Missions Catalyst

Missions Catalyst Resource Reviews 08.28.19

1. VIDEO SERIES: Jesus the Game Changer
2. BOOK: Fruit to Harvest
3. DEVOTION: A 40-Day Journey to the Never Reached
4. DOCUMENTARY: The Untold Story of the Church in Iran
5. EVENTS: Conferences, Courses, and More

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Jesus the Game Changer is a ten-part series exploring how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why that matters. Could this bolster your faith or faith community, or is it something to share with others? See trailer and more info below (Olive Tree Media).

Source: Olive Tree Media

Jesus Christ has made an indelible mark on human history and continues to do so through his followers. Yet many people do not realize that the values western democracies are built on originate in the life and teaching of Jesus—the equality of all, servant leadership, care for the poor and marginalized, dignity of women and children, education, and more.

In this documentary series, Australian host Karl Faase travels to the UK, USA, Singapore, India, and Australia, interviewing more than 30 authors, academics and modern-day game changers about how the life and teaching of Jesus changed the world and why it matters.

Each of the ten episodes is 28 minutes long. You can rent or purchase access online for a few dollars or get the whole set on DVD for $49.95. Additional material is available to help you use the series with your church, school, or small group.

I haven’t had the chance to watch the videos, but everything I see suggests consistent high quality. See the trailer below.

» Learn more or purchase materials. You can watch a dozen extended interviews on their website. You’ll recognize some names and faces.

Source: William Carey Publishing

Fruit to Harvest: Witness of God’s Great Work among Muslims, ed. Gene Daniels, Pam Arlund, and Jim Haney. William Carey Publishing, 2019. 310 pages.

In 2008, the Vision 5:9 network published From Seed to Fruit, a ground-breaking book exploring what practices God was blessing to raise up groups of Jesus-followers among Muslims and describing global trends and emerging issues for ministry among Muslims.

Fruit to Harvest is a sequel of sorts, as the name suggests. Like the first volume, it is based on the proceedings of a global conference on reaching Muslims. Some 47 authors from 21 nations and 30 different agencies working across the Muslim world contributed case studies, information about ministry among Muslims, current challenges, and new strategies.

While many of the topics are covered in greater depth elsewhere, this book covers a lot of ground and provides inspiring, up-to-date, and readable presentations, each with footnotes and suggestions for those who want to learn more. The authors are experienced and passionate practitioners. Some are from Muslim backgrounds themselves.

I appreciated material addressing urban enclaves, Muslim migrants, and nomadic Muslims, as well as strong material on honor and shame, suffering and persecution, partnership, and more. I recommend it highly.

» Learn more or purchase. You can get the Kindle edition for US$9.99 or order a paperback copy for US$19.99.

» Other new releases from William Carey Publishing (formerly William Carey Library) include For the Joy: 21 Missionary Mother Stories of Real Life and Faith, edited by Miriam Chan and Sophia Russell, and Sacred Siblings: Valuing One Another for the Great Commission, by Sue Eenigenburg and Suzy Grumelot (which seems to deal with singleness, marriage, and expectations on a team).

Source: Assembly of God World Missions

“Jesus walked on this earth for exactly 40 days after his resurrection. During those 40 days, one word resounds: GO. Dive into the stories and perspectives of people who love the ‘never reached’ as they unpack why Jesus’s words mandate all Christ-followers to go.”

This new 40-day devotion from Assembly of God World Missions is designed to inspire you to join countless others who devote themselves to praying, giving, and going to the ends of the earth. It includes compelling stories written by missionaries who serve in some of the hardest-to-reach parts of the Asia-Pacific region.

» Learn more or buy the paperback for US$9.99; an ebook version is on the way. But what caught my eye is the (reduced?) edition available for free as a YouVersion reading plan. I plan to give it a try.

Source: Frontier Alliance International and Maranatha

“The fastest growing church in the world today has taken root in one of the most unexpected and radicalized nations on earth,” say the producers of this unusual new documentary, built around interviews and music videos.

“Muslim-background Iranians are leading a quiet but mass exodus out of Islam and bowing their knees to the Jewish Messiah—with kindled affections toward the Jewish people. The Iranian awakening is a rapidly reproducing discipleship movement that owns no property or buildings, has no central leadership, and is predominantly led by women. This is their story.”

Though this documentary stands alone, a Volume 1 came out in 2015. Volume II had its online debut just last week. I’m not sure what to make of it! Would be interested in hearing your response.

» Learn more and stream or download the film. Also available on YouTube, Vimeo, and Facebook.

Source: Missions Catalyst Events Calendar

September 2-15, ORIENT pre-field training for global workers (Eminence, MO, USA). Provided by TRAIN International.

September 3, Missionary Story: Steve & Mary Jo (online). Part of a series of stories from Beyond.

September 8-21, Great Commission Leadership Institute (Chiang Mai, Thailand). From Global Mission Mobilization Initiative (formerly SVM2).

September 9 to October 5, COMPASS (Palmer Lake, CO, USA). Language and culture acquisition provided by Mission Training International.

September 9 to December 8, Encountering the World of Islam (online). Embracing Muslims with the love of Christ.

September 12, Whose Job Is It? The Necessity of Prayer in Missions (online). Nugget training from Beyond.

September 12 to October 10, Foundations of Media to Movements (online). Mentored course from Mission Media U on using social media for deeper conversations and disciple-making.

September 12-13, Support Raising Bootcamp (Pittsburgh, PA, USA). Provided by Support Raising Solutions.

September 16-18, Face 2 Face with Muslims (Orlando, FL, USA). Annual consultation from the Coalition of Ministries to Muslims in North America.

September 18-24, Traction (Wilderswil, Switzerland). Renewal conference for men serving cross-culturally; held annually.

September 18 to October 16, Introduction to Story in Ministry (online). Mission Media U mentored course to better communicate the message of Christ whether your story application is oral, written, or filmed.

September 18-19, Standards Introductory Workshop (Orlando, FL, USA). Training in the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Mission.

September 19-21, Mission Leaders Conference (Orlando, FL, USA). Annual event from Missio Nexus.

September 20-21, People Raising Conference (Oak Brook, IL, USA). Be equipped for raising personal support.

September 25-28, Field Security Seminar (Lake George, CO, USA). Prepare to live, work, and travel in high-risk environments.

September 26-29, New Wineskins Global Mission Conference (Ridgecrest, NC, USA). Triennial conference of the Anglican Church, with preconference meetings on more than 20 topics, including business as mission.

September 27-28, The Journey Deepens (Greenwood, IN, USA). Retreat for prospective missionaries.

September 30, The Mobilized Church: Keys to Unleashing Missionary Potential (Albuquerque, NM, USA). Provided by Sixteen:Fifteen. This workshop will be offered a second time October 4-5 in Mill Creek, WA.

» View the complete calendar. Additions welcome. Want to know more about a specific event? Contact the event organizers.