| Lausanne Connecting Point - January 2007 |
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NO TRANSLATION AVAILABLE In This Issue:
Every year God's Word is being translated into dozens of languages for people who previously did not have access to reading God's Word in their own language. This is exciting as God's Word is indeed living and active and sharper than a double-edged sword (Hebrews 4:12)! This month Lausanne World Pulse focuses on The State of the Bible and Bible Translation, with a report on the history of Bible translation as well as the advances being made today in this important area. Here is a sample of the articles you will find:
You will also find the following articles:
Questions or comments about Lausanne World Pulse may be sent to Denne e-postadressen er beskyttet mot programmer som samler e-postadresser, du m sl p Javascript for kunne se den. . For more information on how to submit an article, please visit www.lausanneworldpulse.com/submit.php. By Paul Ericksen, Director of Resources for the Billy Graham Center Archives and Museum, Wheaton College
This most recent addition is focused on the 1989 Lausanne II meeting in Manila, containing Thomas Wang's, Paul McKaughan's and Ed Dayton's (and their staffs') files. With the exception of a series of confidential questionnaires completed by most Congress participants, these files are now open for use by researchers. These documents record the ongoing development of the Lausanne organization and worldwide network, the themes emphasized at the Lausanne II Congress, the contributions of individuals with key roles and new emerging leaders, and (from the LCWE movement's viewpoint) the status of world evangelization and the need. Plus this addition brings the Lausanne Movement's history in the records to the end of the 1980s. As with our many other guides, you can explore this online, or stop by the Reading Room at the Billy Graham Center (Wheaton, Illinois, USA) to browse a folder or a number of boxes. Please email Denne e-postadressen er beskyttet mot programmer som samler e-postadresser, du m sl p Javascript for kunne se den. if you have any questions. Lausanne Collection Online Guide: http://www.wheaton.edu/bgc/archives/GUIDES/046.htm
“The blending of these organizations is a powerful combination,” said Keith Danby, CEO of STL. “It’s not often that two ministries can come together with the potential to have such far-reaching global impact for the cause of Christ and the Bible.” Following the completion of the merger, Danby will assume the position of Global CEO for the blended organization. The Boards of both organizations agreed to work toward a 1 March 2007 official merger date. “This is a momentous occasion in the world of international ministry,” said Mike Richards, Sr., Acting CEO of IBS. “For nearly 200 years, IBS has worked to reach people with Scripture. Now we’re entering the next era in our history—an era filled with even greater opportunity to share God’s Word with a world in need of its message.” “We haven’t yet worked out all of the details,” said David Passman, U.S. CEO for STL, “but we do know that STL and IBS can do more together than apart. This is truly a case of one plus one equals three.” The merged organization will be called “IBS-STL” and will have operations in the U.S., the United Kingdom, India, Asia, Africa, Latin America, and other parts of the world. It will also combine the core competencies of Bible translation, Bible and Christian book publishing and global distribution into one of the largest and most far-reaching Christian literature agencies in the world. Founded in 1809, IBS began its ministry in New York City, providing Scriptures in hotel rooms, to immigrants, hospital patients, the Armed Forces, and churches. Since its founding, IBS has distributed millions of Scriptures to people on every continent. IBS is also the copyright holder of the New International Version (NIV), the world’s most widely read contemporary English translation of the Bible. IBS is currently headquartered in Colorado Springs, CO. STL was founded by George Verwer in 1957 when he was at Moody Bible Institute. He moved to the UK in 1962 with a passion for literature evangelism. In 1963, he founded Operation Mobilization (OM), which now operates in 110 countries around the world. In 1993, OM released STL to operate as a separate organization, concentrating on the publishing, distribution and retailing of Christian resources.
The ministry also named its media ministries “HCJB Global Voice” and its healthcare ministries “HCJB Global Hands.” “We feel as we move into the future and expand the incredible dynamic between media and healthcare, the HCJB World Radio name did not accurately portray this vision,” said HCJB Global President David Johnson. “We will work to develop leaders and mobilize missionaries as we serve the world through HCJB Global Voice, our media arm, and HCJB Global Hands, our healthcare ministry.” At the same time, HCJB World Radio Engineering Center in Elkhart, Indiana, USA, has become the HCJB Global Technology Center, focusing on the provision of quality assistance through consulting, service and engineering development wherever technological solutions play a role in the advance of the gospel. “This is a major change for our ministry, because it is far more than skin deep. Our new name reflects major changes in our vision and focus as we work to integrate media and healthcare ministry around the world,” said Communications Director Jon Hirst. “As we moved toward the name change, we found that our friends and supporters wanted us to retain the call letters of our first station radio station—HCJB—that we established 75 years ago in Quito, Ecuador. In maintaining the name, we are honoring our heritage and building upon it.” For 75 years HCJB Global Voice has used shortwave radio, satellite, FM, AM, television and the Internet to deliver the gospel worldwide. For over 50 years HCJB Global Hands has been providing compassionate healthcare to those in the greatest need. Since 1990 HCJB Global has enabled local partners to plant more than 300 radio ministries in 100 countries throughout Euro-Asia, North Africa/Middle East, Sub-Saharan Africa, Asia Pacific and the Americas. HCJB Global’s missionaries, pastors, broadcasters and healthcare providers use media, healthcare and training to work with partners in more than 100 countries around the world to spread the gospel. HCJB Global Website: www.hcjbglobal.org By Eugene Hor, English minister at Burwood Chinese Presbyterian Church in Sydney, Australia The words of Jesus ring true not just as we consider the needs of overseas mission, they are overwhelming even as we think of the needs of the local church. "The harvest is plentiful but the workers are few" (Matthew 9:37). More than anything else, the church needs workers who will not only proclaim the gospel, but who will also faithfully defend it and pass it on to the next generation. In an age where the gospel is being watered down in the spirit of unity and tolerance, we need gospel workers who will take their stand on the apostolic gospel passed down to us: “that Christ died for our sins according to the Scriptures, that he was buried, that he was raised on the third day according to the Scriptures” (1 Corinthians15:1-4). For at the heart of the gospel and its transforming power personally, socially, culturally and missionally, is the atoning death of Christ for sin. In July 2006, the English track of the 7th Chinese Congress on World Evangelization (held in Macau) cast the vision to raise a new generation of such leaders, able to work in inter-generational partnerships to bring this gospel to the nations. And the challenge for us will be in making this a reality where God has placed us, from the workplace to the local church, to para-church ministries and mission organizations. The vision is really to grow the gospel by passing this gospel on to reliable men and women who are qualified to teach others to do the same (2 Timothy 2:2). Hence, we believe that every church, ministry and mission organization needs a Ministry Apprentice Program (MAP) for the future to raise and grow such workers. Entrust is a quarterly e-newsletter to help keep this vision alive by:
If you would like to find out more about the Ministry Apprentice Program (MAP) or receive a quarterly e-newsletter of Entrust, please email Denne e-postadressen er beskyttet mot programmer som samler e-postadresser, du m sl p Javascript for kunne se den. By Berit Helgøy Kloster, Norway, Lausanne Senior Associate for Tentmaking Being able to attend this congress in Granada 13-17 November 2006 was one of the greatest blessings, inspirations and lessons in my life. I have attended a large number of Christians gathering all over the world, but this became special for several reasons. The History Yes, dear brothers and sisters in Latin America, you have. You have done more than that by 2000 of you coming over, without mentioning one bad word about history and without showing any unfriendly attitude, you have built a bridge of Christian fellowship that only you can do. Columbus and his crew brought the gospel, wrapped in a foreign language and culture forced upon you by guns and encroachment. Thanks to our living God you dared to unwrap it and reshape it in your national love. Church History A small group of missionaries started back in 1890, but most of them died either as martyrs or from sickness. As the twentieth century began there were 50,000 evangelical believers, this turned into 80 million believers a hundred years later. This is the book of Acts in modern history, a visible act of the Holy Spirit. It is not a church growth due to rituals and traditions, it is growth coming from a desire to transform societies, to establish a community of mutual sharing and love, giving, providing shelter to the needy, begging God himself to heal your inner wounded beings. You are rich with spiritual gifts and encouragement. “I met myself in the door” (a saying) The reason why the society accepted us can most likely be found in the religious Catholic influence of the Latin American society and that we were designated to work with the poor that usually keep quiet. Taking a new religion into a culture is to become a model, that we can see from the history. In COMIBAM III, I saw the appreciation of the missionary model. The highest service was to become a missionary, sent out and paid for by the poor church. Many of the questions we discussed as participants were related to getting the financial support. Why did Paul an artisan, enter Europe as a tentmaker, (Acts 18:3), not as a well trained Pharisee? He was aware that he was a model for the new believers on how to spread the gospel. Several times he challenged them to “Have me as a model…, labouring night and day,” (1 Thessalonians 2:8). As pastors and church workers, you know what it takes to be a religious worker, living out of your own income and still sharing with the needy. This is a model of growth; why not adopt this as a model for cross cultural evangelism? Chosen for the New Paradigm As the body of Christ in today’s world we need ask who can go where. We are going into areas where there is hardly any respect for Christianity; we cannot expect to be welcomed just by our nationality and money. As Westerners, history has left blood on our hands, and there are visas restrictions in most places. Latin Americans are welcomed, and you have through your language and mind set much in common with Arabs. The greatest challenge for mission today is to dare to live out a witnessing life in secular society. Globalisation has opened up a job market that we as Christians need to see as an open door from God. The Muslims are not only in the Middle East, they are our neighbours at home. We need to create mission strategies that can survive political chaos. Listening to the plenary session at COMIBAM III about the message to the church, preoccupations and revelations, we listened to a prophetic voice that sees the changes needed for a new paradigm. Thank you for inviting me. You will always be in my prayers. A New Book from Rev. Dr. Christopher Wright, Chair of the Lausanne Theology Working Group
In order to understand the Bible, we need a missional hermeneutic of the Bible, an interpretive perspective that is in tune with this great missional theme. We need to see the "big picture" of God's mission and how the familiar bits and pieces fit into the grand narrative of Scripture. Beginning with the Old Testament and the groundwork it lays for understanding who God is, what he has called his people to be and do, and how the nations fit into God's mission, Wright gives us a new hermeneutical perspective on Scripture. This new perspective provides a solid and expansive basis for holistic mission. Wright emphasizes throughout a holistic mission as the proper shape of Christian mission. God's mission is to reclaim the world--and that includes the created order--and God's people have a designated role to play in that mission. Endorsements "Christopher Wright has made two important contributions. First, he demonstrates that the Bible, from beginning to end, is about God's mission to the world. Second, Wright grounds the meaning and significance of this mission substantially in the Old Testament. Often relegated in textbooks to short introductory chapters that cite a handful of passages about God's concern for the nations, the Old Testament at last receives its full due. This comprehensive study by a seasoned missiologist and Old Testament ethicist demonstrates that the entire Scripture is consistent in its message and thrust. I have waited years for a book like this!"—M. Daniel Carroll R., Earl S. Kalland Chair of Old Testament, Denver Seminary, and adjunct professor, El Seminario Teológico Centroamericano, Guatemala City, Guatemala
“Wycliffe Associates, which supports Bible translators in practical ways, is building a new Volunteer Mobilization Center in Orlando (Florida, USA) to recruit, train and mobilize the service contributions of what is expected to be a continued influx of mature, skilled volunteers,” said Huyett. Baby boomers – those born after World War II and before the Vietnam War – make up a quarter of the total population in the United States. Dr. Todd Johnson, a research fellow and director of the Center for the Study of Global Christianity at Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary, (and Lausanne Senior Associate for the Study of Global Christianity) confirms that boomers are more interested in being active than just giving money. Many are starting NGOs (non-governmental organizations) such as orphanages, business centers and health clinics that minister at a local level. “Many retirees’ post-retirement plans are being built around missions,” Johnson said. “Time” magazine reported that boomers volunteer at a rate of 33 percent, contrasted with 24 percent for those 65 and older. Last year, 65.4 million people did volunteer work, but 75 million volunteers will be needed in 2010, the magazine reported. The need for volunteers is there, confirmed Huyett. Wycliffe Associates currently has more than 2,000 unfilled volunteer positions. “As hundreds of thousands of new volunteer missionaries rise from the ranks of retiring baby boomers, they will challenge the status quo of missions and how organizations will respond to them,” Huyett said. “Wycliffe Associates is positioned to usher in a new era of evangelism, Christian service and missions by involving thousands of boomers in the acceleration of Bible translation worldwide.” During 2005, more than 1,200 Wycliffe Associates volunteers served in 36 countries as part of the worldwide Bible translation team. Wycliffe Associates plans to send more than 1,500 volunteers to 40 different counties this year to build and renovate facilities, construct roads and airstrips, teach Vacation Bible Schools, help with language development and office work, oversee projects, use their computer skills and much more. U.S. based ChurchCentral.com has produced a two part series on Short Term Missions. Part One, Fulfilling the Church’s mission two weeks at a time is available here: http://www.churchcentral.com/nw/s/template/Article.html/id/24428. Lausanne World Pulse also addressed Short Term Missions in its March 2006 issue: http://www.lausanneworldpulse.com/03-2006 By Sarah Plummer, Intercessory Working Group Chair Praise God for the New Year in Him. Praise God for the privilege of being part of what He is doing in His world. Praise God for the new beginnings he showers us in His Grace. Prayer Requests
In regards to the Whole Gospel:
In regards to the Whole World:
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To conclude 2006, the Billy Graham Center Archives has added another large portion of Lausanne Committee records to the Lausanne Collection, bringing the year's total to 62.1 cubic feet added (the entire collection now comprises 151.9 cubic feet in 285 boxes). 
Following a three-month due diligence period, International Bible Society and Send the Light have announced their joint intention to merge organizations. IBS is one of the world’s largest translators and distributors of Scripture, and STL is one of the world’s largest distributors of Christian literature.
HCJB World Radio, the world’s first missionary broadcasting ministry, which also has developed an international medical outreach, has changed its name to “HCJB Global.” 
Most Christians would agree that the Bible provides a basis for mission. But Christopher Wright maintains that mission is bigger than that--there is in fact a missional basis for the Bible! The entire Bible is generated by and is all about God's mission.
Ethnê World Changers' Prayer Handbook for Young People is designed to help inspire informed prayer for the least-reached peoples around the globe. With clear explanations of who these groups are and why they remain least-reached, the handbook lays the foundation for understanding, then presents overviews of the peoples of each of the 12 regions with specific people profiles and prayer points for four specific groups in every region. Every region has its own prayer journal pages for recording prayers, insights and praises. 
On average, one “baby boomer” retires every seven seconds in the United States, and Wycliffe Associates is tailoring its programs with this in mind, announced Martin Huyett, vice president of volunteer services for the worldwide organization.
