Missions Book Recommendations

An excerpt from...

Missions Book Recommendations

Titles to add to your reading list
October-December 2013

Muslims, Christians, and Jesus
Recommended by Mike Chupp, Kenya

Recommended to me by a fellow WGM missionary working in the Middle East,Muslims, Christians, and Jesus by Carl Medearis has opened my eyes and revolutionized my thinking. This book is the most succinct and informative book I have ever read on Islam and Muslims. As an American missionary from the Midwest who has had little contact with Muslims (even while serving in Africa), this book was a tremendous challenge to me. It is a powerful help to any follower of Christ who desires friendship and fellowship with Muslims in his or her life. Reading this book has made me realize the huge “black hole” that exists in my knowledge base and experience in relation to what Muslims believe and who they are as a people and culture. I challenge you to get a copy and ask God’s Spirit to open your heart and mind to Carl’s message of reaching a huge population in our world that God loves and Jesus died for.

Western Christians in Global Missions: What’s the Role of the North American Church?
Recommended by Todd Eckhardt, Support Staff

If you have a heart for the Great Commission, here’s a book to add your must-read list—Western Christians in Global Missions: What’s the Role of the North American Church? by Paul Borthwick. Don’t let the long, complicated title fool you. The book is not complicated. In fact, it is one of the most helpful books I’ve read in identifying the role you and I play in this changing world.

Today, the Church of Jesus Christ is exploding in Asia, Africa, and South America. Meanwhile, churches in Europe and the United States are closing at an alarming rate. Borthwick honestly identifies the role of the North American Church in this well-written book. Here’s a hint: it is wrapped up in discipleship. After all, isn’t the Great Commission all about making disciples? Grab this book and allow God to redefine your role in your local church and in God’s global Church. 

Woman to Woman: Sharing Jesus with a Muslim Friend
Recommended by Rachel Elwood, Support Staff

You don’t have to go to Saudi Arabia or wear a burka. You don’t have to know the Qur’an inside and out. Ladies, all you have to do to share Jesus with a woman of the Muslim faith is be willing to listen, let down your defenses and fears, and allow the Holy Spirit to move. Author Joy Loewan shares her story openly and honestly, guiding US-based readers to a better understanding of the unique culture of Muslim women. You’ll come away filled with compassion for Muslim women, and you’ll be equipped with practical ideas to engage them in friendship in your own community.

ACT: These books are available for purchase at www.amazon.com.

Gift of Unsolicited Directions

An excerpt from Gift of Unsolicited Directions

By Billy Coppedge, Uganda
October-December 2012

 Is there anything more humiliating than having to stop and ask for directions? Maybe the only thing worse is when someone offers you directions without you asking. It always grates against my pride, particularly when I realize later that the unsolicited information was actually very helpful. In 2008, I was offered just this type of “directions.” Terry Duncan and John Muehleisen, both World Gospel Mission Africa regional leaders, approached Joanna and me about investigating an up-and-coming strategy within missions called Bible storytelling.

I found myself in Nairobi, Kenya, attending a conference on how to tell Bible stories. With almost 20 years of literate-preference education, changing lanes seemed risky for me. But by the end of hearing my first story and the ensuing discussion, I had my turn signal on.

After being lost, you find a certain relief to finally know you are headed in the right direction. I thank Jesus for Terry and John’s “unsolicited direction.”

ACT: Lots of people are asking for direction. Interestingly, whatever their education, language, culture, or economic status, they all will listen to a good story. So the next time someone asks you for directions, why not tell a Bible story?