Articles

Don’t break out the champagne just yet, population experts warn in the wake of two separate reports last fall claiming that the world population explosion may be petering out.

There are two opposite kinds of errors in cross-cultural communication. One is that a missionary seeking to communicate the gospel cross-culturally may underestimate the problem.

The problems of the poor were rudely thrust upon Pope John Paul II when he landed in Latin America. Welcome to the club, we might say, because the poverty of the poor is very much at the heart of debate among missionary thinkers of all shades of theological opinion.

Of all the candidates who had ever applied to FUME (Foreign United Mission of Evangelicals), I can’t remember a couple that came with better references that Jim and Marge Sneedby.

Church growth is a complicated, multi-faceted study. But church growth is also a must, not just an interesting subject to discuss at the afternoon tea. I, for one, believe the church must grow. If it doesn’t, we need to know why.

Many national churches in the Third World are on the eve of establishing their credibility in society and government. Their leaders are being brought into councils on planning and development.

For multitudes of God’s people concerned for the spiritual needs of all the world, President Carter’s mid-December announcement of the establishment of full diplomatic relationships between the United States and the People’s Republic of China was electrifying news.

Just as many roads in the third world seem to be constructed solely of potholes, so missionary life and service sometimes seem to be composed of a boundless configuration of problems.

George: Boy, this situation is confusing. I’m trying to sort it out. Sam, will you help me? Having our units overseas can cause some real problems.

Sam: Yes, it can, but that doesn’t mean it’s hopeless. These units cost about $150,000. Most work well, but too many seem to operate at 25 percent capacity. This one has broken down and has to be sent back.

Jokes about single women missionaries bother me. First, for what they reveal about the people who tell them – Christians should reject all humor made at other’s expense. Second, for what I fear is revealed about the women referred to – our failure to protect their dignity and personhood has helped produce characteristics that become the basis for those jokes.