Section

Revolution is changing our world – how can the Christian meet it? Before attempting an answer to the question, it will be necessary briefly to examine some characteristics of modern revolutionary movements.

We have laid down the principle that the missionary’s preparation must be commensurate with the task assigned. Further, we have defined the missionary’s task, pointing out its changeless as well as relative aspects. (Evangelical Missions Quarterly, Summer, 1965.) Thus we know the quality of men needed, and we now turn to the missionary’s preparation.

REPORTER: I've come from the Antioch Faith Times. We'd like to produce a feature on your missionary society.

DIRECTOR: Sit down. I had no idea we were getting in the news. What are you interested in? I've got an hour before I meet the converts in Tyrannus's hall.

At one time Christian literature with a strong European or American flavor was welcomed in African countries. Christianity was equated with education and progress, and its links with civilized” countries were an advantage.

The world is a big place. Its population increases fantastically. By the end of the century six thousand million people will be living in the five continents, though the greatest number by far will be living in Asia. In forty years’ time communications will have been improved so that even the most remote areas will be within access. Illiteracy will have been largely conquered. Public health will have made great strides. Independence and freedom from external control will be the lot of every nation.

Three theories about the hereafter hold the ground today.

Up to 1924 the outlook with regard to treating leprosy was nearly hopeless. Our understanding was limited, and treatment seemed only temporarily to halt the progress of the disease and its relentless course toward mutilation, deformity, blindness, and death.

The Latin America Mission in Colombia has been privileged to witness an outpouring of the Spirit of God in recent years that has resulted in a rapid spread of the Gospel. Often this has been entirely apart from missionaries or national pastors, proving that it is a spontaneous work of the Spirit through laymen who have faithfully witnessed to Christ. The undeniable fruits of the Spirit plus the fruits of the preaching of the Gospel have been so evident as to leave no doubt that this has been a movement initiated and blessed by God.

There is a new dimension in missionary recruitment today. Although traditional missionary methods remain valid and cannot be displaced, consideration reveals hopeful new concepts hitherto not possible. The potential usefulness of almost any qualified Christian today in the mission fields of the world brings the question of personal involvement in Christ’s great commission, “Go ye into all the world,” before every Christian.

The preparation of the missionary must be in keeping with the task assigned him. We are compelled, therefore, to define the missionary task from a twofold point of view.