A Sending Force
CLEVELAND, Tenn. — There are currently 32 non-U.S. missionaries from the Church of God working as missionary teachers and church planters in Europe, Asia and North Africa. These missionaries are products of the Church of God in other nations. God’s hand is not shortened by race or location, and it is amazing to watch this phenomenon take place.
More than 70 percent of the world’s Christians live in the southern hemisphere. This large percentage has resulted in a new phenomenon that is sweeping the mission world. Latin America is no longer known as a ‘mission field’ but is now a ‘mission sending force’. Missionary Rudy Giron says, “We did not think of ourselves as missionaries. We were effective as evangelists to our own people. To us a missionary was a tall, white, blue-eye man with a camera.” This stereotype no longer stands true.
In 1989, following the first international conference on missions for Latin America, churches and pastors in South America recognized the need to help in world evangelization. During the same year, the Missionary Training Center in Sao Paulo, Brazil, began offering a three-month extensive training course for missionaries from South America. Since then, missionaries from this area have been serving in countries like Thailand, Italy, Morocco, Spain, Mozambique and several other nations.
South Americans feel a strong calling to Muslim countries and unreached people groups. The 10/40 Window is not always accessible for North American missionaries, but South Americans have had more success there. It seems easier for them to blend in with many of the cultures.
There are currently 32 non-U.S. missionaries from the Church of God working as missionary teachers and church planters in Europe, Asia and North Africa. These missionaries are products of the Church of God in other nations. God’s hand is not shortened by race or location, and it is amazing to watch this phenomenon take place.
Together, we are fulfilling the Great Commission.
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Veryll Doorasamy-Bowe, World Missions Media Team
. . . . . © 2008 Church of God World Missions
