Inspire, Summer 2008

44 summer 2008 pres ident ’s perspect i ve Visiting people’s homes is a great way to learn about them: what they value, who they love, and where they’ve been. Step into mine, for instance, and you’ll soon discover — from the souvenirs and photos — that I’ve traveled all around the world. My wife, Lynne, often joins me on these trips, and we’re always encouraged when we visit our brothers and sisters in Christ around the globe. Traveling outside the U.S. reminds me that the world is a much bigger place than I tend to think! A 1979 trip to communist Poland introduced me to international travel and opened my eyes to the importance of global ministry. As a seminary student, Campus Crusade for Christ invited me to speak there, and I stayed for several months, talking to college students about the Christian worldview. Through this experience, God revealed to me His passion to bring all nations to Himself. As I sought to become more like Him, He began developing in me a heart for international work. Over the years, God continued to open doors for me to travel — teaching young believers, encouraging missionaries, talking with fellow educators, and conversing with atheists and agnostics. Even today, I regularly find myself on an airplane bound for a different country. These plane rides are also great opportunities to share Christ with the people sitting next to me. The more I travel, the more God teaches me about Himself and His world. I’m continually reminded that God’s truth is compelling. As I talk with unbelievers — some who are vehemently antagonistic to Christianity — I’m always humbled at the power of the Gospel. The truth of God’s Word melts hearts of stone and radically transforms lives. People hunger for a message of hope and reconciliation, and they respond eagerly to Christ. Through my overseas work, I’ve also learned that engaging an audience is key. When I speak to atheists about the Bible, I realize what I’m up against. But my goal is to converse, not to argue. Many people I talk with think Christianity is for old women and children but not for educated people. For them to move past this misconception, I strive to appeal to their intellect, not their emotions. Still, it becomes emotional, as they begin to see the consequences of their choices. Reaching people starts with understanding where they are and then engaging them there with the heart and mind of Christ. One of my favorite aspects of international ministry is talking with Christian educators. Much like the professors at Cedarville, they want their students to approach their culture from a biblical worldview, teaching them to discern truth from error. After visiting with them, I always leave inspired and encouraged to know that God is using people around the world to raise up the next generation of devoted Christ-followers. With many more trips on the horizon, I’m excited to learn more about what God is doing across the globe. In the meantime, it is my prayer that I remain sensitive to His leading. When all is said and done, I long to become a man not of my own making, but one who follows after God’s own heart. My Heart for International Ministry by Dr. William E. Brown Dr. Brown’s Top Picks ■ Book The Reason for God by Tim Keller Tim is a pastor in Manhattan, and he tackles old questions about God (the problem of evil, etc.) with a freshness that resonates with our postmodern generation. ■ Website www.cpyu.org This website explores the importance of understanding the culture to impact the culture. It’s a great website for looking at youth culture from a biblical worldview. ■ Podcast www.oneplace.com From this super website, you can access messages from favorite speakers like Chuck Swindoll, Erwin Lutzer, and Alistair Begg. There are even greats from the past, like A.W. Tozer. ■ Movie The Chronicles of Narnia: Prince Caspian The second in the Narnia series keeps C.S. Lewis’ vision and message intact.