In 1937 the South American Mission Prayer League organized formally in Minneapolis. By the end of the year, the organization had sent its first missionaries – John Carlsen and Ernest Weinhardt, off to the mountains of Bolivia. In 2012 we … (read more)
God gave the vision in 1929: you can read the story of Weinhardt’s famous vision on the facing page. God sowed the vision in 1932: Weinhardt and his family arrived in Minneapolis, planting the vision wherever they could. God blessed … (read more)
Over the past few months, we have been considering the missionary task remaining. We have presented a few statistics – and learned that one-third of our human family have yet to hear the gospel. We have examined some biblical background … (read more)
At the end of Matthew’s gospel, we find the Great Commission of Jesus: “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations” (Matthew 28:19, NRSV). This is the program that has driven the church – and people like you – since … (read more)
In some circles, as we observed last month, it has become fashionable to maintain that the missionary task of the church is completed. The church was sent into the world, it is true, once upon a time. Then we got … (read more)
In some modern circles, it has become fashionable to maintain that the missionary task of the church is completed. Once upon a time, it is reckoned, the Great Commission of Jesus Christ commanded our collective attention, demanded our personal involvement, … (read more)
A few weeks ago, I pulled out a bit of history. And this bit pulled back. It happened one day during our annual missionary candidates’ Briefing Course, held every summer during the month of June. I was leading a Bible … (read more)
In the first full week of June, our missionary staff, inquirers and candidates, together with a few members of our governing Council, gathered in retreat at a family resort near Balsam Lake, Wisconsin. We gathered to pray for the evangelization … (read more)
Over the past few months we have considered Martin Luther’s counsel regarding prayer. In 1535, he wrote a booklet on the topic. This month we conclude with a final bit of Luther’s profound and practical advice. When you pray, Luther … (read more)
“How should I pray effectively?” asked Peter Beskendorf centuries ago. Peter was a friend of Martin Luther – the Great Reformer’s barber. Luther responded with a little booklet, published in 1535. “How one should pray,” he called it helpfully. Over … (read more)