This book is a firsthand account of the efforts of Christian missionaries in the Pacific, and their successes in converting the people of the islands to Christianity. George Pritchard, a British diplomat and missionary, describes the challenges faced by the missionaries, as well as the many rewards that came with their work. This book is a fascinating look at the history of Christian evangelism in the Pacific, and the important role played by missionaries in shaping the region's culture and society. This work has been selected by scholars as being culturally important, and is part of the knowledge base of civilization as we know it. This work is in the "public domain in the United States of America, and possibly other nations. Within the United States, you may freely copy and distribute this work, as no entity (individual or corporate) has a copyright on the body of the work. Scholars believe, and we concur, that this work is important enough to be preserved, reproduced, and made generally available to the public. We appreciate your support of the preservation process, and thank you for being an important part of keeping this knowledge alive and relevant.

What will it take to accomplish Christ's mission in our lifetime? That's the question evangelicals have been asking for over a century, but our efforts to reach the unreached and finish the task have often sacrificed the important for the immediate. The greatest challenge in evangelical missions isn't a lack of urgency, but a lack of discernment. As we've prioritized movements that are simple and reproducible, the gospel and faithful churches are now threatened. Our mission itself could be disqualified. In Mission Affirmed, Elliot Clark seeks to reshape our motivation by considering the example of Paul the missionary. The desire for God's approval is what formed his ambition and directed his methods, and it should guide ours too. In these pages, we rediscover how pursuing God's praise can both motivate and regulate our gospel ministries. We also refocus—as missionaries, pastors, churches, and individuals—on what matters more than a mission accomplished: a mission God affirms. Biblical Ministry Advice: Provides a holistic look at Paul's ministry, methods, and motivation A Great Resource for Church Leaders: Helps churches vet and send missionaries First-Hand Ministry Insights: Provides a practical solution for common weaknesses in modern missions, with descriptive examples from the author's experiences as a missionary Published in Conjunction with the Gospel Coalition (TGC)

This book has been written to provide insight into the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments a missionary faces as he begins his new life and ministry. Throughout its pages you will find spiritual encouragements for the missionary and helpful hints for his family and friends who desire to support him in his service to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The "Letter to the Reader" expresses a personal caution for the reader to be open-minded and kind-hearted as he reads about the real struggles that missionaries encounter. It encourages the reader, whether missionary or missionary supporter, to be gracious as the physical and spiritual struggles of missions are openly illustrated and discussed with the goal of revealing Biblical comfort and counsel for each topic. The "Introduction" encourages the reader to balance the physical and emotional realities of missionary work with the spiritual joy of harvesting God's reward. Each chapter presents its subject matter by considering four progressive points of view of a missionary's life and circumstances: The Missionary Experience, The Biblical Example, The Actual Events, and The Biblical Exhortation. "The Missionary Experience" provides a brief synopsis of what a missionary may experience as he pursues God's call for his life. This brief introduction to the subject matter is based on real experiences missionaries have faced and is provided as an explanation of the importance of the specific subject of that chapter. "The Biblical Example" seeks to help the reader understand that his experiences are not new. They have been faced by others who have followed God's will for their lives and ministries throughout the Scriptures. By considering these examples, the missionary will have the opportunity to see examples of both correct and incorrect responses, as well as their results. It will also give the reader a 20/20 perspective of how God has used similar situations not to destroy His servants but rather to enhance their usability and bless their obedience in the end. "The Actual Events" is an opportunity for the author to share his personal experience or those of fellow missionaries he knows in order to help the reader understand that he is not alone. It also provides the opportunity to present specific spiritual lessons learned as he or others he knows have experienced the subject first hand. "The Biblical Exhortation" concludes the chapter by giving specific verses and passages of Scripture to direct the reader in the days and weeks that follow. The exhortation has a two-fold purpose: first, to provide the reader with clear Biblical instruction as to how he must follow God's Word and will in his life, and second, to provide a spiritual pep talk for those who are growing weary in the work. As each chapter concludes, three extra resources are provided. First, practical advice is given for each of the three different participants in the ministry of missions: the missionary candidate, the missionary's supporters, and the missionary in service. Second, extra passages of Scripture are included to help build the faith of those missionaries who are facing the specific trial or situations that have been addressed. Third, extra examples of Biblical characters who faced similar circumstances is provided, along with the passage reference so that further Biblical study can be made. The missionary's edition of the book includes an appendix that gives outlines and tips to help the missionary begin his new life and ministry on his field of service. Although each field of service is different, these outlines and tips are presented in such a way as to provide both detailed suggestions as well as general principles in directing the missionary to make wise choices in many of his tough decisions. The subject matter includes, but is not limited to, language learning, health concerns, housing arrangements, and church facilities.

This new volume in the award-winning Encountering Mission series is for current and future missionaries. It provides practical guidance regarding getting ready for the mission field and the realities of life on the field. The authors are well qualified to write such a manual, each having served as a missionary for more than twenty years and each having taught missions in seminary. The authors begin by examining the contemporary context for missions, including the recognition that the world's mission fields are in constant and often rapid change. They then discuss aspects of preparing oneself for the mission field, beginning with home-front preparations and moving to on-the-field preparations. The final section deals with practical issues and challenges of missionary life.

This book has been written to provide insight into the physical, emotional, and spiritual adjustments a missionary faces as he begins his new life and ministry. Throughout its pages you will find spiritual encouragements for the missionary and helpful hints for his family and friends who desire to support him in his service to their Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. The "Letter to the Reader" expresses a personal caution for the reader to be open-minded and kind-hearted as he reads about the real struggles that missionaries encounter. It encourages the reader, whether missionary or missionary supporter, to be gracious as the physical and spiritual struggles of missions are openly illustrated and discussed with the goal of revealing Biblical comfort and counsel for each topic. The "Introduction" encourages the reader to balance the physical and emotional realities of missionary work with the spiritual joy of harvesting God's reward. Each chapter presents its subject matter by considering four progressive points of view of a missionary's life and circumstances: The Missionary Experience, The Biblical Example, The Actual Events, and The Biblical Exhortation. "The Missionary Experience" provides a brief synopsis of what a missionary may experience as he pursues God's call for his life. This brief introduction to the subject matter is based on real experiences missionaries have faced and is provided as an explanation of the importance of the specific subject of that chapter. "The Biblical Example " seeks to help the reader understand that his experiences are not new. They have been faced by others who have followed God's will for their lives and ministries throughout the Scriptures. By considering these examples, the missionary will have the opportunity to see examples of both correct and incorrect responses, as well as their results. It will also give the reader a 20/20 perspective of how God has used similar situations not to destroy His servants but rather to enhance their usability and bless their obedience in the end. "The Actual Events" is an opportunity for the author to share his personal experience or those of fellow missionaries he knows in order to help the reader understand that he is not alone. It also provides the opportunity to present specific spiritual lessons learned as he or others he knows have experienced the subject first hand. "The Biblical Exhortation" concludes the chapter by giving specific verses and passages of Scripture to direct the reader in the days and weeks that follow. The exhortation has a two-fold purpose: first, to provide the reader with clear Biblical instruction as to how he must follow God's Word and will in his life, and second, to provide a spiritual pep talk for those who are growing weary in the work. As each chapter concludes, three extra resources are provided. First, practical advice is given for each of the three different participants in the ministry of missions: the missionary candidate, the missionary's supporters, and the missionary in service. Second, extra passages of Scripture are included to help build the faith of those missionaries who are facing the specific trial or situations that have been addressed. Third, extra examples of Biblical characters who faced similar circumstances is provided, along with the passage reference so that further Biblical study can be made. The missionary's edition of the book includes an appendix that gives outlines and tips to help the missionary begin his new life and ministry on his field of service. Although each field of service is different, these outlines and tips are presented in such a way as to provide both detailed suggestions as well as general principles in directing the missionary to make wise choices in many of his tough decisions. The subject matter includes, but is not limited to, language learning, health concerns, housing arrangements, and church facilities.

Does God control everything that happens on the earth today? Most Christians believe He does. They believe God makes arbitrary decisions in the affairs of men. This idea that God is in control, often referred to as the sovereignty of God, creates significant challenges for believers today. It kills intimacy with God, causes confusion, and creates a victimhood mindset in followers of Jesus. Fortunately it’s not true. God is not controlling everything that happens today. He is not responsible for all the evil in our world. This short read exposes the Biblical truth of the matter, explains some of the problems this false idea of God creates in the lives of believers, and empowers the reader to experience God far more intimately as His children and heirs to His Kingdom.