Hey, Kingdom Family! In this week's episode, Leif and Paul share about three eras of modern missions. From the Apostle Paul, Gutenberg, and Martin Luther to David Livingstone and Joshua Project, modern missions have changed significantly over the last centuries.
The individuals we consider heroes of missions demonstrate what faith looks like and how it operates in far-reaching and dangerous places. Many of these people learned local languages, promoted social reform, and were all willing to fully surrender their lives to Jesus to see nations transformed.
The first era (1792-1864) is known as the era of the coastlands. Leif and Paul discuss William Carey and his impact in Calcutta, India, after 41 years of service. Gifted in linguistics, Carey translated the Bible into seven languages and was passionate about advocating social reform. Carey famously said, "Expect great things from God and attempt great things for God."
The second era (1865-1980) concentrated on nations' interiors. Leif and Paul discuss David Livingstone's mission exploits in Africa and Hudson Taylor in China inland. Livingstone's impact and contribution are far outside the scope of missions. He was a well-known explorer who paved new pathways in jungles and a respected scientific investigator.
Hudson Taylor, through his mission China Inland Mission, equipped 800 missionaries to establish 125 schools throughout China, which resulted in 20,000 Christian conversions. He translated the bible as well.
The third era (1981-2000) emphasized reaching every people group. Church denominations focused on educating believers to reach all people with the Gospel. Some well-known organizations included Joshua Project and the Eighty-Two Thousand Movement. Large mission movements shared a vision to give the gospel to every person and to establish a church among every people group.
Some of the blessings of the three eras include the availability of the Bible in most languages and the prayer and intercession movements spurred by the advancement of new technologies over the centuries.
Come back to listen to Heroes of Missions Pt. 2 as we discuss the fourth and current era of missions!
Be blessed!
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