Day: March 25, 2020

In this issue:

1. VIDEO: Pray During COVID-19
2. BOOK: Ephesiology
3. ARTICLE: Motus Dei
4. FILMS: Streaming Sooner Than Expected
5. EVENTS: All Online for April

Source: Prayercast

There is something you can do about the COVID-19 coronavirus. Many of us are in various degrees of quarantine and lockdown, but nothing will ever stop the power and reach of prayer.

» Join us in lifting our eyes from the headlines and fixing them on Jesus with this new prayercast video. This might be a good one to share with your church, group, or organization.

» Get regular updates on what God is doing during this season through various ministries from Mission Network News.

Source: William Carey Publishing

Ephesiology: A Study of the Ephesian Movement, by Michael T. Cooper. William Carey Publishing, 2020. 347 pages.

Acts 19:10 reports all who lived in the Roman province of Asia heard the word of the Lord during the two years Paul was in Ephesus. What does that mean? How in the world did it happen? And what can we learn from it that might help us today?

Ephesiology is a thorough exploration of this movement as described primarily in Acts 19, Ephesians, 1 Timothy, 2 Timothy, and Revelation 2-3. The author steers clear of contemporary models and debates; this may make this book more appealing to those who object to aspects of what they see elsewhere. What he seeks to offer is an accessible biblical missiology—or, as he puts it, a missiological theology of the Bible—for readers who want to see their world transformed as Ephesus was. This is not an easy read but a worth the effort.

» Learn more or purchase for US$9.99 (Kindle) or $15.99 (paperback) from Amazon or elsewhere. See also the Ephesiology website which includes a course, blog, and podcast.

» William Carey Publishing has also released a new, special edition of the late Steve Smith’s book Spirit Walk: The Extraordinary Power of Acts for Ordinary People. Take a look.

Source: Global Missiology

How does what we’re seeing in disciple-making movements today fit into our understanding of Missio Dei, the overarching mission of God? How much common ground might there be between those focused on catalyzing disciple-making movements and those with a broader, maybe more holistic understanding of mission?

Check out what author and missiologist Warrick Farah has to say as he explores how the topic connects with various (sometimes competing) conversations in the field of mission studies and introduces the term motus Dei, movement of God.

» Read the article. You might be interested in another from the author, A Missiology of Social Distancing: Ministry Innovation in the Midst of Biosecurity Events (Circumpolar).

Sources: Various

Some of you may have seen Free Burma Rangers, a documentary we reviewed in January. The producers are working on digital delivery to replace theater screenings. Keep an eye on their website or social media channels if interested.

I Am Patrick, CBN’s new docudrama about Ireland’s patron saint, was to debut the very day major theater chains were shutting down. So now, for US$15, you can get it on DVD with simultaneous streaming. It’s a thoughtful, interesting, and well executed film. I recommend it.

» See also St. Patrick and the Great Commission, a piece I wrote for Pioneers USA.

Source: Missions Catalyst Events Calendar

Not surprisingly, event organizers cancelled or postponed the face-to-face event on our April events calendar. But check out these webinars and courses you can still participate in. I’m including a few for late March which may be of interest.

March 25 to April 1, Guilt, Shame, Fear… and Faith (online). Training course from the Center for Intercultural Training.

March 30 to April 6, Spiritual Warfare—the Super and the Natural (online). Training course from the Center for Intercultural Training.

March 30 to April 6, Onramp (online). Training course from the Center for Intercultural Training to help launch you into cross-cultural ministry.

April 1, God, Germs and Global Missions (online). Webinar from Sixteen:Fifteen. Free.

April 2, Mobilization: Helping Others Uncover Their Dreams and Callings (online). Global update provided by Beyond.

April 6 to August 9, Perspectives on the World Christian Movement (online). Offered regularly; another course begins May 4.

April 9, TECHnically Connected: Navigating Distance on Virtual Teams (online). Webinar from Missio Nexus.

April 14, Engaging the Church as Senders (online). Webinar from the Standards of Excellence in Short-Term Missions.

April 16, Character vs. Skill: Biblical Paradigms for Leadership (online). Nugget training from Beyond.

April 23, Overcoming through Prayer (online). Proactive prayer training from Beyond.

April 24 to May 24, 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World (global). Annual. Consider purchasing the (paper or electronic) 2020 prayer guides for kids and adults. Watch and share the promo video.

» View complete calendar. Submissions welcome. We are starting to see May events cancelled and will continue to make updates.

» Cancelled your mission trip? Still in wait-and-see mode? Standards of Excellence in Short-term Mission has posted the recording  of a March 17 webinar on COVID-19 and Mission Trips with specialists in several areas. No cost. Check it out.