Indians in Missions World Wide
Indians in Missions World Wide
The world is flat. It was an assumption held by many Christians until Christopher Columbus challenged that assumption with evidence that the world was indeed round. Today we hold various assumptions about this world. Some of it comes from our culture, beliefs, background and perceptions through learning. Not all of our assumptions may be right.
“It's a small thing for you to be assuming that you have been called to be serving your own people and your own kingdom” said God to Isaiah. (Isaiah 49:6) God clarified that He had called Isaiah to be a light to the nations so that the whole world will know His salvation. It's not only Isaiah but even the nation of Israel made assumptions about their calling. Israel assumed that they were the only chosen people and refused to allow foreigners to share in their blessings. God had to use many prophets to help them look at their neighbors. He even sent the whole nation of Israel as exiles to other countries to become His witnesses.
There were many assumptions among the early disciples too. The early church in Jerusalem was very contented to be just fellowshipping, until God intervened and dispersed the believers into the Roman world by allowing persecution. Soon there were churches in most major cities in the Roman world. The apostles and church elders assumed that only the Jews were called to follow Christ and be baptized in the Holy Spirit until God dramatically intervenes through Peter and Paul to show how the Gospel is for everyone. The church grew beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
There are many assumptions that we make about our spiritual life and ministry. We assume that one type of ministry is more important than other ministries. Unless we question our assumptions new understandings and opportunities will never be created. There are many assumptions within the Interserve family and the larger mission community in India. We need to question those assumptions if we are going to grow in our understanding of God's calling and the opportunities that are opening up for us.
The Indian missions have for long been preoccupied with the challenges within India and have neglected their role in serving the global challenges. We assume that Indians who go overseas betray their motherland for better prospects elsewhere. We fail to see that some Indian Christians may have a genuine call from God to serve overseas in many different ways. We have often been misled by assumptions that only Indians can serve the challenges in India. We fail to understand that God's call to individuals may not always be bound by political boundaries and contexts. God is sovereign and uses people the way He wants to and not the way we want Him to do. Bishop Michael Nazir Ali of Rochester (UK) wrote a book titled From Everywhere to Everywhere. God's calling to serve in missions knows no boundaries. Missions can no longer be confined to boxes and definitions we draw.
Sending Indian Partners overseas and facilitating the Indian missions and churches to be involved globally is part of our vision for the next five years. The global church needs
the involvement of Indians in missions' world wide.
Interserve India is excited to be a catalytic facilitator for the Indian mission movement during this exciting phase of global missions. As you read the articles and the profiles, listen to how God wants you to be involved in this vision. If you are willing to respond to God's call, then do not hesitate to contact us. We will be thrilled to be part of God's purposes in your life. John Amalraj
© 2006, INFOCUS, Interserve India
The world is flat. It was an assumption held by many Christians until Christopher Columbus challenged that assumption with evidence that the world was indeed round. Today we hold various assumptions about this world. Some of it comes from our culture, beliefs, background and perceptions through learning. Not all of our assumptions may be right.
“It's a small thing for you to be assuming that you have been called to be serving your own people and your own kingdom” said God to Isaiah. (Isaiah 49:6) God clarified that He had called Isaiah to be a light to the nations so that the whole world will know His salvation. It's not only Isaiah but even the nation of Israel made assumptions about their calling. Israel assumed that they were the only chosen people and refused to allow foreigners to share in their blessings. God had to use many prophets to help them look at their neighbors. He even sent the whole nation of Israel as exiles to other countries to become His witnesses.
There were many assumptions among the early disciples too. The early church in Jerusalem was very contented to be just fellowshipping, until God intervened and dispersed the believers into the Roman world by allowing persecution. Soon there were churches in most major cities in the Roman world. The apostles and church elders assumed that only the Jews were called to follow Christ and be baptized in the Holy Spirit until God dramatically intervenes through Peter and Paul to show how the Gospel is for everyone. The church grew beyond Jerusalem to the ends of the earth.
There are many assumptions that we make about our spiritual life and ministry. We assume that one type of ministry is more important than other ministries. Unless we question our assumptions new understandings and opportunities will never be created. There are many assumptions within the Interserve family and the larger mission community in India. We need to question those assumptions if we are going to grow in our understanding of God's calling and the opportunities that are opening up for us.
The Indian missions have for long been preoccupied with the challenges within India and have neglected their role in serving the global challenges. We assume that Indians who go overseas betray their motherland for better prospects elsewhere. We fail to see that some Indian Christians may have a genuine call from God to serve overseas in many different ways. We have often been misled by assumptions that only Indians can serve the challenges in India. We fail to understand that God's call to individuals may not always be bound by political boundaries and contexts. God is sovereign and uses people the way He wants to and not the way we want Him to do. Bishop Michael Nazir Ali of Rochester (UK) wrote a book titled From Everywhere to Everywhere. God's calling to serve in missions knows no boundaries. Missions can no longer be confined to boxes and definitions we draw.
Sending Indian Partners overseas and facilitating the Indian missions and churches to be involved globally is part of our vision for the next five years. The global church needs
the involvement of Indians in missions' world wide.
Interserve India is excited to be a catalytic facilitator for the Indian mission movement during this exciting phase of global missions. As you read the articles and the profiles, listen to how God wants you to be involved in this vision. If you are willing to respond to God's call, then do not hesitate to contact us. We will be thrilled to be part of God's purposes in your life. John Amalraj
© 2006, INFOCUS, Interserve India
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