Lee's Lines

Missions history sounds boring, right? Not when you live it!

I'm really thankful to Brooke for putting together these blog sites for us (with a jump start from Tom and Scott). It's especially nice to be able to show you what I'm reading. The two books shown on the right are for a "History of Missions" class I'm taking at Grace Seminary (Winona Lake, IN) in May.

A lot of what I'm reading is a bit dry and overly detailed . . . lots of names and dates. You know . . . history. But despite the trappings of studying a sometimes dry subject, I appreciate the insights of Stephen Neill, author of A History of Christian Missions. Here's a quote from that book that struck me . . . "Missionary activity is always a sign of vitality in the Church."

That's a simple yet profound statement. From the context, there's no doubt Neill is speaking of the "church universal". But I wonder if this is also the case with local churches, as well as our own lives. I think it is, and I experienced that truth this week while visiting Ukraine.

At a meeting Tuesday in Kiev . . . (here's a picture of a cool communist-era stature there) . . .

. . . I personally heard the missions vision of three leaders representing three of the largest evangelical denominations in Ukraine. It was fascinating and encouraging to learn of their commitment to send Ukrainian missionaries around the world (more than 500 have been sent already!). These leaders not only have vision but they also have strategies and structures in place to send hundreds more.

Stephen Neill's statement is true of the church in Ukraine, and I want it to continue to be true in my life . . . mission is a measure of vitality! Maybe someday a statue like this will commemorate brave but humble Ukraine Christians who have a passion to see the world won for Christ not communism.

PS> Despite the note below, this was posted by Lee (using Brooke's computer)

Posted by Brooke at April 16, 2004 07:59 AM