mission

TENTMAKERS, BUSINESS, WOMEN AND CHANGES IN MISSION

(July 18, 2018) George Forbes, missionary spokesperson, reflects on these four important aspects of missions today…

1, Tentmakers in mission
A respected and decisive part of missions in the 20th century was filled by ‘tentmakers.’ I expect that time will prove that this support to long-term ministry missionaries has continued into the 21 century.

The term comes from the Bible – Dr Luke wrote about Paul in Acts 18:3, ‘Because he was of the same trade, he stayed and worked with them; for they were tentmakers by occupation.’  These were men and women using their professional skills in self-support, as they worked as much as their time permitted while fulfilling the ministry God had given them.

  • Over the centuries there have been missionaries who also were ‘tentmakers’ – and ‘tentmakers’ who were not missionaries, however they all supported themselves in practical and active roles in their ministry.
  • Many excelled in literature, radio, and other specialised support areas to release missionaries to their primary role as church planters and Bible teachers.
  • I met many such ‘tentmakers’ and valued them as worthy servants of God in their field of commitment. I became a friend from Australia as we shared fellowship, meals and worship together.
  • Some were builders; others were teachers, printers, literature and Bible distributors. There were pilots, mechanics, engineers, artisans and other occupations.
  • All were committed to the kingdom of God and the growth of national churches.

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ALL NATIONS

(April 18, 2018) George Forbes, missionary spokesperson, reflects on a special term…

‘All Nations’ – this term ‘all nations’ occurs 72 times in the New Testament. The entire Bible has 452 direct references to all the nations in this world. This alone is substantial evidence of God’s interest in every nation on earth.

When you find that God’s word, the Bible, links ‘all nations’ with the eternal purposes of God, the birth of Jesus in Bethlehem and above all, the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ, the value of all nations to God becomes very clear.

The command of Jesus Christ to his disciples recorded in Matthew 28: 18-20 adds vital meaning to God’s love and plan for all nations!

He said, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Therefore, as you go, disciple people in all nations, baptising them in the name of the Father, and the Son, and the Holy Spirit, teaching them to obey everything that I’ve commanded you. And remember, I am with you each and every day until the end of the age.’ (more…)

IT’S A MAD, MAD, MAD, MAD WORLD

(December 4, 2017) Dr Jim McClure, straight shooting theologian, pinpoints some clarity to the whats and whys of what is happening in the world today…

It’s a Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad World was the title of a 1963 comedy film.

Sadly, while the title can so accurately describe to world today, there is little that is humorous in it.

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21st CENTURY CHALLENGES

(August 11, 2017) Missionary statesman George Forbes issues a relevant challenge…

Last century a group of sixty one Charismatic /Pentecostal leaders met in the United States to seek the face of God for the future. At the conclusion of this time in prayer, repentance and seeking the face of God, they made a statement about eight things they felt God was calling them to do.

I have chosen five for this article – believing they are even more relevant today in this 21st century!

1. God is calling us to transform society
I will attempt here to open the challenge they placed last on their list.

They agreed that western culture was becoming increasingly hostile to the Christian faith. That they must not run from their calling to transform culture but engage in a kingdom mission to effect change. They agreed that Christians for too long have viewed politics, education and the financial realm as evil, when we must see those arenas as mountains to claim for Christ. (more…)

TIME TO TAKE POSSESSION!

(July 21, 2017) Missionary statesman George Forbes challenges the church:

‘If the Lord delights in us, then he will bring us into this land and give it to us’ (Num.14:8).

These words of Caleb and Joshua, spoken on their return from spying out the Promised Land, are powerful and true. When ten of the twelve men chosen to investigate Canaan returned with a negative report, Caleb and Joshua demonstrated a different heart and mind.

Well able!
They did not allow the difficulties in the land to cause them to despair, as the ten other spies did.

Another of Caleb’s God honouring statements was ‘Let us go up at once and take possession, for we are well able to overcome it‘ (Numbers 13:30). (more…)

CHRISTMAS – THE PERFECT RESCUE MISSION

Ed DelphEd Delph shares a seasonal thought-provoker…

Christmas is the greatest most perfectly complete rescue mission of all time in any time!

This week I met a pastor from Glendale, Arizona who really believes this. Stuart Smith started a church three years ago called Higher Praise that has grown considerably.

Let me quote a card that Pastor Stuart gives out inviting people in Glendale to Higher Praise below.

The language is direct but that is what is needed for the people the church wants to connect with. (more…)

THE CHURCH – NOT A BUILDING, BUT A BODY OF BELIEVERS!

Mike ShreveMike Shreve, evangelist, pastor and author, reminds believers of the reality of the church of Jesus Christ…

Firstly, Acts 2:47 explains, ‘The Lord added to the church daily those who were being saved.’ So from the start, ‘the church’ was a work of God, not a work of man.

Actually the word ‘church’ is translated from the Greek word ecclesia (pronounced ek-klay-see’-ah) meaning ‘called out ones.’ So all who are in the church have been ‘called out of darkness into his marvelous light’ (1 Peter 2:9, emphasis mine).
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WHERE ARE THE MENTORS?

George Forbes 2010Missionary statesman Dr George Forbes declares that the emerging indigenous church needs mentors!

It has been my joy over many years to work with as well as observe the ministry of mentors. They have worked behind the scenes encouraging, helping, guiding and sharing with emerging national leaders of churches around the world. These unsung heroes have made a contribution to the growth of the church in a significant way. (more…)