A Great Cloud of Witnesses

As Lindy and I grow more into understanding "missiology" (study of christian missions), we've encountered several books which have been instrumental in helping us develop a broader view of missions, cross-cultural life, and scriptural instruction for such work. I know there are numerous books on the subject, however I'd like to highlight a few of them and summarily explain their nature and why we've chosen to recommend them. (Please feel free to comment with others you have found helpful)

Let The Nations Be Glad - John Piper

Using, as the center-piece, Psalm 67:3-4 as the driving emphasis for the book, Piper reveals that God has always intended and purposed the nations of this world to come to Him in glory-giving fashion. This book has long-stood as, possibly, the most important book written on the need for missions around the world. (Warning: may cause a change of heart for the direction of your life.)

available: Here

Cross-Cultural Servanthood: Serving the World in Christlike Humility - Duane Elmer

After living abroad and studying the negative effects that missionaries have had on peoples of other cultures around the world, Duane Elmer wrote this with much wisdom and insight to aid short-term and long-term missionaries who would seek to engage others with the Gospel. Sadly, many have caused great harm, without intending to, mind you, on another people group. This practical approach to filling up our hearts with genuine humility toward serving another group of people while remaining faithful and true to the gospel, is highly recommended for ANYONE considering going abroad for a week or the rest of your life!

available: Here

How to Get Ready For Short-Term Missions: The Ultimate Guide for Sponsors, Parents, and Those Who Go. - Anne-Geri Fann and Gregory Taylor

This is a very practical book written for that great majority of people who will spend a shorter period of time in missions. Each year over a million people around the world will spend time abroad doing some type of "service" for another culture. Within this book are questions for the go-er as well as the sender. This was recommended to me recently and I plan on focusing on it a bit more as we offer encouragement and support for the many people who will plan, prepare, and participate in missions for days and not years.

available: Here

There are several biographical books on missionaries that I would highly recommend. I cannot say with enough emphasis how important it is to read about godly men and women who have given their lives to making Christ known around the world. These books, quite possibly, could be more impacting than anything else written on missions:

David Livingstone - "Through the Dark Continent vol. 1 & 2" - Written by Henry M. Stanley

Adonarium Judson - "To the Golden Shore" - Written by Courtney Anderson

Hudson Taylor - "Hudson Taylor's Spiritual Secret" - Written by Dr. & Mrs. Howard Taylor

William Carey - "William Carey" - Written by S. Pearce Carey

John G. Paton - "John G. Paton: Missionary to the New Hebrides" - Autobiographical

And there are many many more like C.T. Studd (missionary to China, India, and Africa), Jim & Elisabeth Elliot (missionaries to Ecuador), David Brainerd (missionary to Native Americans), Lottie Moon (female missionary to China), and countless others whose lives were lived out in suffering for the Gospel. Yet there are thousands more who never have had a book written about them and will never be spoken of when the great missionaries of the past are counted. You and I may never know their names, but rest assured: their Father knows their names.

(Next week I'll continue this theme by posting sermons and talks given about missions)