These brothers and sisters have been at work across the globe for several decades.  If you are not aware of what they are doing, check out their site and their missions magazine, The Gleaner.

One of the matters that I admire most about this association is their heart’s desire for church multiplication.  In fact, the theme of the event was this topic.

I was delighted to spend some time with Larry Barker, Director of Operations for North America, and Executive Director, John David Smith. These men–as well as others in the association–recognize the importance of healthy theology and missiology to support their strategies and methods.  Here is an association that is taking the lead, setting wise goals, and desiring to keep church planting highly reproducible–even in North America.

Sound, Simple, and Reproducible.  Such is a rarity today–but desperately needed.  May others learn from the saints of BMAA.

During my first presentation, I was able to share with many of their missionaries.  I addressed the topic of three necessary shifts in church planting circles in preparation for any possible church multiplication, particularly in North America: 1) Shift in Definition of Church Planting; 2) Shift to an Apostolic Paradigm; and 3) Shift to Multiplication Strategies.

For the evening plenary session, I was also asked to address church multiplication, but with a general audience in mind.  During this gathering, I discussed that while the Church has no control over God’s sovereignty or the local contexts in which she finds herself, she does have control over her institutional factors that help or hinder possible multiplication.  It was a time for prayerful introspection and change where necessary.  While we read through many passages, we used Acts 16:1-15 as our primary text.

I promised those who attended that I would post both of my presentations on the blog.  Here they are for the taking:

Missionary Presentation

Missions Symposium Plenary

A big word of appreciation goes to the BMAA folks for their hospitality and friendship.  It was great being with you.  Keep pressing on!

A new book is available that you need to add to your library.  Evangelical and Frontier Mission: Perspectives on the Global Progress of the Gospel is edited by two of my friends, Beth Snodderly and Scott Moreau. This work represents a collection of chapters related to missions past, present, and future.

Beth is President of William Carey International University and Southwest Regional Vice President of the Evangelical Missiological Society.  You may find several of her blog posts at the William Carey International Development Journal.   Scott is Professor of Intercultural Studies and Missions at Wheaton College. He is Editor of Evangelical Missions Quarterly and General Editor of the Encountering Mission series (Baker Books).

I recently asked Beth to comment on this work.  Here is the interview.

Can you provide a brief overview of this book?
This book is a collection of case studies in evangelical reflection and praxis in relation to what we see as the continuing frontiers in mission. This means that the collection is not intended to give a full picture of Evangelicals and all of our efforts. Rather, it is a picture highlighting elements of what we as editors consider the most central of the numerous evangelical missional trajectories.  Despite the numerical success of Evangelicals globally over the twentieth century, there are significant challenges ahead. In the final section we are oriented to some of these challenges.

Gone are the days of missions being geographically defined.  We presently live in an age where the lines are blurred between domestic and international.  What happens at home does not stay at home, and what happens abroad influences the rest of the world.

While the challenges of globalization and international migration are great, the Great Commission opportunities are even greater.  Here is a glimpse of what is happening in our world as the Lord continues to open doors for the advancement of the gospel.  Check out the full report (linked above) for more details.

• Africa Regional Overview: About 30 million Africans have migrated internationally.  In 2010, most of the sub-Saharan migration was intraregional and employment-related (64%).  However, 90% of migrants from North Africa travel to countries outside of the region. The majority of Africa’s migrants live in Europe, and about half of all of Africa’s migrants live outside the continent.

• Americas Regional Overview: Over 1 million people were displaced after the earthquake in Haiti. The United States is still the top country of destination.  In 2010, about 43 million foreign nationals (13.5% of total U.S. pop) were hosted by the United States.   The Hispanic population in the United States increased from 35.3 million in 2000 to 50.5 million by 2010.

• Asia Regional Overview: Extreme weather events such as floods, droughts, storms and earthquakes caused the displacement of millions of people in Asia. Both the Philippines and Pakistan put forward new laws to protect their citizens working abroad.  In 2010, half of the top 10 emigration countries were from this region–Bangladesh, China, India, Pakistan and the Philippines.  A significant number of regional migrations occurred to Singapore, Malaysia, Hong Kong SAR, and the Republic of Korea.  Thailand was a major destination for migrants from Cambodia.  Remittances played an important role in economic development in this region. 2010 remittances were estimated to be $170 billion (USD).

• Europe Regional Overview: Europe has experienced slow recovery from the economic downturn and unemployment remains high. This has resulted in new emigration flows. Many people left Ireland in 2010 seeking employment elsewhere. Net emigration from Ireland reached about 60,000 in 2010, the highest level since 1989.  Governments in the region are discussing tighter border controls.  EU states worked to establish a safe and orderly return of Pakistanis staying illegally in such territories.

• Middle East Regional Overview: The Middle East has experienced significant recovery from the economic downturn due to high oil prices. A large number of immigrants take up the low skilled jobs in this region. These immigrants come from countries such as the Philippines, Nepal and India.  The foreign labor force is very diverse with workers originating from Africa, South America, and the Far East.  International migrants account for 87% of the population of Qatar, 70% of the population of the U.A.E., and 69% of the population of Kuwait.  In Saudi Arabia (2010), 4.7 million foreign workers outnumbered the 4.3 million Saudi nationals in their labor market.  It is estimated that 30.2 million Iraqi nationals (15% of the total pop) remain displaced as a result of the conflict in the region.

• Oceania Regional Overview: Of the 35 million people living in Oceania, 16.8% of the population are international migrants.  Large numbers of migrants from Asia and neighboring countries in Oceania are locating to Australia.  Australia and New Zealand are the main destinations within the region for migrants from Polynesia, Melanesia, and Micronesia.  New Zealand has been attempting to attract more highly skilled migrants, particularly young people.

The total 2010 global stock of migrants was 214 million people.  This number was up from 191 million in 2005.   Whenever internal migrants are taken into account (740 million), about 1 billion people in the world today are migrants, or about 1 in 7 of the total global population.

The issue of migration is one of the most significant issues facing the Church today.  While the migration of peoples comes with numerous challenges, it also provides amazing opportunities for gospel advancement.

Today’s post is the first of two related to the “World Migration Report 2011.”  Contained within this work was a list of international migration trends.  Here are the five which are important to keep in mind and are affecting the movement of peoples.

I. Political transitions in the Middle East and North Africa

There have been many political uprisings throughout the Middle East and North Africa in 2011. These uprisings have been anywhere from  peaceful to very violent.  Along with the uprisings came mass movements of peoples. Many Asians returned to their home countries and North Africans returned home.

II. Increase in natural disasters and displaced people

In 2010, there was an unusual increase in natural disasters. In that year, over 42 million people were displaced due to sudden-onset natural disasters.  There were unusually heavy floods in Pakistan, China, and India, earthquakes in Chile, Japan and Haiti.

III. Overall numbers of refugees and asylum-seekers remain stable

In 2010, it was estimated that there were 15.4 million refugees and 845,800 asylum-seekers across the globe.  The total number of refugees increased only slightly in 2010, but the number of new asylum claims decreased. The number of refugees is expected to increase as a result of the instability in North Africa in 2011.

IV. Migration and the global economic crisis: some signs of recovery

The global economic crisis affected countries in different ways.  Some countries are experiencing an increase of migrants (e.g., Canada, Germany, United States) and others a decrease (e.g., United Kingdom).  Overall, the changes in the labor markets and migration patterns caused by the crisis were relatively short-lived.

V. The relevance of human trafficking

The number of trafficked persons around the globe has remained high and was estimated at 12.3 million in 2010.  Across the globe, almost 2 out of 1,000 people are victims of trafficking.  In Asia and the Pacific this ratio jumps to 3 out of 1,000 people.  There are indications that the international community is taking a more serious perspective of this issue.

As the Church becomes aware of the blessings that can be found in innovation and technology, She is likely to embrace those blessings for the advancement of the gospel.  For example, the missionary activities of the Apostolic and Early Church were aided by the Roman Road system of their days.  Consider the great help of the steam powered locomotive to the Kingdom.  What about the automobile?

I read an article in The Telegraph that caused me to stop and consider how economic improvement across Asia is likely to lead to greater opportunities for the gospel to spread rapidly and with honor (2 Thes 3:1).  As China and India continue to experience a growing middle class, the demand for air travel continues to increase.  And with demand comes the need for more pilots.  Such was the thrust of the article.

The growth in the demand for people to take advantage of the technology of flight is so great that William Voss, President of Flight Safety Foundation was quoted as stating, “Never in human history have we seen a time when two billion people will enter the middle class and demand air travel. That time is now.”

The number of Asians traveling within their countries and across the globe is likely to grow dramatically in the next several years.  Is the Church ready for such movements?

Yes, the Roman Roads, steam-powered locomotives, and automobiles made travel safer, faster and more efficient.

But is that the extent of their value?  Were they allowed to develop simply so we could get to grandmother’s house in time for Christmas?  Sure they were/are wonderful blessings, but is there a bigger picture?

Do you and your church recognize the impact that a rise in the Asian middle class will have on your ministry?  Do you recognize the wonderful Kingdom opportunities that exist for every new Asian pilot who enters the workforce?

InterVarsity Press has acquired Biblica.

This was an exciting update.  While I knew Biblica was in discussion with another publisher, I did not know the company involved.  You may check out some of the details from Andy Unedited at IVP HERE and the press release HERE.

While Biblica is exiting the Christian book publishing business, the company will remain in existence with a focus on Bibles and Bible distribution.

I felt that this matter should be brought to your attention for at least two reasons.

First, while I am presently under writing contracts with Baker Academic and Thomas Nelson, three of my books have been with Biblica.  Missional House Churches, Discovering Church Planting, and Evangelism are now under the auspices of InterVarsity Press.  I am very thankful for this new situation.

Also, many of you know that for sometime I have been promoting my next book, Strangers Next Door: Immigration, Migration, and Missions Opportunity.  This work with Biblica was scheduled to be released in March 2012.  You may read my last update on the book HERE.  I know that conversations are presently taking place regarding the books that were in the Biblica pipeline to be released.

While I am excited about this recent purchase, it is an unexpected change.   Strangers has been through the editing and cover design stages.  So, I must add that it is an uncomfortable feeling when your airplane is roaring down the runway only to have the breaks applied just before take-off.  Don’t get me wrong.  No one has informed me that it will not be published.  Therefore, I am expecting that the airplane will re-taxi and will soon be off the ground.  I would appreciate your prayers regarding this matter.  I will keep you informed.

The second reason I believe this change is worth bringing to your attention is that while InterVarsity has always given a high priority to missions (e.g., Urbana, numerous books on missions already), the acquisition of a large number of missions-related books from Biblica will continue to strengthen the company and their reputation for Great Commission literature.  InterVarsity Press will obtain 170 books as well as almost 30 forthcoming titles.

Stay tuned.  You’ll begin to see such changes with InterVarsity Press come January 2012.  I am very thankful for the new owners and greatly looking forward to working with them in the future.  They have been very helpful and encouraging since the acquisition.

Exciting times!

One last word.  It has been a wonderful blessing to work with the people of Biblica.  They have been very helpful, supportive, and encouraging over the years.  They have always manifested a Christ-like spirit.  I love their creativity and heart.  I know the Lord will continue to do great things through them in the days to come.

Go back to that post and look at the chart on the top countries of origin.  China and India are the two largest sending nations.  Turkey, Vietnam, Saudi Arabia, and Taiwan also make the top ten list.  Many of the top twenty-five countries have experienced large percent increases of students sent within the past year.

But, do we see the hand of the Lord in such movements?

Many of the least reached and unreached peoples of the world are coming to our communities to study, learn American cultures, and make friendships.  Unfortunately, many churches in the United States are not aware of such wonderful migrations.  While the greatest needs for the gospel are by far outside of the United States, the sad reality is that while many of us struggle to figure out ways to get into other nations, we fail to recognize the Sovereign Lord at work in our own communities.

We often pass the peoples we are trying to reach at 35,000 feet somewhere over the Pacific.  They fly past us at 530 miles per hour on their way to our neighborhoods.  They are willingly coming to our communities while we’re struggling to get into theirs.

We are called to go into all the world and make disciples.  We are supposed to continue to go into all the world to the least reached and unreached.  Again, the greatest need is absolutely “over there.”

However, what kind of theology and missiology supports going “over there” and fails to advocate going “down the street”?

What kind of stewards are we if we are willing to spend large amounts of money, time, and energy on reaching people groups–at great risk–and are not willing to connect with someone from that same group who wants to have tea or coffee with us at the local shop?

The Great Commission knows no geographical boundaries.  The churches, networks, and denominations that will be the most effective in making disciples of all nations in a highly globalized twenty-first century world are those who strategically integrate all of their missional activities.  They will bring together the domestic and international realms.

And there is no better place to start than by loving and serving those wonderful students who have come to study in our backyards.

The present enrollment of international students at U. S. colleges and universities is at an all-time high of 723,277.

These numbers have been increasing at least since the mid-twentieth century.

Another important fact I want you to note is that the countries sending the most students are China and India, with a 23% increase in the number of Chinese students over the previous year.

Beyond these top two, other noteworthy countries are Taiwan, Saudi Arabia (which had a 44% increase over last year), Japan, Vietnam, Thailand, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Malaysia, Iran (which had a 19% increase), and Pakistan.

In my next post, I’ll make a few comments related to our labors.  Until then, I want to encourage you to look at the Open Doors Fast Facts (linked above) and prayfully consider the missiological implications set before us as faithful and wise stewards.

If you are looking for a place to serve, have you considered any of the following cities?  I’m sure they could use a church planter or two.

What is already taking place in these 20 cities is and will continue to influence global missions for years to come.  The historical forces are already in motion.  Now is not the time to flee the city, but to connect with the people there–and to connect them to the gospel.  Now is not the time for the Church in the West to allow our Majority World brothers and sisters to fend for themselves, but to connect with them and enter into healthy gospel partnerships for the multiplication of disciples, leaders, and churches.

If you are talking missions in the 21st century, then you had better start spending a good amount of time talking urban.

Check out the links to the articles on these cities.  While some of them may be unfamiliar to some of us today, I guarantee these cities will become familiar to us tomorrow.

(Just a side note to my North American and European readers…I only see 1 “Western” megacity here.  What does this fact communicate about the future of global influence?  How should this affect missionary strategy?)

THE 10 BIGGEST MEGACITIES OF TODAY

Manila
Shanghai
Delhi
São Paulo
Jakarta
Mumbai
New York City
Mexico City
Seoul
Tokyo

THE 10 FASTEST-GROWING CITIES OF TOMORROW

Lahore, Pakistan
Manila
Shanghai
Kolkata
Lagos, Nigeria
Karachi
Mumbai
Kinshasa, Congo
Dhaka, Bangladesh
Delhi

What thoughts come to mind whenever you read over these two lists?

52% of the world’s international migrant population can be found in ten countries.  Take a look at this table from the Migration Policy Institute.

So, let’s do a little math to guide our missiological musing.

If we take the populations of the U. S., Germany, Canada, France, United Kingdom, and Spain, our total is 80,288,000 people, or about 38% of the world’s international migrant population.  That is a great number of people.  To help put things into perspective–this number is well over the total population found in France, Canada, Spain, or the United Kingdom.  It is a number about a million shy of the total population of Germany.

Why single out these six countries?  Because the restrictions placed upon churches for gospel advancement are very limited.  Opposition is low at both the local and national levels.  Persecution is low.  Access to the peoples is high.  The opportunity is great for showing the love of Christ while helping one’s neighbor.

In addition to finding numerous UPGs in these countries with transnational social networks, we also have numerous Majority World believers as well.  200 years of Western missions have now resulted in numerous Kingdom citizens migrating to these nations, with many being sent from their churches to share the gospel in the West.  Here is an opportunity for churches to partner with and offer training to brothers and sisters from other lands.

Of course, I’m only sharing here the story for a few Western countries.  The story of international migrants grows even larger whenever we take another step back to view the rest of the world….But that is another post for another time.

What are the other Kingdom possibilities you see whenever you look at the table above?  How should we respond to such wonderful opportunities to serve the strangers next door to us?