Resources by Topic: Missions

January is Human Trafficking Awareness month. Sadly, no community—yes, even here in the United States—is immune to the evils of human trafficking. That’s why we all need to be aware of the signs and if we see something, report it. Send Relief put together the following helpful prayer guide to bring awareness to this issue. 

We’re continually bombarded by “news” (sometimes more sensational than informative) that dwells on the sufferings and tragedies of life. This unceasing avalanche of bad news, as well as rampant political tribalism, suspicion, and critical opinions, can quickly bury what Scripture calls “the good news of happiness” (Isaiah 52:7).

We can’t think of a better way to remember Karen’s legacy than to give in her honor towards the translation of Scripture. We were so happy that she learned of our idea just before she died and was able to respond with a smile and nod!

Today’s guest blog is by Nadia (not her real name), one of many Iranian women who’ve been touched by the liberating and restoring love of Christ. 

One hundred million extremely underprivileged and street children struggle for existence in today’s cities. One hundred million! Are these children trash? Local businessmen in Brazil call them “Vermin, garbage. If we let them grow up, they will be criminals, a blight on our society.”

Greg Livingstone, founder of Frontiers, a mission to the Muslim world, has written a great article on Muslim conversions. 

Several weeks ago, Nanci and I returned from the illumiNations gathering in Washington, DC. Attending and speaking at the event was a wonderful experience. I want to share some things about it, and explain how you too can be a part of impacting eternity by supporting Bible translation.

Earlier this month, Nanci and I returned from a trip to Jamaica, where I spoke at a conference with OM Ships International, centering on the wonderful ministry of the current ship Logos Hope.

Many African pastors are in desperate need of resources that can train them in biblical doctrine. As you read about the need in East Africa, and how you can help, I encourage you to consider giving generously to this project, which I believe will have a ripple effect for decades to come.

I’ve blogged before about the Logos Hope, a ship owned and operated by OM Ships International. The ship ministry, the brainchild of one of Operation Mobilization’s founders, George Verwer, began in 1970 as part of OM’s global Christian training and outreach movement. Since then their ships (this is the fourth) have visited 480 different ports in 151 countries and territories and welcomed over 46 million visitors onboard. Ponder those amazing statistics!

Some have asked me, wouldn’t it be better just to take the money spent on short-term trips and send it to the mission field instead? In some cases, yes. But many short-term missions trips are strategic and greatly help the national churches, missionaries, and indigenous people. 

After I spoke in one church, the pastor asked me, on behalf of the churches of Cuba, to greet the body of Christ in the U.S.A. I do that now. The churches in Cuba have spiritual strength that has come through adversity. Please pray for the people of Cuba, and especially for the churches.

John G. Paton (1824-1907) served as a missionary in the South Pacific’s New Hebrides islands. As a successful young Scottish preacher, Paton determined to leave Glasgow to minister to this unreached people group. But most of his Christian friends urged him to do something more sensible with his life.

The heart of missions, when we get down to it, is God’s heart for lost people. It’s the Gospel, the Good News of Christ’s completed work for us through His death on the cross and His resurrection. And it’s not just for people who look like us, speak like us, or live near us. It’s for everyone.