70 More Years? Can't wait that long!

Suzanne and I had the opportunity last month to attend a two-day meeting of English speaking expats, most of whom are kingdom workers. There was a time of worship each day with one person designated to open God’s Word to us. The rest of the time included informational times regarding the new legislation that is still pending, visa and accreditation issues, Bible translation issues and cross-cultural adjustments. It was a good time and really helpful for us.

One of the speakers has worked here for nearly fifteen years. Mike (not his real name) has worked in church planting most of that time. He shared that he has done an informal study of church planting movements in various areas of the world. Some areas are experiencing phenomenal church growth using materials that focus on “telling your story” to your family and friends, then teaching them to do the same. We heard story after story of how this method has been blessed beyond measure and the church is growing in leaps and bounds in some countries. The question our speaker asked is: “Why there and not here?”

Mike related that, as he looked at the history of the areas where CPM has exploded, it was always about 200 years after the gospel was first introduced to that people group that the exponential growth began. He recounted a number of countries or people groups that supported this observation, most of which were in Asia but also Latin America. Pioneer missionaries would give themselves to spreading the gospel in virgin territory and encounter great difficulties in sometimes harsh settings. Those pioneers would pay a great price to establish a fledgling church. Other workers would come along behind them to conserve the gains for Christ and continue the work of expanding the kingdom of God. Mike noted that it seemed important that the people could point to at least three generations of Christians in the family line.

The gospel was introduced to Central Asia just about 130 years ago. Does that mean we have to wait another seventy years for a significant growth of the church? I hope not! That is a long time to wait to see hundreds and thousands of people enter the kingdom. We hear the reports from India, South Asia, East Asia, the South Pacific – even reports of hundreds coming to faith in Christ in Iran! Why not here? O God, pour out your blessing, early if need be, but bring people to you. Build your church.