WINTER 2013
Sudanese refugees receive The Shepherd’s Staff upon graduation from pastoral training
THE KINGDOM LINK God’s Victorious Strategy
by Frank and Wendy Parrish
David and his army had just concluded another battle during a season of difficult conflicts. The weary men returned to find that their hometown (Ziklag) was burning and their families and servants had been taken captive by their enemies (1 Samuel Chapter 30). This was a devastating blow that demoralized David and his men. The armies were so griefstricken that they blamed David and desired to stone him (1Sam 30:6). Yet David did not question the Lord by asking why. Instead, he strengthened himself in the Lord and sought the Lord about what to do next (1Sam 30:6-8). After receiving direction, David commanded his army to arise and pursue the invaders. But 200 of David’s soldiers were simply too exhausted from the prior battle to make the full journey. So David ordered those who could not go on to remain behind and guard the camp. The rest of the army was sent to battle the invaders, and God gave them the promised victory. 2 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Winter 2013
David and his fighters returned to Ziklag with their recovered families and possessions. Included in the spoils were the gold, gems and other valuables taken from their enemies. One can only imagine the excitement of the warriors about to receive their share of the spoils of battle. But to the dismay of those who fought, David announced that the treasure would be divided evenly among all those in the army – even those who had stayed behind. David’s wise leadership led him to declare that God was the One Who gave the victory and the increase. Therefore, everyone who participated – at whatever level of service – received the same share. And from that day forward, the practice of sharing equally in the rewards of the victory became an ordinance in Israel (1Sam 30:25). A Kingdom Principle David’s actions revealed a spiritual principle that is a necessary component to fulfilling God’s
Kingdom work. There are those who stay, those who give, those who go, those who pray, and so on. From God’s perspective, all ministry done unto Him is equally valuable. The victories won are the result of all who serve, not just those who are most visible or on the front lines. Jesus reinforces this principle (Matt 20:1-15). He tells of workers in the field whom “no one hired”; they had not been told they were needed or enlisted to work in the field. Finally, toward the end of the day, they were asked to join in the work. When all the workers were paid, the amount was the same for every laborer, whether they worked all day or just in the final hour. Each shared equally in the reward. Scripture reveals the importance of enlisting the help of those in Christ’s Body, allowing them opportunities to participate in whatever way they can to advance God’s Kingdom. When every person is given opportunity to serve –
and willingly does his or her part – the Kingdom is furthered. And, joyfully, everyone who participates also shares in the blessings and reward! All For Him The Lord has chosen to design our moral universe in this way, for at the core of this biblical principle is found the truth of what God expects and desires from us. It is simple, yet exceedingly profound. God asks us, above all else, to be obedient (1Sam 15:22) and faithful (Matt 25:14-30) to Him. There are many giftings, many callings, many ways to serve. Each one of us has been called by the Lord of the Church to serve Him in some capacity. God’s measure for us, however, is not based upon the size or prominence of the task or call. Rather, it is based simply upon our faithful obedience to do what He has given us to do, to the best of our ability (1Pet 4:11). Jesus draws our eyes and heart to this important truth (Mark 12:41-44). While teaching at the Temple grounds, He stopped to sit and watch people bring their offerings. They could place them in any one of the 13 receptacles made of brass and shaped like trumpets. Jesus observed the crowds bringing money, including the wealthiest who gave largely and with great fanfare (Matt 6:2). But His focus rested on a lone widow who carefully dropped into a
trumpet just two mites, the smallest coins with the least value in Palestine – the equivalent of 1/64th of a day’s wage. It wasn’t much. But it was all that she had. With her simple yet profoundly sacrificial act, this widow revealed where her treasure truly lay (Matt 6:19-21). The size of the widow’s gift seems insignificant by most standards. Yet Jesus, as only He can do, challenges our typical human understanding and helps us see His Kingdom perspective. His highest value is placed not on the size or prominence of the gift, but on the commitment to Him and attitude of the heart – to give and do all that He would ask with faithfulness and obedience. At times, what the Lord may ask of us will be sacrificial. At other times, our love for Him may motivate us to give sacrificially beyond anything He might require (Luke 7:37,38). But well beyond the value of any sacrifice we can make is our obedience to Him (1Sam 15:22). Thus, in all we do for Christ, we can rejoice. For when it’s all taken into final account, it will be clear that it was all done by His grace and power alone, and all for Him and unto His glory. Hallelujah! Seeing The Cross World MAP is privileged to partner with beloved saints like you who give, pray and serve with obedience and faithfulness. If you ever feel that
World MAP exists to train and empower church leaders to make disciples of all nations. Matthew 28:18-20; Ephesians 4:11,12; Colossians 1:24-29; 2 Timothy 2:2; Mark 16:15-18; Luke 24:46-49; Acts 20:17-28
OUR PURPOSE World MAP trains church leaders in developing nations for ministry. Why is that important? In recent decades, the number of new Christians in these nations has multiplied exponentially. The greatest need is for pastors who know how to shepherd and disciple them. But poverty, persecution or lack of proximity prevent most church leaders from getting the ministry training they need. World MAP exists to meet this need, and our proven strategies have helped train more than one million church leaders for ministry in 140+ developing nations. OUR STRATEGY World MAP helps church leaders to be effective through: • printed Bible-based pastoral training that is clear, comprehensive and practical; • seminars within their nations that provide training, promote unity, and minister spiritual refreshing; • promoting Spirit-filled life and ministry; • enlisting the North American Church to pray fervently and give generously to help indigenous* church leaders become effective ministers. *World MAP is able to train church leaders because of the generosity of people who recognize the value of equipping indigenous leaders – those native-born citizens who already understand the culture and needs of their communities and who are best positioned to reach the unreached and disciple them.
Volume 53 / No. 1 • Winter 2013
Table of Contents 2 THE KINGDOM LINK God’s Victorious Strategy 4 40 FAITHFUL YEARS Fruitful Service 6 INTO THE SUDAN
8 ACTS/SHEPHERD’S STAFF Strength For Pilgrims 9 UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP: Palestinian Arabs 9 PRAY FOR THE NATIONS: Bhutan 10 VOODOO: Cradle of Lies WORLD MAP BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Jon Cook, Hank Morris, Frank Parrish, Vic Torres. WMAP CANADA BOARD OF DIRECTORS: Tim Grauman, Lyle Horrill, Helmuth Lange, Dave McTaggart, Frank Parrish, Wendy Parrish. DIGEST STAFF: Frank and Wendy Parrish.......Directors / Editors Gayla Dease ..........Design / Publications Coord. Keith Balser ......................................Copy Editor PRIVACY POLICY Your privacy is our priority. We do not sell, lease, rent or share personal information obtained from anyone via postal or online services.
World MAP Digest (USPS 692-240) is published quarterly by World Missionary Assistance Plan, 1419 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank CA 91504. The subscription price is $5.00 per year. Periodicals postage paid at Burbank, CA 91505 and at additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to World MAP Digest, 1419 N. San Fernando Blvd., Burbank, California 91504-4141. HOW TO CONTACT US: Visit us at our website on the Internet at www.world-map.com Email subscription inquiries and address changes to wmap1@world-map.com Phone 1-818-843-7233 / Fax 1-818-845-5000 Winter 2013 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 3
your contribution is small, or regret that you cannot be on the front lines of the Harvest fields, please remember that what you do or provide from where you are is just as important as any other’s “in the battle.” Your obedience to do whatever God asks is pleasing to Him, and you share equally in His reward and blessings for the victories won. Wendy and I have the profound privilege and joy of ministering to church leaders in many nations. Though we are the ones whom they physically see or hear, we know that we are there to represent the hands and feet of Jesus. But we also know that we are representing you. Your faithfulness has made it possible for us to go, and for World MAP to serve the needs of Christ’s Body in more than 140 nations. You may not have opportunity to cross the sea for ministry; but you have seen the Cross. And that vision – that heart revelation – has compelled you to serve through prayer and the giving of practical resource. God is using those gifts of obedience to influence nations for Jesus Christ! So we thank you for linking arms with World MAP. Your support has provided help and training to those in the world with the least, and as you have served them, it has been unto Him (Matt 25:31-46). Whatever He Says To You In this New Year, we encourage you to join us in a fresh commitment to be obedient and faithful to Jesus Christ, in whatever capacity that might be. Perhaps you might take some extra time in prayer, to wait upon the Lord and allow Him to speak to your heart. What might He ask of you this year? How might He desire that you serve Him? Who or where are those whom He will send you to reach? Regardless of what you hear from the Lord, we have learned that the best response is to follow Mary’s trust-filled words (John 2:5) as spoken to the servants at the wedding of Cana: “Whatever He says to you, do it”! 4 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Winter 2013
Editor’s Note: The preceding article outlined the importance of faithfulness and obedience to God as Kingdom priorities. We are privileged to honor a World MAP staff member who is a sterling example of these priorities, faithful beyond measure in the behindthe-scenes duties of “the camp.”
40 FAITHFUL YEARS
The Fruitful Service Of Pat McCratic The year 1972 seems a long time ago. In those days, a new house in California cost less than $30,000. Gas was 55¢ per gallon. Personal computers and cell phones were merely concepts. “Email” and “Twitter” were not even in the English vocabulary! The advances to Pat McCratic, an outstanding come in the decades ahead were example of diligence and inconceivable. faithfulness to the Lord. Much advance was also on the horizon for the ministry of World MAP. Its southern California headquarters had just moved to Burbank. The dynamic camp ministry was flourishing, and World MAP’s global reach was rapidly expanding. Spiritual Renewal Seminars for leaders were developing, as was ACTS Magazine. The Shepherd’s Staff was not even on the drawing board. Clearly God had much Kingdom purpose ahead for World MAP and, through World MAP, for church leaders across the globe. From Low- To High-Tech: A High Calling When God is establishing His plans, He draws together specific people to fulfill them. It was in November of 1972 that God brought a wonderful co-laborer into World MAP’s ministry: Pat McCratic. God alone knew the vital and long-term role this petite, soft-spoken young woman would have in His purposes. From the beginning, Pat was passionately immersed in the daily activities of servicing the missionary base of World MAP. Technology was archaic, and Pat recalls having “heavy drawers filled with metal plates” she once used to apply names and addresses to newsletters and envelopes. Moving from metal plates to keypunch cards seemed revolutionary at the time. Pat grins as she recalls World MAP’s first computer – a huge “hightech” setup of machines that filled an entire climate-controlled room. World MAP employed dozens of people to operate the multi-faceted system. Today, just a few employees on small but powerful computers can now perform the same tasks, and much more. Love For God’s Family In the midst of all the technology required to do her job, Pat keeps her work very personal. She has always made relationships a priority, whether with the World MAP missionaries early on, or later as she became the primary contact for the supporters of World MAP. Many who have never met Pat in person know her well through the thoughtful and heartfelt encouragement she has given them over the phone. “I have long been profoundly moved – and personally blessed – by Pat’s loving concern for others and their families,” notes Keith Balser,
who has worked with Pat for 27 years. “Pat has a way of making people feel encouraged and important.” Jorge Lara, World MAP’s administrator, notes, “When a call comes in from a donor, whether the news is wonderful or challenging, Pat brings the request to our staff prayer time so it can be celebrated and/or covered. I am always amazed at the detail and history she is able to provide in every situation.” “Pat has served with World MAP longer than any single staff member,” remarks Frank Parrish, World MAP President. “Pat’s keen sense of history and the continuity of God’s faithfulness to this ministry is an asset whose value cannot be measured.” Pat’s vivid recollections are a virtual “family photo album” of World MAP history: families who attended camps; our faithful band of donors; overseas pastors who have had occasion to stop by the Burbank office; staff and their families who have served with World MAP through the years. Pat easily remembers them from four decades ago, even when they call the office today. Wendy Parrish, who has known Pat since 1972, recalls: “I have never known Pat to miss a birthday greeting for a staff member. She is a constant example of faithfulness and caring. Her attitude at work and toward others is always excellent, and her cheerful caring ministers to all.” Pat’s care for her “extended family” of World MAP – the staff, supporters and the vast global array of front-line ministers whom World MAP serves – mirrors her love for and commitment to her immediate family: husband Lee; children John, Tina and Sheri; and her much-cherished grandchildren and great-grandchildren. Serving With Joy And Integrity Pat never felt called to travel overseas for ministry. She was content to remain diligent at the home front, serving in the foundational support work that allowed the rest of World MAP’s ministry to function smoothly. However, Pat’s role did not keep her off the road. When her family relocated their home away from Burbank some years ago, it meant a minimum onehour commute – each way, morning and evening – every day of the week for Pat. While most folks are still asleep, Pat is on the road and headed for the office – always on time, and always there. For Pat, it is evident that serving at World MAP is more than a job. It is a labor of love. And that love is matched by an equal measure of integrity. Pat’s role in revenue processing requires honesty and diligence, to ensure security of the donor records, the close tracking of all income, and complete accuracy with every transaction. For 40 years, Pat has faithfully exhibited these most-appreciated traits, following strict procedures to a T.
“Pat is a person in whom I have always had complete trust and confidence,” says Frank Parrish. “Her faithfulness and integrity are unmatched, her diligence unwavering. She is rarely out sick, and has to be ‘forcefully encouraged’ to take vacation time. Pat constantly demonstrates a servant-hearted care for all of the aspects of World MAP’s ministry. Nothing falls outside the scope of her attentive eye. She is ready and eager to do whatever is needed at any given moment – and it is always done well.” Wendy adds, “Beyond her precise work and integrity, Pat is a person of constant support. She is not an employee – she is a partner in ministry. If we become weary or discouraged, her kind words, prayers and strength of faith provide a tremendous lift to our spirits – and I know she provides that same blessing to many others as well. Pat and her husband, Lee, serve others with such readiness and joy. We are blessed to join with them.” Pat’s outstanding qualities and faithful example are clear to all who know her. Noemi Yam has served at World MAP alongside Pat for 14 years, and comments, “Humility and loyalty would describe my coworker and friend, Pat. What a blessing to work with her and learn these wonderful gifts from her. Pat is a true servant of the Lord.” Passion For The Gospel We can affirm that Pat is genuinely humble. The last thing she would desire or expect is special acknowledgement for her long-term and immeasurable contribution to the cause of Christ. However, the Scriptures remind us to give honor to those to whom honor is due (Rom 13:7), and we are privileged to honor that word by honoring Pat. World MAP’s Publications Coordinator, Gayla Dease, helps summarize this tribute: “I have been blessed to be both friend and co-worker with Pat for nearly 25 years. She is the most sincere, loving and compassionate person I have ever met, without exception. She personifies all Christ would want us to be, both in our service to Him and in our relationship with each other.” Worldwide changes have come and gone at breakneck speed over the past 40 years – throughout the world and for World MAP. Yet among the constants are Pat McCratic’s unswerving dedication to the Lord, her love and care for World MAP’s family, and her passion for the spread of the Gospel to “every tribe, tongue, people and nation.” Thank you, Pat, for four decades of faithful service to World MAP, to the Body of Christ and to the advancement of God’s Kingdom purposes. You are an outstanding example of diligence and faithfulness to the Lord. We are overjoyed that though your service may be “behind the scenes,” your reward will be as great as any other’s! Winter 2013 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 5
t s u “M
! e l c i t r a ” ! d a e R
INTO TH
The Shepherd’s Staff provides “fast
Partnerships and people: These are key words to keep in prayer as World MAP joins forces with proven ministries in a variety of mission fields – from teeming cities to lonely desert frontiers – to put The Shepherd’s Staff into the hands of overlooked and undertrained pastors in desperate need of this vital resource. One such ministry is Lifestreams International, established in 2002 when Rev. Robert and Jennifer Mincks founded a Mission School in the parched northwest desert of Kenya, at Kakuma Refugee Camp, where the Sudanese “Lost Boys of War” fled for refuge from the decades-old Sudanese conflict. Today, Robert Mincks reports that South Sudan “is a country on the brink of destiny.” “Everything we have done has been done with the sure sense that God’s plan for this land is unfolding in our generation,” notes Mincks. The impact of The Shepherd’s Staff continues growing throughout the region as well. The Mincks – involved with indigenous evangelism since the late 1970s – have been distributing copies of the book to newly trained pastors graduating after a full four-year curriculum. As logistics problems have been resolved and more copies of The Shepherd’s Staff have reached the Mincks, the book has become the focus of accelerated training programs. Over the past three years, they have tracked down graduates out on the mission field to give them a Shepherd’s Staff; as word has spread, others have traveled back to the Kakuma Refugee Camp – where daily temperatures hit 104 and dust storms are a constant threat – just to get a copy. “We have been using The Shepherd’s Staff to sow into the mountainous regions of the Kamba [people] in Kenya, called Ukambani,” Mincks reports. Several senior pastors – “desperate to be equipped with the materials for discipling a younger generation” – recently walked a halfday’s journey through the mountains to attend workshops based on Shepherd’s Staff teachings. “As many of them return home, their younger leadership will read The Shepherd’s Staff with their senior pas6 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Winter 2013
tors and apply it as their church development programs,” he explains. “Home churches become cell churches and plant out into other areas.” These pastors, representing multiple denominational backgrounds, desire an understanding of “how they may enter into the release of the Holy Spirit,” Mincks adds. “The Shepherd’s Staff is being used as an interdenominational format for strategic outreach and training beyond the Old World confines and restraints that have been resistant to the outpouring of the Holy Spirit.” With multiple groups now established in the isolated hill regions of the Kamba, pastors in other areas of Ukambani are asking for Shepherd’s Staff books as even more groups form and plan workshops. This people group, a sub-group of the Maasai of Kenya, is being inundated by Islamic proselytizing. Because of their isolation, they have lacked Christian leadership training and resource. Until now. “With The Shepherd’s Staff as a training map for their outreach, mobile schools of evangelism are causing fresh outpouring of the Spirit interdenominationally,” Mincks says.
E SUDAN
by Gayla Dease World MAP Publications Coordinator
track” training for indigenous pastors
The Turkana tribe is located in the northwestern desert of Kenya, and is the farthest migrated of the Nilotic people groups. Rev. Benson Eukwom, who uses The Shepherd’s Staff in five extension schools he planted there, graduated 119 evangelists and church planters in 2012. “This mature Turkana visionary has been training outreach ministers who walk into very remote areas to find isolated groups who receive the first mention of the Gospel,” Mincks says. “The Shepherd’s Staff is being used as the field book for these ‘Saturation Church Planters.’ It is the most complete tool we can put into these consecrated hands.” He struggles to explain the value of the book in a land where they are “labor rich and tool poor.” The Shepherd’s Staff allows them “to plow and plant the field for such a ripe and neglected harvest.” Unlike any other training material, Mincks says The Shepherd’s Staff is a “comprehensive tool to equip a movement of indigenous evangelism with a Spirit-filled curriculum.” In the Kakuma Refugee Camp, The Shepherd’s Staff is now being fully used among the 109,000 refugees from Burundi, Congo, Ethiopia, South Sudan and among the Nubian people from North Sudan. “The new genocide from Dar Fur has shifted in North Sudan and now is devastating the Nubian population just above the oil fields in Abey,” Mincks shares. “There have been 8,000 new arrivals in the Kakuma Refugee Camp and two to three times that are expected in the months to come. The next shipment of The Shepherd’s Staff will go directly into that camp in Kakuma, and will be used to train new leadership without using the four-year program we have used in the past.” The Nubians, he adds, “have been Islamic for generations and are coming to Christ in large numbers….” “Our desire over 10 years was to be able to use The Shepherd’s Staff as the prime training text in the Kakuma Interdenominational School of Training,” Mincks says. “Through the gifting of World MAP, the catalytic influence is being felt.”
Rev. Benson Eukwom with Rev. Robert Mincks in Lodwar, Turkana, after the Dec. 3, 2012 graduation of evangelists and church planters, proudly receives his graduation gift: The Shepherd’s Staff. “This tall and often slender tribal group dwelling in the northwestern desert of Kenya is reaching people inside of South Sudan cross-tribally where traditionally there has been resistance and conflict.” Mincks asks that World MAP supporters who sow into this bountiful opportunity “pray for these evangelists who are having casualties as they release their lives into the extreme areas of their regional desert and across the Ethiopian border into Islamic conflict regions as well.” Winter 2013 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 7
ACTS and The Shepherd’s Staff: STRENGTH FOR PILGRIMS “I really found helpful the materials that you have been sending me. Great materials to study and lead in groups who are hungry for the Word and passionate to have spiritual multiplication. Wow – very meaty materials. God bless all who are involved in this ministry.” – Helen Olermo, Philippines “I am so blessed to be counted among those that received this Shepherd’s Staff copy for free. The treasure in it cannot be compared to any worth anywhere. For the little of it I have read so far, it has added more meaning to my faith in God. Through careful reading of it, I am gaining spiritual knowledge to stand as wonders unto many. I am grateful for this precious seed you have sown into my life and ministry.” – Pastor John Paul Ilori, Nigeria “Thank you so much for sending me the ACTION [ACTS French] issue titled ‘Heirs of God.’ Please pray for my small church. We are in need of evangelical materials that will enable us to grow. Please continue with your good work you do around the world.” – Pasteur Jean Fotres Hema, Haiti “I received the copy of The Shepherd’s Staff and I really do appreciate it wholly from my heart. I cannot really express the 8 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Winter 2013
joy that came with that book. May the Almighty God bless all those who were involved in one way or the other to make sure the book reached my hands.” – Evangelist Victor Okumu, Kenya “I am writing to let you know that I want to continue receiving this wonderful and powerful ACTS Magazine.” – Malungisa Dlamini, Swaziland “I have received The Shepherd’s Staff. I am very thankful that you sent it to me. When I saw where the package originated from, I wept. Continue with your ministry.” – Pastor Eduardo Rios, Uruguay “The Shepherd’s Staff is very useful which you have sent me and I treasure it so much. I can’t afford to stop receiving the ACTS Magazine.” – Rev. Chayana Nkonde, Zambia “I would like to thank you for your goodness and provision. Thank you for the [ACTS] magazine ‘Heirs of God’ you sent me, for the clear teaching. I have been able to preach to others using this magazine.” – Pasteur Jose Compaore, Burkina Faso “Blessed Good Morning to you. I would like to testify how
great and helpful The Shepherd’s Staff has been to me. God bless you for this wonderful tool.” – Mrs. Antonia Goliath, Namibia “Your [ACTS] magazine was and is my mentor, as I’m still reading your old magazines. Many people were amazed because of my fast growth in the Spirit and ministry. But everything was because of your teaching magazines.” – Pastor Gesaya Phiri, Malawi “I have always followed and used the studies in the journal ACTS. I would like to receive the [ACTS] Training Guide when it is ready.” – Pastor Helder Marcelino da Silva, Brazil “I am highly euphoric for mailing you this letter. God bless you and your emissaries for the generous task you are doing to propagate the Gospel of peace. I once encountered a comrade of mine and saw him reading a book entitled The Shepherd’s Staff. I had a look at the book, and when I glanced through I perceived it to be one of the most didactic and ethereal books which can guide every pilgrim to lead God’s flock to the Holy City.” – Pastoral Intern William Boahene, Ghana
Praying for the Nations
Bhutan
UNREACHED PEOPLE GROUP
PALESTINIAN ARABS OF LEBANON Population: 400,000 Strangers and aliens: Of all the Palestinian Arabs in refugee camps throughout the Arab world, those in Lebanon suffer the profoundest hardship. They are treated as virtually unwanted foreigners. They are not allowed to own property. They have no access to public health care. They endure overcrowding and appalling sanitary conditions. Barred from most white-collar and other skilled professions, the men must often resort to menial labor. Lebanon has been reluctant to grant the Palestinian Arabs citizenship; absorbing a large Muslim ethnic group might disrupt Lebanon’s fragile religious balance. The country is roughly 60% Muslim (various sects) and 40% Christian (multiple Eastern Orthodox variants plus Roman Catholic and Protestant denominations).
PRAY FOR: •
• • •
Abundant provision for all material and health needs. Job opportunities in dignified and prosperous professions. Lebanese Christians to share the Gospel with the Palestinian Arabs and show them genuine love. Palestinian Arab children to be shielded from Muslim extremist indoctrination.
Join World MAP Prayer Corps and receive monthly prayer bulletins from Frank and Wendy Parrish. Email wmap@world-map.com to sign up!
Population: 716,896 75% Buddhist 25% Hindu King: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuck Prime Minister: Jigme Thinley Government: Constitutional monarchy Traditional name: Druk Gyalkhap (“Land of the Thunder Dragon”) Geography: Mountainous, including the world’s highest unclimbed peak, the 24,836-foot Ghangkhar Puensum. Climbing peaks higher than 18,000 feet is prohibited. Such places are seen as sacred dwellings of protective spirits. Isolationist mindset: Bhutanese law zealously guards the country’s unique cultural identity. Traditional dress is mandatory. So is Buddhist-style architecture. Roads and currency did not appear until the 1960s. In 1999 the government finally lifted its ban on television and the Internet. While religious diversity is tolerated on paper, the law against attempting to convert by coercion or inducement is vague enough to allow anti-Christian persecution (even occasional acts of violence) in practice. Converting from Buddhism to Christianity is illegal. A Christian convert can be stripped of citizenship, deported, or even denied access to vital utilities.
PRAY FOR:
• Protection, growth, and worldwide support for Bhutan’s Christian minority – estimated at 6,000 to possibly 15,000 and often unacknowledged in religious statistics. • Repeal of laws that restrict evangelism; enactment of laws that protect the rights of Christian converts. • Bhutanese to see the emptiness of Buddhism and the folly of narrow traditionalism. • A strong Gospel witness to rise and spread rapidly throughout Bhutan. Winter 2013 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 9
Toy voodoo dolls are for sale in the West, but in West Africa the real voodoo is nothing to toy with. Roger Montcho, founding director of Christ in Every Place, an evangelistic ministry in Benin, knows this profoundly well. Writing to us recently requesting French Shepherd’s Staff copies for his ministry’s Bible study leaders, he called Benin the “cradle of voodoo.” Casual use of the term “voodoo” has made the practice sound harmless and even humorous. It would be more accurately described by the correct term, vodun, which is a firmly entrenched false religion with an elaborate and twisted system of beliefs and superstition. For example: Vodun beliefs hold that the human soul has two parts – a “large guardian angel” and a “small guardian angel” – and that when the latter leaves the body during sleep it can be captured by sorcery. Such false “doctrines of demons” only cause fear, torment and despair. 10 / WORLD MAP DIGEST • Winter 2013
It is true that there are very real demonic powers associated with those who willingly participate in voodoo. Dangerous Entanglement Dr. Frank Parrish conducted World MAP seminars for pastors in Benin a few years ago and he had the opportunity to hear about the practice of voodoo firsthand. “I was stunned to find that even some pastors were attempting to use voodoo to get more people into their church!” It is not uncommon for untrained leaders to blend Christianity with cultural false religions – a practice known as syncretism. This practice only highlights the profound need for sound, Bible-based training to help pastors and their flocks discern truth from error. After spending almost a month in Benin, Dr. Parrish found much confusion and misunderstanding
among the pastors regarding the Holy Spirit – Who He is and how He does and does not operate. Witnessing many events and situations, Dr. Parrish states emphatically, “There is absolutely no question that people engaged with juju (the term for voodoo in Benin) are entangled with demonic activity and all of its accompanying torture, oppression and death. They desperately need the saving and delivering power of Jesus Christ, the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit, and systematic teaching of God’s Word – to see them totally free indeed!” The only hope for the people of Benin, or any nation, is through Jesus Christ and the salvation that He alone can give (Acts 4:12). The Gospel and the Living Word, brought in the power of the Spirit, is what is needed today!
“They desperately need the saving and delivering power of Jesus Christ, the infilling presence of the Holy Spirit, and systematic teaching of God’s Word – to see them totally free indeed!”
From “Walking Dead” To Living Hope This is clearly the vision of the ministry Christ in Every Place, as Mr. Montcho describes it: “Our main activities are evangelism, Bible study and training. We have Bible study groups in 26 districts of the department [province] Couffo. These groups, whose smallest is composed of 18 members, are divided into small cells and meet twice weekly on days and times set by each group.” He happened to see a copy of World MAP’s 1,000-page training manual, The Shepherd’s Staff, and is convinced it will impart “a new beginning to our group for evangelism and teaching the Word of God in our country.” The Shepherd’s Staff’s systematic organization and comprehensive content will help equip this Beninese ministry to debunk voodoo’s myths as both fearmongering and evil – and expose voodoo’s demongods for what they are in light of the truth of Jesus Christ. When the Gospel is presented boldly and clearly – as in “What the Bible Teaches” in The Shepherd’s Staff’s New Believers Training Manual – those in bondage to voodoo will be delivered from paralyzing fear to liberating hope. They will no longer fear the “walking dead” emerging from graves to harass the living. They will rejoice in the Living Savior Who rose from the dead so they can be “born again to a living hope” (1Pet 1:3). Teachings in The Shepherd’s Staff about spiritual warfare, the authority of the Christ-follower, and the presence, power and working of the Holy Spirit can also equip both the leaders and those whom they
teach to walk in the freedom and power promised in God’s Word and given to us by His Holy Spirit.
Systematically Supplying Them “Voodoo” toys may be inexpensive to buy, but the real voodoo – vodun – exacts a heavy price… and an eternal one. In sharp contrast, “the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Rom 6:23). Voodoo is only one of myriad superstitions that torment, oppress and darken the hearts of millions around the world. Please use the response coupon and envelope enclosed in this magazine to help us keep supplying church leaders with the training they need to combat and dismantle the false systems of satanic deception – and instead bring the hope, light and truth of Jesus Christ to the nations!
When min istering in Benin thre e years ag o, World MAP President Dr. Frank Parrish heard abo ut the pra ctice of voo doo first hand, as r eported in this earlie r DIGEST magazine article. Winter 2013 • WORLD MAP DIGEST / 11
In Canada, send contributions and correspondence to: World MAP Canada 120-5501 204th Street Langley, BC V3A 5N8
All others write to: World MAP 1419 N. San Fernando Blvd. Burbank CA 91504 USA
This Kenyan pastor’s prayer says it best. The Harvest is boundless – more and more coming to Christ every day. Yet all too often they come under the care of shepherds with limited Bible knowledge and little or no ministry experience. World MAP training helps them push past those limits and extend the reach of the Gospel.