By Caroline Anderson, Baptist Press EAST ASIA (BP) -- Chinese believers could be the next missions sending force, following the Western and Korean Christians who've gone before them. They pray, give and go, sacrificing everything to bring the message of Jesus Christ to the nations. But sacrifices come with costs. Chinese cross-cultural Christian workers say they struggle with discouragement and loneliness. Those in Southeast Asia welcomed encouragement and counsel from Southern Baptist workers Phil and Ruth Wardell,* who have provided training for believers. Zhao Chang Pu,* Zhao Hui Fang* and their two daughters moved from China to minister in Southeast Asia. They say it's the hardest thing they've ever done. Just like Westerners, Chinese workers experience culture shock and struggle to adapt to a new environment. The Zhaos have shared cultural stresses with the Wardells, who once served in Southeast Asia. The Wardells now serve in a different area of Asia and have led ministry training for Southeast Asian believers who partner with the Zhaos. The Zhaos told the Wardells they are adjusting to being away from family. But their parents don't understand why they took their granddaughters away. "Why did you choose this silly … [Read more...]
2050’s biggest challenges – from risk to friendship
RICHMOND, Va. (BP) – The number of Muslims in the world will nearly match the number of Christians by 2050. That’s the main headline from “The Future of World Religions: Population Growth Projections, 2010-2050,” a Pew Research Center study released this month. If current population trends continue, the report says, Muslim ranks will increase by 73 percent (to 2.8 billion) – more than twice the growth rate of Christians, who will expand by 35 percent, to 2.9 billion. Total world population is projected to reach 9.3 billion by mid-century. Other projections for 2050: n Hindus will increase by 34 percent to nearly 1.4 billion. n Four of every 10 Christians will live in sub-Saharan Africa. n India, although remaining majority Hindu, will become home to more Muslims than any other country, topping Indonesia. n Atheists, agnostics and others who affiliate with no particular religion will decline as a share of the world population, even as they increase in numbers and influence in North America and Europe. It’s important to keep two things in mind about this study (and others like it). First, it’s more a demographic survey than a religious one. Muslims are increasing primarily because of fertility rates and young populations in … [Read more...]
Lane’s senior project helps impact her life, lives in community
PINEVILLE – When Lexi Lane* initially began brainstorming the topic of her senior high school project at Pineville High School, she knew her focus would center on orphans in another country*. She never dreamed how this project would impact her life and many lives around the community. What she received in the process was a return to her roots overseas and seeing first-hand the love of Christ on display through the lives of special needs orphans in the country. Lane said she wanted to go back to see her birthplace, to understand more about the culture, but also to help an orphanage in some way. Lane's life began in a rural area in the country. Adopted at 14 months old, Lane has no memory of what life was like as a baby. When the time came for Lane to choose the topic of her senior project – which is required for graduation – she thought of her desire to give back to her country in doing something for orphans there. Lane’s mom, Pam, started the process by contacting an organization that helps unite families with orphans from around the world. Sean and Pam Keith adopted Lane. Lane was then directed to a childhood advocacy organization. Starting in May 2014, she began raising funds for a trip to work in the orphanage and … [Read more...]
Every People Group Task Force continues work on plan
By Brian Blackwell, Message Staff Writer ALEXANDRIA – The Every People Group Task Force met recently, continuing charting a plan on how Louisiana Baptists can reach those of various ethnicities in the state. James Jenkins, church planting director for Louisiana Baptists, said the charge of the task force is three-fold: ● Evaluate the ethnic diversity in Louisiana and its implications for Louisiana Baptists, ● Create avenues for input and involvement in LBC life by non-Anglo leaders and congregations, ● Lead Louisiana Baptists in effective engagement with ministry among all people groups in the state. The task force was appointed as a result of the President’s 2020 Commission, which was affirmed by messengers during the 2013 LBC Annual Meeting in Alexandria. The President’s 2020 Commission report was crafted collaboratively by 400 Louisiana Baptist pastors, leaders, staff members and laypeople working in 20 subcommittees of 20 members each. Ten “key actions in reaching our state” – known as KAIROS – were developed to engage two audiences – the next generation and every people group. As the first step in carrying out its charge, the Every People Group Task Force agreed to outline a missiology for the work … [Read more...]
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