PERSPECTIVE

We have a vision of mobilizing, training, and sending missionaries from Latin America and the Caribbean to the restricted nations of the world. But the job is more than just finding some "missionary candidates," training them, and sending them to other nations. We want to "mobilize" an army of missionaries that are prepared and equipped to not just go to other nations and win a few people to Jesus but TRANSFORM nations. As I prayed and pondered the task, I was struck by the thought that it was foolish to think we would be able to effectively minister in and transform some of the darkest and most difficult nations in the world if we aren't able to transform our home nations, which in general, are not hostile to the Gospel. That was the birth of a strategy with phases or stages.

First, we would establish GSI in Venezuela where we have ministries, churches, and contacts. The fact that Venezuela is going through a difficult time probably enhances its training value for us. But how do we go about transforming Venezuela? That is the big question and one that has had hours and hours of prayer and study. And there are probably thousands of hours more of study and seeking God that are necessary. But we are at a starting point and are bringing you on board to help get the vision and convert vision into action.

The Mission20 plan that is being unveiled as we go along will require investigation, testing, and change. As I said in a previous post we are developing a ministry "process" and structure that will produce results. That ministry will then be expanded to other Latin American nations. As the vision, "process," structure, and plan are enhanced and established in other nations we will find, develop, and train some great ministry leaders. These new leaders will work with us to establish Strategic Missions which will recruit young people involved with the various ministries and churches in the Mission20 nations. Their training will prepare them to effectively work in Islamic, Hindu, communist, restricted, secular, and other nations resistant to the Gospel.

Details are coming, but there are several principles that I refer to that must be discussed. These principles are mobilization and transformation. As I lay out the grand scheme or panorama I want you to clearly see that in addition to having a staged strategy of establishing Mission20 in Venezuela, expansion to other Latin American and Caribbean nations, birthing Strategic Missions, and then "invading" other nations; we have a tactical strategy based on the principles of mobilization and transformation. Some of the ministries and activities we will be involved in such as church planting, evangelism campaigns, leadership training, and many others may sound familiar. A church member kept saying every time the minister talked about an activity, "we've already done that." As I talk in future posts about details involving prayer activities, leadership training, evangelistic events, discipleship, and church growth, try to not think in your mind, "we've already done that." The important thing will not be the event or plan but how it is done and the process of which it will be a part. The principles of mobilization and transformation are so key that I will discuss each one in upcoming posts. The other significant factor will be the people. Our focus and differentiating factor will be people, their training, and their preparation. A great plan in the hands of a poorly trained group of leaders will not uield good results. We will teach, train, and mobilize great people.

But there is one more key concept that is even of greater significance than mobilization and transformation. This concept is PERSPECTIVE. Without a proper perspective a vison, strategy, plan, or process is immediately defeated. Many people have embarked on great ventures without knowing if the venture could or would succeed. Ministers and missionaries often do what they think is Biblical out of obedience or a desire to make a difference, but without having faith that they will be able to present the Gospel with power and see it change their community.

What is your perspective of missions and advancing the Kingdom? Some focus on their church or ministry and seek to do the best they can. That isn't necessarily selfish or short-sighted for they feel that they have heard from God and thus it is their focus. Others see the church trying to get as many people saved as possible before Jesus comes back while accepting the fact that many will refuse Jesus and go to hell. Many think of the church as only a remnant of the faithful. I've had all of these thoughts before. But as I got the vision for this ministry from God and as I contemplated the work ahead of us, I questioned God. Can we (not just us personally but our ministry and others) reach all of the nations? The Bible answers that one. Not only can we, but we must! The next question was more direct. Can we reach a majority of a nation and even transform a nation? I have not been accepting of the idea of "church as usual," but even then I haven't seen communities and nations transformed by God through the church. I asked God if it can be done? He answered not only can it be done but IT IS MY WILL. Then I heard this, "But it will be harder than anything that anyone has ever done." I was excited at the thought that it can be done, but sobered at the thought of the difficulty. The task before us is not one of immediate results and easy work.

My perspective is this….. We can and will transform the nations and see a great worldwide harvest of souls. But it won't be simple. It won't happen just because we begin or we try. It won't be just evangelizing and planting churches and training leaders. It will not be a battle or series of battles but it will be all-out war. It will be more challenging than I can imagine. I'll accept that challenge and begin this work to make true disciples of 20% of the nation (not just 20% Christians or 20% in church…. but DISCIPLES) who will then continue to work and transform the nation.

The question before you is what PERSPECTIVE will you adopt?

Now you know that I believe it when I say, "Let's transform the nations!" 

Next.... Mobilization.