Timothy K. Park, Editor
Although the world we live in is constantly changing, the word of God never changes. How to proclaim the unchanging word of God in our ever-changing world is the task of the Church here on earth. In this 54th issue of Asian Missions Advance, Asian missions leaders have written on how to communicate the gospel in a changing world. I believe it will benefit the reader to pay attention to each author of the articles.
Dr. H. Daniel Kim of Joy Research and Service Center for the Disabled in his article ‘Mission in a Broken World’ reveals that there are 30 million deaf persons in China today. He says that ministry to the disabled is necessary and important not only because of their felt- need, but also because disadvantaged people make meaningful contributions to the healing of the broken world. Dr. Takaaki Hara of Amsterdam, Netherlands discusses the relationship between the Great Commission and the Great Commandment. He argues that the Great Commandment encompasses the Great Commission and that going and making disciples of all nations is an example of loving God and our neighbors.
Dr. David S. Lim of the Philippines writes again on the house church movement. He writes on the four stages that most institutions go through in their growth cycle, and he urges organizations to remain at the movement stage as long as possible so as to not let formalizing impede the progress of the Kingdom. He challenges institutions to go back to simple biblical processes and methods in its early development. Dr. Steve Kyeongseop Eom, the General Secretary of Asia Missions Association, argues that virtual church will become a reality of our time whether we want it to or not. He discusses the present Church, the virtual church and mission. He emphasizes that churches’ need to develop a mission paradigm, structure, model, and program that is suitable for the virtual world.
Pastor Benjamin R. Baclagon of the Philippines emphasizes that worship should be the primary motive for missions, and those who are engaging in missions must be worshiping people. Dr. Prawate Khid-arn of Thailand makes the national report on Christian Mission in Thailand. He says that although Christianity was introduced in Thailand during the second half of the 16th century, the number of Christians in Thailand is still less than 1% of the total population. He urges for partnership ministry between Christian churches to make a difference.
In order to help evangelize the world, Christian workers must be empowered by the Holy Spirit, develop new strategies that will work in a changing world, and work together in partnership.