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"Go therefore and make disciples of all the nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all things that I have commanded you and lo, I am with you always, even to the end of the age."Matthew 28:19-20 These were the last words Jesus spoke to His disciples before He ascended into heaven to sit at the right hand of the Father. While it would eventually take the stoning of Stephen to actually force His followers to obey His commandment, many Christians would answer the...

WASHINGTON, June 16, 2009 – Iraq security forces are increasingly taking the lead on missions targeting roadside bombers and extremist networks, officials said. On their first mission since becoming a nationalized force, the 6th Battalion, Emergency Readiness Brigade, alongside coalition forces advisors, arrested three suspects wanted for planting roadside bombs. The battalion nabbed the suspects in Baqubah on June 14. In Baghdad, the Hillah special weapons and tactics team, with coalition forces, arrested three suspects June 14 in an early morning raid. The suspects are believed to be linked to a violent extremist network operating in Baghdad. (Compiled from Multinational...

Over the past few years I have had the privilege to have known a native Ugandan missionary named Mike Wangolo. He is the leader of a team of Africans called Afri-Tendo (http://www.thrustministries.org/) who make periodic trips to the United States to witness to Americans through native songs and dances. During his travels he has become a close and valued friend to many of my friends and family. Through his story and example many people have developed a heart of love and compassion for the Ugandan people. One of the people influenced by Mike Wangolo through his trips to the United...

2/13/2009 - TAJI AIR BASE, Iraq (AFNS) -- An initiative that has been in the works since August 2008 is now a realization as members of the Iraqi air force continued their quest toward night-vision operations with the help of U.S. Air Force aircrews. Airmen from the 721st Air Expeditionary Advisor Squadron, who train Iraqi aircrew members, relinquished control Feb. 8 as an Iraqi aircrew took the reins and flew their first all Iraqi crew night-vision mission in an UH-1HII Huey. "They have flown at night, but none of these guys have flown (using) NVGs, specifically the instructors we are...

Conversions creating social tension in KarnatakaFrom R Guru Prasad from Bengaluru It seems Christian groups have decided to convert all Hindus to Christianity at any cost. One shocking incident reported on January 4 in Bengaluru, revealed that Hindus are not safe even in their homes, as members of Christian missionaries have intensified their door-to-door campaign to market their religion through illegal ways. The incident of forced conversion came to light when Prabhod Kumar Das, who hails from Orissa and resides in 5th Cross, Murugeshpalya in Bengaluru, bravely filed a complaint with Airport Police Station. Rama Reddy, 26, from Nanjareddy Colony,...

WASHINGTON, Aug. 27, 2008 – Iraq’s once-deadly Anbar province could within the next few days become the 11th province to be turned over to Iraqi control, paving the way for a reduced U.S. Marine Corps presence there, the Marine Corps commandant said today. Gen. James T. Conway told Pentagon reporters the marked drop in violence in Anbar sets the stage for a drawdown of Marine forces that could be freed up for duty in Afghanistan, if needed. “The change in the al-Anbar province is real and perceptible," with attacks at an all-time daily low of two to three, Conway said....

Eleven Inapang believers were baptized Sunday and others want to be baptized. Some of the church leaders and missionary Bill Housley determined that some who asked to be baptized needed further teaching. "The believers decided to do a 'big picture' or 'big story' class for those who had heard it and were believing but were having trouble articulating their faith," the Houslelys wrote. A small group of 15 to 20 people were expected for the class Tuesday night, but the whole village showed up. The Inapang Bible teachers began with who God is and what He is like and then...

In these days I too have come, as the Successor of Saint Peter, to this magnificent land of Australia. I have come to confirm you, my young brothers and sisters, in your faith and to encourage you to open your hearts to the power of Christ's Spirit and the richness of his gifts. I pray that this great assembly, which unites young people "from every nation under heaven" (cf. Acts 2:5), will be a new Upper Room. May the fire of God's love descend to fill your hearts, unite you ever more fully to the Lord and his Church, and...

Blessed Junípero Serra1713 - 1784[ Chronology | The Man | Biography | Birth to Missionary | Travels ]  Chronology 1713. . Miguel Jose Serra, born at Petra on the Island of Mallorca, Spain.1729. . At the age of 16 he entered the service of the Catholic Church. He soon entered the Order of St. Francis of Assisi, and and took a new first name, Junípero, that of St. Francis' beloved original companion friar.1749. . Father Serra volunteered to serve the Franciscan missions in the new world. He left Cadiz, Spain and sailed for Vera Cruz, Mexico, at the age al...

The U.S. Navy extended an open invitation this week to the Russian Federation Navy to join forces for missions on the world’s high seas. Both marine forces have increased their presence around the globe. The U.S. Navy asked the Russians to join the Navy’s new maritime initiative, a plan much different from the sea-combat strategies of yesteryear — those of fighting in deep blue water to sink other navies or deliver missiles inland from the oceans. Now, focus is placed on maintaining safe seas, delivering humanitarian aid, disaster response and countering terrorism. "The point that we brought out in discussions...

Beijing - The son of American evangelist Billy Graham said Friday he is opposed to missionary work at this summer's Beijing Olympic Games. Franklin Graham, also an evangelist, was speaking to reporters Friday during a visit to Beijing for meetings with the Communist Party-controlled Protestant church movement. He said he wanted to encourage authorities to resolve conflicts with the church, but would not criticize policies that critics say limit the church's independence and religious rights. While some Christian groups have said they plan to proselytize during the August games, Graham said he was against that because Chinese law does not...

KANDAHAR AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Dec. 31, 2007 – Days after deploying here, Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Thackery saw firsthand the cost of the Taliban’s war on the Afghan people and responded as he was trained -- by saving lives. Air Force Tech. Sgt. Stephen Thackery, a medic with the 33rd Expeditionary Rescue Squadron, stands by one of the squadron's HH-60 Pave Hawk helicopters at Kandahar Airfield, Afghanistan, Dec. 29, 2007. Since February 2006, Air Force HH-60s have been flying alongside Army helicopters to help provide medical evacuation throughout Afghanistan. Photo by Capt. Michael Meridith, USAF  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

Our Lord Jesus Christ ministered for over three years proclaiming the coming of the kingdom of God. But after initially drawing a "great multitude" of followers (Jn 6:2), John records with disappointment that "many of His disciples went back and walked with Him no more" (Jn 6:66). In fact, toward the end of his ministry one of his own twelve disciples turned against him, literally selling him out to the authorities (Jn 13:18; Ac 1:18-19). And even his remaining faithful disciples forsook him in cowardly fear as he was on trial for his life (Mt 26:31, 56; Lk 22:31-34), locking...

GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Missions trips that take missionaries 200 miles from home don't usually stir up a lot of controversy, but a missions group here is finding out that when those 200 miles are straight up, people tend to take notice. “We really view the exhortation of Christ to carry the gospel to the ends of the earth as more of a starting point,” said Christian Newman, founder and executive director of Third Heaven Ministries. “Besides, it’s been more than 2,000 years. I would certainly hope we’ve sewn up the whole earth thing by now.”

Providing Iraqis with humanitarian aid packages as well as generators, blankets and mattresses is helping to break the insurgents’ stranglehold on poor communities. By Multinational Division – Center PAO FORWARD OPERATING BASE HAMMER, Iraq, Sept. 25, 2007 — Soldiers here say that handing out humanitarian aid packages has helped to help break the hold insurgents have had on a poor community in Salman Pak. "Once that bond is broken, it will enable us to help [local citizens] even more." Capt. Walter Straube A local sheik who is a concerned citizen leader has been working with Company B, 1st Battalion, 15th...

Bishop leads pilgrimage to "Georgia martyrs" site ST. CATHERINES ISLAND - Their last moments must have been lonely. Surrounded by a mob of angry Indians, five Franciscan friars from Spain died trying to bring Christianity to the coast of modern Georgia. More than 400 years later, leaders of the Catholic Diocese of Savannah are working to have those missionaries declared martyrs, and someday, possibly saints. After 23 years of research by church officials, the Rev. Conrad Harkins, a historian at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio, hand-delivered documents to the Vatican in April - marking the official start of the argument...

Sorry for the vanity, everyone. Could you please keep my church's mission team in prayer as we travel to Swaziland for the next two weeks? We are traveling through London, coming and going. Africa itself presents several challenges to our team. Please keep us in prayer. The names of those going are included in the link as the "source" of this posting. Thank you and God Bless all of you!

I'm 43 years old and looking to re-enlist in the military. I'll likely go to Iraq and I am ok with this. My wife is considering going to Iraq on the mission field. The goal would be to serve the Lord and at various times possibly see me. My 15 year old son would go with her and finish his homeschooling. His goal is to join the Corps at age 18. He would like to learn Farsi so that he has greater skills to serve special forces or intelligence.

All praise to the Father for His provision and protection. The China missions trip went well and seeds were sown far and wide. Below are three notes from team members. The first two are from my sons, Caleb and Christian and the last is from this years team leader. There are many stories I could share and will be happy to do so as we speak face to face. I have heard numerous stories of Yah's faithfulness in answering specific prayers that were lifted up in the States at the exact moment they were needed most. Friends waking up in...

Joint Missions Tricky Affairs in Iraq Wednesday March 7, 2007 11:16 PM By RYAN LENZ Associated Press Writer BAGHDAD, Iraq (AP) - U.S. soldiers paced around their new outpost in Sadr City, checking their watches, drinking coffee and waiting for their Iraqi partners. They finally rolled up more than two hours late. It was supposed to be a seamless display of Iraqi and American cooperation in the urban fiefdom of Iraq's most powerful Shiite militia. What it became, however, was a wrangle of competing commanders, bruised egos and conflicting priorities. The troubles in launching just one joint mission late Tuesday...

Provincial Reconstruction Teams help distribute humanitarian supplies. BAGRAM AIRFIELD, Afghanistan, Feb. 7, 2007 — Units and Provincial Reconstruction Teams in eastern Afghanistan conducted humanitarian missions throughout the region. The Khost PRT worked with the Afghan Border Patrol to distribute hygiene kits, soccer balls and clothing to village elders from Tughu village. The Sharana PRT and sub-governor participated in a humanitarian assistance mission in Barlake Village. Food, clothes, first-aid kits and school bags were passed out. Soldiers from 2nd Battalion, 30th Infantry Regiment conducted a joint medical civic action program in conjunction with a shura in Giro District, Ghazni Province. The...

Pfc. Elias Martinez (left) and Pfc. Katrina Nosbich-Stamp, both small arms and artillery repairmen serving with the 210th Brigade Support Battalion, 2nd Brigade Combat Team, 10th Mountain Division, fix weapons at Camp Striker, Iraq. U.S. Army photo by Chief Warrant Officer Christopher Shaffer. CAMP STRYKER — While 10th Mountain Division Soldiers participate in counterinsurgency missions, others in the 2nd Brigade Combat Team are contributing from behind the scenes. The 210th Brigade Support Battalion’s armament repair section is helping ensure Iraqi Army troops have the tools to complete their mission. In addition to repairing and modifying weapons systems for the brigade,...

ST. LOUIS - In a tent decorated to resemble the shelter of a Bedouin, a half-dozen college students sat cross-legged on Middle Eastern rugs. The adhan, or Islamic call to prayer, streamed through their wireless headphones as a screen in front of them lit up with images from the Muslim world. Outside the tent, erected by the Christian mission agency Frontiers, the doors to the America's Center exhibit hall had recently opened, and the massive room buzzed with excitement. This was what Urbana `06 was all about - a chance for mission agencies to recruit Christian college students bent on...

Some are, no doubt: but is theirs a theological problem? Arminians must be nervous wrecks. I was thinking about this while raking leaves on my front lawn. If I believed, as Arminians do, that sinners can choose to accept or resist the gospel, I’d be a nervous wreck. If I thought for a moment that the grace of God could be resisted and that even Christians - by sinning - can fall from the state of grace, I’d go nutzo. And I’d be a mess, believing that I could be doing lots more to persuade those sinners and redeem those...

Matt Tarka speaks with the confidence of the faithful. Discussing a trip he will soon be taking to Northern Uganda to spread the word of Christianity, the details roll off his tongue like he’s describing an upcoming camping trip, with enthusiasm and confidence. He and four other missionaries—representing three Fort Collins churches—have flights booked, itineraries mostly finalized and contacts in Uganda awaiting their arrival. They’re working out their ground transportation, gathering aid supplies like clothing and toys, and hosting fund raisers to pay for the mission’s considerable expense. But most importantly, they have their goals firmly in mind. “We want...

WASHINGTON, July 20, 2006 – The reserve components have greatly contributed to the global war on terrorism, while also providing personnel for homeland security and disaster relief missions, senior officials told a congressionally chartered committee yesterday. Today's reservists must be prepared to rapidly deploy anywhere in the world and be ready to respond to both homeland defense and disaster relief contingencies, Army Reserve Chief Lt. Gen. Jack C. Stultz told the Commission on the National Guard and Reserves at a hearing in San Antonio. "Today's units must be prepared to and available to deploy with their full complement of trained...

BAGRAM AIR BASE, Afghanistan, July 12, 2006 – Air Force Tech. Sgt. William Long likes a challenge. But a couple weeks ago, one challenge seemed insurmountable. Air Force officials had notified an airman deployed to a remote forward operating base that his wife was gravely ill. The Air Force placed him on emergency leave, then tried to figure a way to get him from the Afghan frontier to the United States. As a controller in the Air Terminal Operations Center here, Long decided to tackle the problem. Long, deployed from Selfridge Air National Guard Base, Mich., found an Army helicopter...

BRUSSELS, Belgium, June 8, 2006 – Discussions on the expansion of NATO's mission in Afghanistan and the continued development of the NATO Response Force topped the agenda at a defense ministers meeting here today. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld (right) and NATO Secretary-General Jaap de Hoop Scheffer (seated across table) engage in discussions during defense ministerial meetings in Brussels, Belgium, June 7. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad J. McNeeley, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. The defense leaders also discussed NATO support to training Iraqi forces and the humanitarian crisis in Darfur, Sudan. NATO forces in...

For a number of airmen at Davis Monthan Air Force Base, it's been six months since they've seen their loved ones. But now, members of the 563rd Rescue Group are coming home. Seventeen airmen came back on a C-17 Tuesday night and more were soon to follow. During their time overseas, this unit performed 24 rescue missions for the U.S. military, and also offered foreign assistance to small children in need of medical care. Major Steve Ammons' wife can't wait for him to see how much their 10-month-old daughter has changed. "I'm excited, excited for him to see her, how...

6/7/2006 - BALAD AIR BASE, Iraq (AFPN) -- Patrolling the sky over Iraq for more than 2,250 hours in May, the 46th Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron here leads the largest unmanned aerial vehicle operation in the world with one of the Air Force’s smallest aircraft -- the MQ-1 Predator. Providing “real-time eyes-in-the-sky,” the squadron of about 20 aircraft is often the critical link between ground commanders and what is around the next corner in combat. “We’re the largest game in town and an integral part of just about every large joint operation in Iraq,” said Capt. Fred Atwater, 46th ERS commander....

WASHINGTON, May 19, 2006 – Supporting nontraditional missions and humanitarian crises doesn't detract from the defense mission, but rather, builds important relationships around the world, strengthens capabilities and fills vital needs, top defense leaders said here today. Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld and Marine Gen. Peter Pace both said that DoD can and should support nontraditional, humanitarian missions, such as 2005's Hurricane Katrina and Pakistan earthquake. Both offered their views at a Pentagon town hall meeting May 19. Photo by Petty Officer 1st Class Chad McNeeley, USN  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution image available. "When our nation sends its armed forces...

24 May, 2005 BANGLADESH The Eucharist in Bangladesh, where Sunday is a “workday” by Marta Allevato Rome (AsiaNews) -- It’s hard to celebrate Sunday as the “Lord’s Day” in a Muslim country, where Sunday is not only a working day, but also “one of the busiest.” But the Eucharist in Bangladesh, a predominantly Islamic country, is a moment that the tiny Catholic community needs to “express its shared belonging.” It is “the gratuitous gift of oneself”, “forgiveness” and “sharing” with the poor and with sinners. In an interview with AsiaNews, Fr Franco Cagnasso, a missionary of the Pontifical Institute for...

WASHINGTON, April 12, 2006 – Many U.S. pilots who patrolled the skies of Iraq after the 1991 Persian Gulf War would later put that experience to use during Operation Iraqi Freedom, an F-16 pilot who flew combat missions over Iraq early in the war said here yesterday. Defense Secretary Donald H. Rumsfeld and the then-vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Air Force Gen. Richard B. Myers, brief reporters at the Pentagon on Sept. 30, 2002, about the continuing attempts by Iraq to shoot down coalition aircraft patrolling the no-fly zones in the north and south of the...

WASHINGTON, April 6, 2006 – Afghan and coalition forces killed one insurgent yesterday in combat in the Deh Rawod district of Afghanistan's Uruzgan province. Elsewhere, U.S. officials announced that Afghan aviators are ready to begin flying missions. While conducting a combined security patrol, Afghan National Army and coalition elements engaged four Taliban insurgents with small-arms fire, killing one, and then called for close-air support. Coalition aircraft responded and dropped two joint direct-attack munitions -- 2,000-pound guided bombs. No battle-damage assessment was available; there were no Afghan or coalition casualties in the engagement, U.S. officials said. "The enemies of Afghanistan cannot...

SOUTHWEST ASIA, March 24, 2006 – The convoy travels down the dusty desert road. Soldiers keep watchful eyes, surveying the barren landscape surrounding them. Today, their minds are slightly at ease. Overhead, an armed F-16 in direct contact with their team is watching the road ahead. No one will be lost today. An F-15E Strike Eagle flies over the coast in Southwest Asia. Aircraft like this and others are capable of monitoring the battlespace with their targeting pods. This concept is known as nontraditional intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance. Photo by Master Sgt. Lance Cheung, USAF  (Click photo for screen-resolution image);high-resolution...

3/17/2006 - SHAW AIR FORCE BASE, S.C. (AFPN) -- Hundreds of physical and mental training hours go into being a part of one of the most advanced careers in the world -- an F-16 Fighting Falcon pilot. The F-16’s multiple missions, such as air-to-air and air-to-ground combat, make it one of the most versatile aircraft in the Air Force, said Capt. Charlie Wolfsandle, 55th Fighter Squadron assistant training officer. To be selected to fly the F-16, an individual has to pass a battery of physical and mental tests. Pilots are selected for training when they receive a commission and are...

AL TAQADDUM, Iraq (Mar. 9, 2006) -- In what has become a familiar routine, Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, Marine Aircraft Group 16, 3rd Marine Aircraft Wing, passed responsibility for casualty evacuation and general aviation support missions in Iraq Feb. 25 to HMM-268, MAG-16, 3rd MAW, ending another successful deployment to the newly democratic nation. "I was amazed at how smoothly things had gone here considering the extra flights and maintenance required for the mission. We had no aircraft suffer a mechanical breakdown and saved over 400 lives," said Lt. Col. Robert M. Brassaw, commanding officer, HMM-161. "Not only did...

SOUTHWEST ASIA (AFPN) -- The thunder of the C-130 Hercules engine vibrates through the cabin as the aircraft lifts off of the runway. Today’s mission is different than most. Today, Australians and Americans leave pallets and passengers behind, making room to gather the wounded and bring them back home. Affectionately called “the mercy channel,” this weekly mission pairs a Royal Australian Air Force C-130J and aircrew with a U.S. Air Force medical team. Moving more than 1,883 patients since August, these missions travel throughout Iraq and Kuwait, gathering injured servicemembers and delivering them to higher care facilities. “The patients we...

WASHINGTON, Feb. 8, 2006 – Far from being a pact that has had its day, the NATO alliance may have yet to make its major contributions, said the Supreme Allied Commander Europe before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee yesterday. Marine Gen. James Jones said NATO is redefining itself in a world where terrorist networks, not single threats, are the enemy. Challenges, he said, will come from non-state actors, and the NATO nations understand the need for "more proactive activities, security, stability and reconstruction to deter future crises from developing." The military portion of the alliance is well on its way...

Question: How many times a year do I strongly recommend a major new movie to you? Answer: Not very often. There's a reason for that. There are few movies made that I could wholeheartedly recommend on both artistic and moral levels. Opening tomorrow in 1,200 theaters around the county is just such a movie. It's called "End of the Spear."

WASHINGTON, Dec. 28, 2005 – U.S. and coalition aircrews flew combat and support missions Dec. 27 in Iraq, Afghanistan and the Horn of Africa, U.S. Central Command Air Forces Forward officials reported. In Iraq, coalition aircraft flew 36 close air support missions. U.S. Air Force F-16s destroyed enemy positions and vehicles near Hawijah with precision-guided munitions. F-15s and F-16s provided close air support to coalition troops near Balad. The F-15s struck an enemy mortar location, and the F-16s hit an insurgent building. Eleven U.S. Air Force and U.S. Navy intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance aircraft flew missions in Iraq. British Royal...

It looks like a modest two or three-bedroom apartment from the outside. The casual observer would never guess it is the home of a growing house church in one of China’s major metropolitan areas. But on Sunday they come—all day. What started with four or five members has mushroomed to 100 attenders—mostly students from a nearby university—in a little more than a year’s time. “They share with friends and classmates, roommates or teachers,” explains Jet, the young leader of the congregation. “This is the common way.” Some are drawn to the church as they search for the meaning of life....

FORWARD OPERATING BASE LOYALTY, Iraq, Dec. 14, 2005 – Duty in densely populated Baghdad doesn't call for the need for firing a lot of 155 mm shells. In fact, Army Maj. Gen. William Webster, commander of the 3rd Infantry Division and Task Force Baghdad, said the division has not fired an artillery round or dropped ordnance in Baghdad during its deployment. Though the soldiers of the 1st Battalion, 9th Field Artillery, were not trained for counterinsurgency operations, a year in Iraq has made them experts. So the school-trained artillerymen have transformed into a counterinsurgency unit. This does not mean the...

U.S.Army paratroopers with Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division, search for a weapons cache on the outskirts of Tall Afar, Iraq, Nov. 18, 2005. U.S. Army photo by 2nd Lt. Nathan Kish Paratroopers' Missions Yield Mixed Results The search for a man connected to insurgent activities was unsuccessful, but a search for a weapons cache yielded dozens of artillery rounds. By U.S. Army Pfc. James Wilt 82nd Airborne Division TALL AFAR, Iraq, Nov. 29, 2005 — U.S. Army paratroopers from Company C, 2nd Battalion, 325th Airborne Infantry Regiment, 82nd Airborne Division conducted a raid...

AL TAQQADUM, Iraq (Nov. 5, 2005) -- Whether he is flying behind a .50 cal machine gun or turning wrenches on the flightline, three consecutive deployments in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom have shaped him into an experienced sergeant of Marines. Sergeant Jason G. Hernandez, a crew chief and CH-46 Sea Knight mechanic with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 161, has gone from a novice lance corporal to a sergeant the squadron’s sergeant major goes to for advice. “When I’m back home, I miss the rush. I miss the flying. I genuinely miss the mission,” said Hernandez, an Orange Park, Fla.,...

AL ASAD, Iraq, Sept. 28, 2005 — For many people, doing two jobs at once is an unwelcome burden. For hard-charging Marines, it's a challenge and a chance to become better at both. Maj. Keith Couch, the acting commanding officer of Marine Wing Headquarters Squadron 2 (Forward), is leading his squadron in war while simultaneously flying combat missions in Iraq, protecting Marines and soldiers with their boots in the sand. “Flying combat missions and commanding MWHS-2 work hand-in-hand,” said the native of Leslie County, Ky. “Commanding headquarters squadron, you have the advantage of getting a firsthand perspective of what is...

Pardon my vanity, if you please. I'll be off line for the next nine days, as I'm with a team that heads to the Dominican Republic tomorrow, to build a kitchen. A pic of our team is at the source url if you wish to see it. We'd appreciate your prayers for health and safety. Thanks! Look forward to catching up when I get back! Stay well, all!

Documenting forgiveness Steve Saint stands alongside Mincaye, one of the Waodani Indians featured in a new documentary on the murder of Saint’s father, missionary Nate Saint, and four other missionaries in 1956 in Ecuador. Photo courtesy of Every Tribe Entertainment DALLAS (BP)--The Waodani Indians of Ecuador were killing six of every 10 of their tribesmen when American missionaries entered their isolated community in January 1956. Anthropologists say the tribe, identified then as the Aucas, had one of the most violent cultures ever documented and was headed toward extinction. Missionary pilot Nate Saint had located the tribe in circling the Amazon...

Monoculture I once heard a missionary-to-be say, I just want to go and evangelize, why do I need to know about culture? All I need to know is the Gospel and the Bible! That comment demonstrated a certain degree of ignorance on his part for people and cultures and it is a prime example of someone who speaks from an ethnocentric, monocultural mind-set. Even the New Testament was set in a specific time frame with Middle-Eastern Palestinian culture. As we try to truly understand the Scriptures and its applications, we need to interpret it from the Biblical cultural perspective of...

From Chapter 4 of Calvinism In History. Scanned and edited by Michael Bremmer In this chapter our inquiry will be as to the evangelizing force of Calvinism. Has Calvinism, as compared with other systems of religious doctrine, shown itself to have been a power in the evangelization of the world? This is the most important question connected with any system of belief. All other questions are, in every Christian's opinion, subordinate to this. To save sinners and convert the world to a practical godliness must be the chief, the first and last, aim of every system of religion. If it...