By Michael Griffiths
MARC. 185 pages. £5.99
ISBN 1 85424 313 6
The sub-title of this excellent little book is 'How to recruit, support and pray for missionaries and Christian workers in a constantly changing world'. It is just that. It looks at our world, at the nature of the unfinished task and considers how we are to face the challenge. Local churches are the key to that, and much of the book is devoted to considering how churches can work this out in practice. It is a very practical book, written out of the author's vast experience as a missionary and missionary statesman. What he says is rooted in the Scriptures but is essentially geared at making very clear practical suggestions.
The basic theme is that we still face an unfinished task in bringing the gospel to our world and that the need remains for long term cross-cultural missionaries. Amen to that! But is also reminds us that the 99% who send are just as much a part of the mission as the 1% who are sent. Sections of the book are devoted to the question of how to mobilise the whole church for mission and how to pray effectively for missionaries. In doing this, Mr. Griffiths does not fail, as some have at times, to highlight the responsibility which is upon the missionary to communicate if supporters are to pray intelligently. Also the crucial role of the church leadership is stressed. If the leaders are not motivated for mission, it will be a struggle for even the most committed congregation.
