Participants: Gary Krause (Host), Lester Merklin, Earley Simon
Series Code: GMS
Program Code: GMS000057
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00:01 Creative mission in the Czech Republic,
00:03 a prison choir in Kenya 00:05 and a translator who makes sure 00:07 it's not all Greek at a Bible study in Athens, 00:11 all that and much more coming up next 00:14 on Global Mission Snapshots. 00:26 Just before He went up to heaven, 00:29 Jesus gave us a command. 00:32 He gave us a mission. Jesus said, go. 00:37 Go unto all the world, telling them of His love. 00:42 This is our mission. This is our "Global Mission." 00:51 Hello, I am Gary Krause 00:53 and I'm so glad you joined us today 00:54 on Global Mission Snapshots. 00:56 A program in where we take you 00:58 to the frontlines of mission around the world. 01:01 At one time Europe could have been 01:03 called the centre of Christianity. 01:05 Today, it struggles to retain a foot hold in Europe. 01:09 Many Christian church buildings have become museums, 01:12 apartments, cafes and even night clubs. 01:16 Today we will visit the Czech Republic 01:18 one of the world's most secular countries 01:20 and learn about a creative outreach project 01:22 called 'INRI Road." 01:25 We'll also talk with Lester Merklin, 01:26 director of The Global Center for Adventist Muslim Relations 01:30 about his personal experience in mission. 01:33 But first up, lets visit Athens, Greece, 01:36 where we will meet Michel, who is using his English 01:39 and French language skills 01:41 to help share the Adventist message. 01:49 This is the city of Athens 01:51 in the Mediterranean country of Greece. 01:54 The Athens metropolitan area is home 01:56 to more than three million people. 01:59 Among this population live 02:00 thousands of immigrants from all over the world. 02:03 Many people come here from places like the Philippines, 02:06 India and various countries in Africa. 02:09 People come to Athens for many different reasons. 02:13 Michel is one of these people. 02:15 He is from the Democratic Republic of Congo 02:18 located in Central Africa. 02:20 He has lived in the city of Athens for quite some time 02:23 and now he calls this city home. 02:28 Have you ever been in a room 02:29 where you don't understand a single word? 02:32 This is an English spoken Bible study in Athens. 02:35 The pastor teaches the English 02:37 but many of the immigrants don't speak English at all. 02:42 That's where Michel comes in. He is a translator. 02:47 Michel uses the gifts God has given him 02:49 to help others understand the Word of God. 02:52 Michel translates the pastor's words 02:55 from English into French. 03:07 Since Michel came to know Jesus 03:10 he wanted to get involved in ministry 03:12 but didn't know how God could ever use him. 03:15 After visiting this group he saw clearly that 03:17 God had placed him in Athens for a reason. 03:21 I'm very happy when I share 03:23 with people the Word of God 03:25 and the reception is positive that I like it. 03:29 Even if this reception sort of be though-- 03:31 it would be hard I try keeping on and teaching, 03:35 keep on speaking, 03:36 keep on just like saying to people to accept 03:38 because I know so I'm telling them it's true 03:41 and it's precious for His life. 03:44 The group of more than 10 visitors 03:46 meets regularly in a small rented apartment at night. 03:49 The pastor teaches them from the Bible 03:51 and challenges them to apply 03:53 these lessons to their daily life. 03:56 He approaches each meeting 03:57 with a new topic for them to discuss. 04:00 The group members are always interested in the topics 04:03 and challenges the pastor brings to the table. 04:07 The Bible study transitions from studying the Bible 04:10 to sharing a meal together. 04:15 Visitors enjoy a home cook meal 04:17 and the opportunity for fellowship. 04:19 They talk for hours enjoying each others company. 04:23 As you can see the apartment is so small, 04:26 they have to limit the number of people 04:28 who attend the meetings. 04:30 The church in Greece prays for a building 04:32 that can be used to share Jesus with immigrants, 04:36 a place where people can come 04:37 and worship together with out constraint. 04:40 Please pray for this group of eager followers 04:43 that they may find a place to study with out limits. 05:01 Our guest is Dr. Lester Merklin, 05:02 who is a missiologist 05:04 and is a professor at Andrews University 05:06 in Berrien Springs, Michigan. 05:09 Dr. Merklin has served in various parts of the world 05:11 including the Philippines, Pakistan. 05:14 And thank you for joining us today, Dr. Merklin. 05:17 How did your experience mission begin? 05:22 Surprise. I like that answer. 05:25 I received a phone call in my office 05:28 where I was a pastor of one of our high schools, academies. 05:33 And some one from Silver Spring said 05:38 you've been teaching in high school, 05:39 how would you like to teach in college, 05:42 would you go to Pakistan? 05:45 Wow. Quite started. 05:47 And obviously you said, yes. 05:51 I said nothing for about 30 seconds 05:53 and he laughed and said 05:54 I will call you back in two days. 05:57 And when they called us back we said, well, we are willing. 06:00 Okay. What did you know about Pakistan at that stage? 06:04 Really nothing. 06:05 When the phone call came 06:06 I called my wife where she was working 06:08 and said, you're ready to go to Pakistan? 06:11 And she said, can you pick me up 06:13 the lunch let's go to the library. 06:15 That was before Google. Okay. 06:19 So how long did you-- 06:20 so you went to an Adventist college in Pakistan 06:24 and how long were you there for? 06:25 We were there for six years. 06:29 How did that experience affect your life? 06:31 What did you learn? Many, many things. 06:36 When I got on the airplane heading there, 06:38 in spite of the fact of months getting ready 06:41 I remember it hitting me, am I doing what I should do? 06:45 How do I know I'm doing the right thing for my family? 06:47 I would really not been out of the country 06:49 other than Canada. 06:52 And here I'm taking family 06:53 to a completely different culture. 06:56 No real preparation to understanding 06:58 an Islamic culture, et cetera 07:02 but we did well. 07:05 My wife was being the more out going person. 07:08 She was out in the community even more than I, 07:10 of course I was busy in the campus 07:13 but she is well known there. 07:14 Few years later when I went back for a while 07:18 the word got out that was in town 07:19 and the merchants 07:21 and so on came from town to see me, 07:23 gave me gifts to take back to my family. 07:25 Isn't that nice. 07:28 So later on you became the director 07:30 of the Institute of World Mission, 07:31 which actually trains missionaries for going overseas 07:34 but when you went out to Pakistan, 07:36 there was no Institute of World Mission. 07:40 We did go to the mission institute 07:43 which was a great experience. 07:46 The instructors at that time were from-- 07:49 were experienced in Papua New Guinea 07:52 and some where in Africa, I think. 07:53 Okay, okay. So was-- 07:55 Nothing was matching about this group of people 07:58 who have now become my friends. Right. 08:00 So you've got general missiologcal principles 08:04 but no real training so, you had a-- 08:07 you learned quickly on the ground. 08:10 We had to learn quickly. 08:11 We've landed in Karachi late, 08:15 airplane was late, missing the connection to Lahore, 08:20 knowing nothing, nobody there of course in Karachi to meet us. 08:23 They have said, sorry the next airplane 08:25 will be in three days 08:27 and my wife being the beautiful blonde 08:29 she is, you know, the men of Pakistan 08:32 we're just kind of watching her to the point 08:35 she said, let's go home. 08:37 But that's the last time I heard that. 08:40 We've enjoyed the next six years. 08:43 And my wife would get a horse 08:46 from the tangewala 08:48 and head out the irrigation canals 08:52 riding horses was well known in Pakistan. 08:55 I'm sure. I'm sure. 08:57 I remember this some years ago 08:59 I had a train trip from Lahore to Karachi 09:01 and I remember going into an area 09:05 where they have some kids playing cricket. 09:07 They just had a stick and some makeshift ball 09:10 and I just started saying-- 09:12 they started calling out to me names 09:13 of the Australian cricket team players. 09:16 They know. 09:18 I learned to listen, I mean, totally different culture, 09:20 different age group, different language 09:22 but you can always find some connection point. Oh, yeah. 09:26 And I think that's what mission is all about, isn't it? 09:27 Finding those connection points. Sure it is. 09:29 And my poor son he grew up in Pakistan, 09:32 so we came back to the States 09:33 and he brought his cricket stuff. 09:35 Did he? Couldn't find anybody to play. 09:37 Well, I hope he hasn't corrupted into baseball, has he? 09:41 No, football, soccer. Okay, right. 09:44 So you were in Pakistan, 09:45 you also serve sometime in the Philippines, 09:47 what were you doing there? 09:48 Philippines, I was teaching gradual level 09:51 and dean of our seminary in Philippines. 09:56 So when you look back at your mission experience 09:58 was it worth it? Oh, yeah. 10:01 You see, you do it again. It was worth it for me. 10:03 Hope fully it was worth it 10:05 for the people that we served. Yeah. 10:06 Well, so it was a two way thing, isn't? 10:08 I mean, you're there to serve that they minister to us well. 10:11 Definitely, were different people because of it. 10:14 In fact when people ask me now where are you? 10:16 I say I'm exhale to Andrews, 10:19 even though we enjoy the people. Of course. 10:21 Can you imagine the difference between Michigan 10:23 and the palm trees of Philippines. 10:25 Yeah, exactly. 10:27 Well, Lester, thanks for giving us 10:28 a little inside in to what it's like to serve in mission. 10:32 I appreciate it. Good. 10:34 And viewers at home, 10:36 Adventist mission around the world 10:39 involve us many different things. 10:41 Dr. Merklin was sharing about education. 10:44 We have many different education facilities, 10:48 some facilities such as 10:50 Loma Linda University in California. 10:52 It's a huge operation and state of the art buildings. 10:58 We have other areas of the world 10:59 where we have schools that are small, 11:01 that are struggling, that don't have the facilities 11:05 that they need 11:06 but education is making a terrific 11:09 impression around the world, 11:11 touching thousands of different lives. 11:13 We also have medical systems, 11:16 we have hospitals and clinics that are touching lives. 11:20 We've media outreach. 11:22 We have publishing houses, 11:23 we have so many different aspects of mission. 11:26 But missionaries are people who need our prayers. 11:30 It can be a world changing experience 11:33 but it can be a lonely experience, 11:35 at times it can be a discourage experience 11:38 and its very encouraging from missionaries to know 11:41 that there is a world church that is praying for them. 11:45 I grew up praying for the Missionaries in the Islands 11:48 and I make it a habit today to still pray 11:50 for the missionaries every day. 11:52 If you would like to find out more about Adventist Mission, 11:55 please go to our website at AdventistMission.org, 11:58 easy to remember. 12:00 There you can find pictures, you can find videos, 12:03 you can find missionary blogs, you can find stories, 12:06 inspirational stories, 12:08 information about challenges that remain, 12:10 and information on how you can be involved. 12:12 AdventistMission.org. 13:03 As we look around the world 13:04 we see that there are many places 13:06 where the Seventh-day Adventist Churches very strong. 13:10 But there are other parts of the world 13:11 where our mission work is far more challenged 13:14 and seemingly less effective. 13:17 As we go to the region of Europe 13:19 we see places such as Czech Republic 13:22 where the rate of atheism 13:24 and unbelief is the highest any where in the world. 13:28 My guest who I'm very pleased to welcome is Earley Simon. 13:32 Thanks for joining us, Earley. 13:33 Thanks for inviting me. 13:34 You know, when we look at a place like the Czech Republic, 13:38 once a very strong Christian country 13:40 but today, when you look at the list of countries 13:44 where atheism is strongest it's right at the top. 13:47 You've visited there recently what did you find? 13:50 I had amazing privilege to go to the Czech Republic. 13:52 I just love that place, it's beautiful. 13:54 For of those who haven't been there you know, 13:57 we went to the city of Prague and the church there, 14:00 we were talking to some of the church leaders, 14:01 they do have a hard time reaching the people. 14:04 The mindset just isn't you know, towards Christianity, 14:07 so it's very hard to appeal. 14:09 And they have one challenge there 14:12 that is to reach young people. 14:14 Some folks, some children grown in families 14:18 were they taught you know, 14:19 about the Bible about the Sabbath 14:20 and different doctrines. 14:22 But as they grow and they go to University 14:25 they tend to leave the faith 14:27 because that's what everybody does, 14:28 that's what the culture pushes you towards. 14:31 So what the Church did is they came up with this, 14:33 this project called "INRI Road" 14:35 which is a project very strategic 14:37 to reach the people in those years 14:40 where they're making the decision 14:41 to leave the faith, you know. 14:43 So they are not just preaching to young people, 14:46 they are doing something very appropriate. 14:48 It's interesting for them. 14:49 They will call the young people 14:50 and they say come have fellowship with us, 14:53 come within special programs with us, 14:56 we have tons of activities 14:57 there you can participate and they do. 14:59 They go out for bowling, they play soccer together, 15:03 they have parties together, 15:04 they have lot of activities to engage the young people. 15:07 And on top of that they do meet on Saturdays 15:09 and through out the week just for the young people 15:12 so it's for them. 15:14 I went there, I love my church in the US 15:17 but I went there and I felt like 15:18 if there is a church like this in my town 15:19 I would definitely turn. 15:21 Now in what way are they connecting 15:24 these young people to mission? 15:28 It's giving them a place because in the university years 15:33 the young people turn to leave the church 15:35 because there is no place for them. 15:37 They don't really find anybody that can relate to 15:38 so this is giving them a community 15:40 where they can believe in the same thing 15:42 and continue to faith. Okay. 15:45 It's a pretty interesting concept. 15:46 Is it some where, where they can invite their friends? 15:49 And you know, when we were there 15:51 we heard a lot of really interesting stories about people 15:55 who invited friends and they came 15:56 and they either started believing again in their faith 16:01 or you know, got converted. 16:03 There is one story that a person 16:04 that I've actually met there at the interviewed, 16:06 her name is Jana, she wasn't an Adventist. 16:09 She had grown up, you know, going to parties, 16:12 drinking, smoking and for some portions of life 16:14 she even used drugs. 16:16 And she never encountered any Christians 16:18 or Adventists for that matter. 16:20 And when she went to the university 16:22 she met three Christian people there. 16:25 And she as she was becoming friends with them 16:28 she realized that these people are happy 16:30 and they don't drink, they don't go to parties, 16:32 they don't use drugs but they're happy. 16:34 And they continued to develop the relationship 16:36 and after some years 16:37 I actuallyy moved in with the Adventist girl 16:39 cause there were three Christians 16:40 just one was Adventist. 16:42 She moved in with the Adventist girl 16:44 started learning more about the faith 16:46 and the Adventist girl was going to INRI Road 16:48 so she invited Jana to go with her. 16:51 Jana went, she liked the setting, 16:52 she liked the activities 16:54 and she decided to do Bible Studies 16:56 and started learning more about the faith. 16:58 And pretty soon she had to make a decision, 17:00 you know, should I give up my drinking my alcohol. 17:04 Can I be as happy inside of the church 17:05 as outside of the church? 17:07 And she found that she could. 17:09 It was tough challenge for her 17:10 but she started giving up those things. 17:12 Started relationship with a boyfriend too 17:13 that didn't want to be a Christian, 17:14 so she let him go. 17:17 And her conversion story is just beautiful. 17:19 How she encountered the faith 17:21 and not only believed those things 17:22 but she saw happiness in it, you know, 17:24 and she was content with participating in those programs. 17:27 And she left all of her bad habits 17:30 and became part of INRI Road. 17:32 But if I may before you ask another question, 17:35 we talk to a number of young people 17:37 and it was amazing to see that 17:39 some kids who're leaving the church 17:41 well, because of INRI Road they decide to come back. 17:43 And now they are not only participating 17:45 but they are, you know, taking an active part. 17:48 And some of the young people 17:49 there are leading some of the prayer groups 17:52 and Bible study groups. 17:53 And there is one man that we met John, 17:56 he actually took that further. 17:58 He was converted in to Adventism 18:00 and he said you know, I don't want to leave it just here. 18:02 I'm gonna go the seminary and become a pastor 18:04 so that I can began INRI Road somewhere else. 18:06 So this-- this has been a very effective 18:09 you know, project of this churches invested in. 18:12 I still not--I'm still not sure of the name of the title 18:15 the title of the program, what is it called again? 18:17 It's called INRI Road which is I-N-R-I. 18:21 It's the sign that they put on top of Jesus Cross. 18:23 Ah, got it. 18:25 Yeah, Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews. Okay. 18:28 So that's where they got the name 18:30 from INRI Road in Jesus way, that's what they call. 18:32 Well, this sounds a fabulous program to me 18:34 because we are seeing increasingly in secular 18:37 and postmodern societies there are lot of people-- 18:40 well, first of all it's taking them a long term 18:42 before they come to a decision for Christ in that process. 18:45 But the first step often isn't just believing 18:47 the first step is belonging they have to have a place 18:50 where they as if they are home where they belong 18:53 and after that we find them open for the other steps. 18:57 Yeah, you know, and the-- 19:00 I felt like they do have that sense of belonging there. 19:02 People go there, they like go over activities 19:04 just to be there and they, 19:06 they start participating in those activities 19:08 and then they encounter 19:09 the spiritual activities as well. 19:11 They have retreats 19:13 and that's the number one element 19:15 that everybody mention 19:16 this was my favorite thing when we work. 19:19 So soccer, bowling is good 19:20 but the spiritual activity 19:21 is really what drives them. Excellent. 19:23 Earley, thank you so much for sharing with us. 19:27 And before we go viewers, 19:28 I just want to tell you about this magazine, 19:32 Mission 360 magazine brand new hot of the press 19:36 but most importantly Earley, 19:37 this is not just a physical print magazine 19:41 it is on a digital flat form. 19:44 People can go to Mission360mag.org 19:47 and they can download on to what? 19:49 Very nice, into their iPad or to computer. 19:52 Yeah, iPad, computer, iPhone whatever 19:55 but its available free online to anybody 19:58 full of stories, wonderful stories, 20:00 mission stories from around the world. 20:02 Thanks, Earley. 20:23 The Czech Republic is one of the most secular 20:26 and postmodern countries in Europe. 20:29 Many young people in Czech Republic 20:30 and Slovakia leave the Christian faith 20:33 during their university years. 20:35 In many instances Christian education in the home 20:39 proves insufficient against strong atheistic influence. 20:43 Young Christians struggle 20:45 searching for a place to belong 20:47 and people who share their beliefs. 20:50 With this enormous challenge in mind 20:53 the Seventh-day Adventist Church 20:54 developed a strategic initiative called INRI Road. 20:58 INRI Road or "Jesus' Way" 21:01 provides Adventist young people the opportunity 21:03 to maintain their religious roots 21:05 and spiritual guidelines 21:07 while reaching out to other young people. 21:10 Many students at university level 21:12 have rarely or never set foot inside a church. 21:16 INRI Road is their place to learn about Jesus 21:19 and have some fun. 21:21 Students who attend have the opportunity 21:23 to participate in a number of activities 21:26 such as game nights, sports, banquets, 21:29 prayer meetings, Bible discussions 21:32 and special weekend outings. 21:34 With such a variety of interesting events, 21:37 students don't feel the need to go out for dancing, 21:39 drinking or drugs. 21:41 This is their opportunity to truly enjoy life. 21:45 When you attend one of the weekly events, 21:48 prepare yourself for having a good time. 21:50 The programs include lots of good music, 21:53 interviews, expert presentations 21:56 and many interactive activities that provide a chance 21:59 to interact and make new friends. 22:02 Many students find that INRI Road 22:05 has been a turning point in their lives. 22:08 Some would never have stepped foot 22:09 inside a traditional church, but INRI Road isn't traditional. 22:14 It meets the needs of today's young people, 22:16 many of whom never experienced Christ before. 22:20 John is a student in the city of Brno. 22:23 Although raised an Adventist he did not meet Jesus 22:26 until attending INRI Road on a regular basis. 22:30 During his first visits he did not care for the messages. 22:34 He was struggling to answer some of life's big questions 22:38 and did not think he could find the answer here. 22:41 But with time his heart was touched by God 22:44 and he found answers. 22:46 Now John is an active advocator and participant in INRI Road. 22:52 John found Jesus to be the answer 22:54 to a lot of his questions and wants to connect 22:57 with other teenage students and help them. 23:01 John has decided to become a minister 23:04 and to lead others to Christ 23:06 and to the practical answers He can provide. 23:09 Please pray for the important work of INRI Road 23:12 and for the many lives it touches each day. 23:16 With your prayers and mission offerings INRI Road 23:19 will enter more university towns in Czech Republic and Slovakia. 23:26 If you enjoyed those images of mission, 23:28 I know you want a copy of the brand new 23:30 Adventist Mission calendar. 23:32 This beautiful calendar will keep the people 23:34 in places of mission in front of you 23:37 each day of the year. 23:38 So, if you live in North America please accept this free gift 23:41 as a small token of thanks for your prayers 23:44 and you support. 23:45 Just call toll free 1-800-648-5824 23:50 or visit our website at AdventitstMission.org 23:54 and ask for the free Adventist Mission calendar or offer 305. 23:59 Just mention the calendar or offer 305. 24:03 Well, I hope you have enjoyed today's program. 24:05 Thank you, again for your continuing support 24:08 of Adventist mission through your prayers, 24:10 your personal involvement and your finances. 24:13 As we close I hope you will find inspiration 24:15 for mission in this music video of the prison choir. 24:20 For Adventist Mission I'm Gary Krause 24:22 and I hope you can join us next time 24:24 right here on "Global Mission Snapshots." 24:47 [singing in foreign language] |
Revised 2014-12-17