Changing Times
May 2024

In Changing Times
Change the Method; Keep the Message

Recently I was in conversation with a brother discussing why a certain a well-known missionary training college that has been a historical pillar of the old “classroom with campus life” was changing their method for teaching and training missionaries.

I said, “Times are changing. God can lead us into new methods, so let go of the old methods but hold fast to the message.”  The plans are to dissolve classroom and dorm room experiences in education. In 1976, Susie and I were turned down at that college because we had two children and didn’t fit their method at the time. Their method was not wrong or ineffective, but now the attendance numbers are saying times have changed. It often takes a while for the leaders to see the trends. It even might take a financial crisis to get back to prayer asking God what HE wants moving forward.

I think we all see the changes in the world around us especially as it relates to education, world events, travel, and communications. Seems like a new online college is popping up every week to get your degree. I presume these colleges offer quality degrees from your laptop from home or even a coffee shop or library. This is a sign of changing times. It might not be the best for everyone, but it is the new trend. It saves money as students acquire knowledge of their subject.

Holding on to an old method can be a stumbling block to the highest good and impact for the kingdom. Working from different locations are common these days. That’s a good thing. Even here at MEI we have a nonprofit in Texas, our main processing office is in Bentonville Arkansas, and I live in Spring Hill, Tennessee. We have been operating this way for over 15 years. Modern technology has made this possible. Just add a zoom meeting and you can be productive and stay connected. It’s not about the method but the message of the Gospel of Jesus.

Paradigm Change

With new challenges in the world to get the gospel to the nations and make disciples, we must adopt new methods. I recently went through a paradigm change in my understanding of how to reach the unreached people groups. The methods of Bible translation were the standard for at least the 45 years that I have been working to get the Bible to all nations and peoples. My change happened as I heard Loren Cunningham, co-founder of YWAM speak in Kona, HI last spring as his long bout with cancer was coming to a close. He gave a message he said was his fresh revelation from the Lord after he was discharged from the hospital. * The message resounded in my heart, and I had to start thinking about changing methods to get the message out to the nations and tribes who don’t have a written language of their Mother Tongue. There are 8000 known tribes with unique Mother Tongues.

God has promised if we seek Him, we’ll find Him and HE is the one that knows the best method during this period of changes in the world.

Maybe reflecting on your calling, location, and method will give the Lord a chance to speak something fresh or confirm His present will. The Father is always eager to confirm His calling and give a current method to each of his coworkers in the harvest. He is not in a rush but loves to be with us in all our decisions. His mandate still stands…Matthew 24:14.

We have added a spot on the MEIgiving.org website for those interested in giving toward someone going to OMT (Oral Mother Tongue) unreached peoples. https://meigiving.org/donate

God bless you as you continue in your faithful service.
Andy


Loren’s Message at March 2023 Staff Meeting:

This is Loren’s explanation of how he received understanding and revelation of how to get the Bible into every language group in this generation. Oral Mother Tongue/OMT’s strategy is to reach all tribes and people groups that the will of the Father in heaven will be on earth.

https://player.vimeo.com/progressive_redirect/playback/803309765/rendition/720p/file.mp4?loc=external&signature=ec3e0f594a7242758238298b0a7c32ab00346aa2fef5c615f46f02fb4cd3
8cad

*Loren spoke this message after a terminal diagnosis of cancer. He was being strengthened by the Lord to finish delivering this message and vision to YWAM globally.

Loren went to be with the Lord on October 6 th , 2023 at the age of 88.

Sign up to pray and serve OMT projects at PrayOMT.com