She told me to look into Perspectives on the World Christian Movement. I said I would look into it. The class cost $250 for certificate level. I am supposed to save money for the race, not spend it on unnecessary things. Was I wrong about that. I was not sure I should do this. A couple days later, my aunt called. She had found a class in Knoxville that was tonight. She said I needed to go. I was off work and so I went.
The first class is free to attend. So i checked it out.The first few classes were on the biblical view of missions. We studied how God has been a God of Missions from Genesis. The Great Commission was nothing new when Jesus spoke those last words on Earth. After that class, I was in. We went through the rest of the Bible seeing how God used every event in the Old Testament to further His Kingdom and spread the knowledge of His greatness.
We then moved into an historical look at missions. How god used events in history and moved christians, willingly or not, to where they were needed to further His Kingdom. We went over historical figures in mission movements. People like William Carey, Hudson Taylor, Cameron Townsend, E.L. Moody, and Lottie Moon. The pioneers in mission efforts.
Lastly was the hardest part. Learning about the strategy of missions. How we need to understand someones culture and community before we can even begin a conversation. Shattering our expectations of “Church”, worship, prayer, and so much more. Learning about true poverty and how to overcome it. What methods to use to reach those people who have no written language with a book, The Book.
My perspective began to change about many things. From simple things like how to say good morning to someone the right way to improve their morning, to how to pray for the impossible to reach the nations of unreached people so only God can be glorified. Mostly my perspective on missions has changed.
The general public and even church members can misunderstand what missions is. Yes we do good things and help the poor, feed the hungry, and aid the sick. Those are just steps and doorways to reach a person, then their family, their friends, friends, families, communities, cities, and nations for Jesus Christ. The task is simple yet it is very hard.
What is your perspective on missions? What are you doing to further His Kingdom? Will you go?
If you would like to learn more about the Perspectives course visit www.perspectives.org. It is worth the time and effort. It is not just for missionaries. It is for anyone who wants to know Gods Heart for the world.
Fundraising Update: (1/26/2014) Thanks to all the support I have gotten so far I have surpassed my first goal of $3500 by May 2nd. I am currently at $3600.
Thanks to those who have, are, and will support me. I cannot raise it all on my own. If you would like to help financially please SUPPORT ME!!!
