Michael Oh spoke at our 2009 Desiring God Conference for Pastors. I love his vision for Japan. As a Korean this commitment has the Christ-like flavor of reconciliation and risk. I would like for you to know him and, if God leads, support his vision.

He is president and founder of Christ Bible Seminary in Nagoya and a cluster of other ministries under Christ Bible Institute. Here is a short video where Michael presents the amazing opportunity for this seminary and church to be housed in downtown Nagoya.

Last December John Piper led a discussion with Doug Birdsall, Christopher Wright, and Lindsay Brown—three significant leaders in the Lausanne movement—about a number of missions-related topics.

They considered questions such as

• What is the Lausanne Movement?
• What are the 6 major issues facing the global church today?
• How does the cross of Jesus Christ address these issues?
• What are your dreams for Lausanne's Cape Town 2010 conference?

The video is about 50 minutes. Watch it below, or download the audio or video.

Thank you to all who have supported the Haitian Creole “For Your Joy” Project. I wanted to bring you a quick status update.

We are progressing on the translation and design of this new resource. I've included a picture of the proposed cover on the right.

We have been amazed and humbled by the response from ministries working in Haiti that have already requested this resource. We currently have requests for 48,600 of the proposed 100,000 booklets from a variety of different organizations ministering in Haiti.

Nearly every organization we talked with has told us of the overwhelming spiritual hunger they are witnessing in Haiti right now. Sadly there are very few God-centered gospel resources available.

Yesterday I spoke with Brandy Karim of New Hope Community Church in Florida who just returned from Haiti this past weekend. She said,

It would be so beneficial if we could offer these people, who cling to their Lord and Savior, resources to help lift their spirits, give them hope, and remind them that the body of Christ cares about their needs. Resources that would continue to remind them that they serve a God of mercy and grace, a God who loves them and will see them through the darkest of times.

So we ask for your prayers:

• Pray that God would provide the remaining funds. As of Monday March 1st we need $13,000. Praise God for the generous outpouring he has already enabled many to give.
• Pray for much grace on those translating this booklet as they work in un-ideal conditions in Haiti.

These were added recently, which puts our total of online Spanish resources at about 480. Thanks again to Alice, our translations volunteer, for getting them on the web!

Praying in the Closet and in the Spirit
Orando en el Aposento y en el Espíritu
(Sermon, January 3, 2010)

You Have the Words of Eternal Life
Sólo tus Palabras Dan Vida Eterna
(Sermon, December 20, 2009)

It Is the Spirit That Gives Life
El Espíritu Es el Que Da Vida
(Sermon, December 13, 2009)

They Will All Be Taught of God
Y Todos Serán Enseñados Por Dios
(Sermon, December 6, 2009)

Skeptical Grumbling and Sovereign Grace
Murmuraciones Escépticas y Gracia Soberana
(Sermon, November 29, 2009)

The Excellence of Jesus Christ (with Spanish translation)
(Event message, November 22, 2009, audio and video only)

Behold, Believe, Be Raised
Miren, Crean, Sean Resucitados
(Sermon, November 22, 2009)

Do Not Labor for the Food That Perishes
Trabajad, no por el Alimento que Perece
(Sermon, November 15, 2009)

Twelve Baskets of Bread and the Walk on Water
Doce Cestas de Pan y la Caminata Sobre el Mar
(Sermon, November 8, 2009)

The All-Providing King Who Would Not Be King
El Rey Proveedor que No Sería Rey
(Sermon, November 1, 2009)

The Legacy of Antioch
El Legado de Antioquía
(Sermon, October 25, 2009)

If You Believed Moses, You Would Believe Me
Si Creyeran en Moisés, Creerían en Mí
(Sermon, October 4, 2009)

Jesus Christ As Denouement in the Theater of God
Jesucristo como el Desenlace en el Teatro de Dios
(Event message, September 27, 2009)

The Love of Human Praise As the Root of Unbelief
El Amor a la Alabanza Humana como la Raíz de la Incredulidad
(Sermon, September 20, 2009)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 6
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 6
(Sermon, August 26, 2001)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 5
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 5
(Sermon, August 19, 2001)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 4
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 4
(Sermon, August 12, 2001)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 3
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 3
(Sermon, June 24, 2001)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 2
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 2
(Sermon, June 3, 2001)

Who Is This Divided Man? Part 1
¿Quién es Este Hombre Dividido? Parte 1
(Sermon, May 27, 2001)

United with Christ in Death and Life, Part 3
Unidos a Cristo en la Muerte y en la Vida, Parte 3
(Sermon, September 8, 2000)

Photo courtesy of Food for the Hungry

Se yon sèl eksplikasyon ki genyen pou sakrifis Bondye fè pou nou an. Pa gen anyen nan nou ki te ka fè nou merite anyen nan men Bondye. “Se yon bagay gratis li ye” (Efezyen 1:7). Sakrifis Jezi a se pa yon repons ak valè nou. Se pa paske nou gen valè ki fè Bondye fè yon sakrifis ki gen valè pou nou. Se pito valè enfini pa Bondye ki anvayi nou annabondans. An rezime men sa lanmou diven an ye : se yon pasyon ki pouse Bondye fè tout sa li konnen, li peye gwo pri pou li chame yon seri pechè ki pa merite sa, konsa pou li ka plen kè nou ak lajwa padan tout letènite ; kè kontan ekstrèm sa a ap gen kòm baz li, laglwa enfini Bondye.

It has been more than a month since the catastrophic earthquake in Haiti and, as often happens, the news coverage is gradually declining in the face of other critical world events. But, the human tragedy continues to be staggering. In January we directed you to a number of trusted ministries doing relief and development work in-country. Our own Lukas Naugle made a brief trip down with Churches Helping Churches to investigate the situation.

As the weeks go on, many of these organizations will be shifting from emergency relief to long-term development work. They will be laboring alongside Haitian nationals to re-build their infra-structure and society. The most effective development organizations will employ a holistic approach that involves strengthening physical, economic, social, and spiritual dimensions.  They will also, whenever possible, work in and through the local churches and their leaders.

Our vision for International Outreach is built on partnering with trusted ministries like these. We aim to provide God-centered resources as tools for spreading gospel truth and strengthening the church in regions of the world where the needs are most acute.

In the weeks since the earthquake, we have been receiving requests for a Creole-language resource from a number of our partners. In response, we are creating a translation of the For Your Joy booklet that can be used for evangelism and discipleship. The interest has been strong, so we are planning a print run of 100,000. We plan to provide cases of this booklet free of charge to partnering ministries working in Haiti.

In order to do this, we’d like to invite you to consider a gift towards this project. Visit our donation page and designate “Creole Resource.” Our target is $20,000.

If you or your organization are working in Haiti and would like to obtain copies of this booklet, please visit this online form and give us your information. We will be in touch with you once they are ready.

And if you don’t read Creole, here’s the translation of the quote above. Pray with us that God might use this truth to bring lasting hope to many Haitians.

There is only one explanation for God’s sacrifice for us. It is not us. It is “the riches of his grace” (Ephesians 1:7). It is all free. It is not a response to our worth. It is the overflow of his infinite worth. In fact, that is what divine love is in the end: a passion to enthrall undeserving sinners, at great cost, with what will make us supremely happy forever, namely, his infinite beauty.

My lips will pour forth praise, for you teach me your statutes. My tongue will sing of your word, for all your commandments are right. (Psalm 119:171-172)

When was the last time your lips poured forth praise and your tongue sang because you possess the very words of God in the Scriptures? For me, this kind of joy in God and his Word does not come often enough. I take it for granted that I have multiple copies of the Scriptures at my fingertips every day.

I have a friend, Katie, who serves in Malawi, Africa. She was able to distribute Bibles to a village there, and when they received these Bibles, they ecstatically broke out in thanks, praise, and dance over their new possession of God's Word! See for yourself:

I love the description of God's Word printed in the Gideon Bibles:

THE BIBLE contains the mind of God, the state of man, the way of salvation, the doom of sinners, and the happiness of believers. Its doctrines are holy, its precepts are binding, its histories are true, and its decisions are immutable. Read it to be wise, believe it to be safe, and practice it to be holy. It contains light to direct you, food to support you, and comfort to cheer you.

It is the traveler's map, the pilgrim's staff, the pilot's compass, the soldier's sword, and the Christian's charter. Here Paradise is restored, Heaven opened, and the gates of hell disclosed.

CHRIST is its grand subject, our good the design, and the glory of God its end.

It should fill the memory, rule the heart, and guide the feet. Read it slowly, frequently, and prayerfully. It is a mine of wealth, a paradise of glory, and a river of pleasure. It involves the highest responsibility, will reward the greatest labor, and will condemn all who trifle with its sacred contents.

God's Word is a precious, wonderful gift. May we, like those villagers in Malawi, dance and sing about it and the glorious Christ it reveals to us. May we know it well, hide it in our hearts, and labor to spread its message of our glorious Christ to the nations ... a glorious Christ who mercifully forgives those who repent of taking his Word for granted and trust in him as their most valuable treasure!

Desiring God produced the music video for LeCrae's new song, "Far Away," over the weekend. It is now available for purchase, along with the mp3, for only $4.99.

If you want to buy just the mp3, it is available in iTunes for $.99. It is ranked 46 in Hip Hop as of now. Let's try to move it into the top 10!

Buy either of these now and all proceeds will go to Haiti relief.

For those who can't make it to Hip Hop for Haiti tonight, we will be streaming the concert live online. Join the crowd in Minneapolis by watching online and by giving to Churches Helping Churches.

You can also join the crowd on Twitter using the #HH4H hashtag.

Chart-topping hip hop artist LeCrae recorded a new single to benefit relief efforts in Haiti. He'll be performing this song live for the first time at Hip Hop for Haiti in downtown Minneapolis tomorrow night.

Come join us! We will be filming the music video during this live performance. You will also be able to purchase an advance copy of the song with 100% of the proceeds going directly to Haiti relief efforts.

I love this photo we received from some great International Outreach partners who are heading to the Philippines shortly.

A doctor and his wife will be departing from Rochester, Minnesota to join with Filipino doctors in medical ministry for the unreached and physically-needy in rural regions of the country. They will also be ministering to indigenous pastors in the backcountry and bringing along resources from Desiring God to assist in theological training.

This is a great example of cross-cultural partnership for holistic ministry to those in need. It’s a great joy to be a part of this effort.

We are encouraged that many people coming to the Pastors Conference next week are already stuffing an extra bag with old books to bless a seminary in Kenya. This is a note to let you know of a special opportunity to refill that extra bag for the trip home.

Throughout the conference, DG’s International Outreach team will be in the Exhibition Hall/Bookstore, prepared to sit down and talk with you about any connections you have with missions and church-planting efforts outside the United States.

We will be ready, right then and there, to send cases of DG resources home with you, as long as you promise to get them overseas in the next 6 months. This is a great opportunity to stock up on resources for your church's short-term mission trips or for long-termers you know who will be coming home on furlough.

Please look for us where you see the “Packing Hope” display. We’d love to sit down and talk!

Not Attending the Pastors Conference? Not Even a Pastor?

You can still help. We're always on the lookout for world travelers to help us donate and deliver critical resources to our partners in faraway places.

DG International Outreach is involved in a growing network of cross-cultural ministries. We distribute books and media to missionary and church-planting friends all over the world. But international shipping is super expensive, and it often costs more than the resources themselves.

That’s where you come in! Whether you’re a business traveler or a short-term missions worker heading to the field, we can pack your bags with Christ-exalting, hope-filled resources.

Here’s how it works: As you prepare to go overseas, let us know if you are willing to serve as a courier. If we have a partner near your destination in need of resources, we will ship them to you here in the US before you leave. Your role is to pack them in your bags and deliver them upon your arrival.

Through this very practical means, you can join us in providing theological famine relief for the global church. Together we can pack hope in your bags and deliver God-centered teaching to believers in need all over the world.

I went with the Churches Helping Churches media team to Haiti last week to identify the needs of the churches and help raise money to meet their needs. The things I saw, the things I filmed, and the people I met are still with me. I am haunted by the horror I saw, and yet the palpable hope of homeless and hungry Christians amazed me.

If you live in or near Minnesota, I want to personally invite you to a concert Desiring God is sponsoring called Hip Hop for Haiti on Friday, February 5, 2010. Order your tickets online. 100% of all the money will go directly to churches in Haiti through Churches Helping Churches.

Don't Waste Your Life is partnering with Reach Records, Lamp Mode Records, and Club 3 Degrees to host a benefit concert to help the churches in Haiti rebuild and reach out again. Christian hip hop artists Lecrae, DJ Official, Flame, Json, and DJ Essence will be performing.

This concert will take place at Club 3 Degrees (Downtown Minneapolis, MN) on February 5 at 8pm. Ticket price is $10, and we recommend buying them in advance since it will likely be a sell-out show.

In addition to the ticket price, there will be several opportunities to give throughout the night.

One hundred percent of the money—from the tickets, merchandise, and all other gifts—will go directly to Churches Helping Churches, a ministry "created to address the immediate and long-term needs of churches when disaster befalls a country, region, city, or people."

Mark Driscoll and James MacDonald, the two pastors spearheading this new ministry, have already been on the ground in Haiti and have made several videos to help us see the condition and needs of our brothers and sisters there.

So come, have a great time, enjoy hip hop music to the glory of God, and give sacrificially for the furtherance of Kingdom work in Haiti.

Here’s a new resource channel for missionaries and internationals looking to spread gospel-saturated truths in their personal networks.

Gospel Translations, one of our partners in translation ministry, just started “Biblical Resource of the Week” RSS/email campaigns in six languages, and they are hoping to start more soon. These posts will often feature resources from Desiring God, as well as other teachers we appreciate like R. C. Sproul, Mark Dever, and C. J. Mahaney.

If you know of people who could benefit, please help us spread the word through your blogs, social media channels, and personal networks. And of course, if you’re able, you can also consider lending your translation skills to ministries like these.

Here are the Gospel Translations language sites that currently feature “Biblical Resource of the Week” subscriptions:

• French: Livres et Prédications Bibliques
• German: Biblische Bücher und Predigten
• Italian: Libri e Sermoni Biblici
• Portuguese: Livros e Sermões Bíblicos
• Spanish: Libros y Sermones Bíblicos
• Russian: Библейские книги и проповеди

As we engage in Theological Famine Relief for the Global Church, one of the core burden’s on our hearts at DG International Outreach continues to be the incredible need for Global South church leaders to receive biblical equipping for their ministry. Some say that 85% of pastors worldwide have had little to no theological training whatsoever.

We are partnering with an increasing number of ministries using informal, short-term approaches for training pastors in developing nations. We are donating books and media in English and other languages to help in this effort. Also, we have written a curriculum for informal theological training, based on John Piper’s book, The Pleasures of God.
 
One new ministry that we are happy to partner with is Training Leaders International. This ministry was born out of a desire to provide careful theological education to places where training is hard to come by. This ministry has brought together an outstanding board of well-known godly men to help the mission.
 
Training Leaders International equips young evangelical scholars to train church leaders where theological training is lacking or not available. Seasoned missionaries and cross-cultural teachers mentor young competent evangelical scholars who have the desire to teach but do not understand how to do so in a different culture.

Every trip is done at the request of, in cooperation with, and in submission to local national leaders, theological institutions and churches.

It is our prayer that the long term effect of the mentoring will bear fruit through some teachers being called into full-time, cross-cultural missions, while others gain an ability to understand the important issues and be better equipped to partner with the global church while ministering in the United States.
 
Please take a moment to read more about how you can support Training Leaders International.  

With you, we at DG International Outreach are watching the news coming out of Haiti and praying for the victims and those who will be working to bring relief in the coming days. One of those groups bringing aid is Food for the Hungry, which has become a great partner of this ministry. We would like to encourage you to support their work.

Their vision is to answer the call to respond to physical and spiritual hungers worldwide through action and advocacy for those who Jesus spoke about when he quoted the prophet Isaiah in Luke 4:18,

He has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to proclaim freedom for the prisoners and recovery of sight for the blind, to release the oppressed.

Here is how they are describing the situation:

FH staff on the ground have indicated that food and water are not available for purchase within Port-au-Prince, and that looting is already beginning as desperate people try to obtain what they can.  Major medical facilities have collapsed, hindering first aid help for those injured in the quake.  Communications are almost impossible, and a fuel shortage is cutting off transportation.  FH has only been able to contact five of our 20 Haitian staff members.  Meanwhile, survivors and rescue workers are digging through rubble to reach people trapped in collapsed buildings.

 Here’s the latest on how FH is responding:

FH’s Relief Director is en route to Port-au-Prince to join the efforts of Haitian staff and to assess our next phase of response. Staff in the Dominican Republic are also standing by to join relief efforts as soon as it is possible to cross the border. 

FH’s wholistic development initiatives reach tens of thousands of Haitians with HIV/AIDS and child survival programs in several of the poorest slums near Port au Prince, including Petionville, Jalousie and Bois Moquette. These areas were hit severely —the homes and other buildings in these slums are built on steep, unstable hillsides and not built to code.  During this crisis, program staff will utilize existing relationship networks to bring emergency help to these communities.

1. The Life-Giving Voice of the Son of God (Spanish)
   La Voz del Hijo de Dios Da Vida
2. The New Birth Produces Love (Spanish)
   El Nuevo Nacimiento Produce Amor
3. All Things for Good, Part 3 (Spanish)
   Todas Las Cosas Para Bien, Parte 3
4. Slaves to God, Sanctification, Eternal Life (Spanish)
   Siervos de Dios, Santificación, Vida Eterna
5. Jesus Christ and the Law of God (Spanish)
   Jesucristo Y La Ley De Dios
6. No Condemnation in Christ Jesus, Part 2 (Spanish)
   No Hay Condenación en Cristo Jesús, Parte 2
7. Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 1 (Spanish)
   Sujetos a Vanidad en la Esperanza, Parte 1
8. Subjected to Futility in Hope, Part 2 (Spanish)
   Sujetos a Vanidad en la Esperanza, Parte 2
9. It Is God Who Justifies! (Spanish)
   ¡Dios Es el Que Justifica!
10. Dead to the Law, Serving in the Spirit, Part 4 (Spanish)
    Muertos a la Ley, Sirviendo en el Espíritu, Parte 4
11. United with Christ in Death and Life, Part 2 (Spanish)
    Unidos a Cristo en la Muerte y en la Vida, Parte 2
12. Ask Your Father in Heaven (Spanish)
    Pidan A Su Padre Celestial
13. "All Flesh Will Come and Worship" (Spanish)
    “Vendrán Todos A Adorar”

I'm extremely grateful to our volunteer Alice Rogan for getting these translations posted. I just review her work and summarize it in a blog post. Second to the translators themselves, she has done the real labor and made them available online.

Bulgarian (2)

• The Tornado, The Lutherans, and Homosexuality (Bulgarian)
  Торнадото, лутераните и хомосексуалността
• Clarifying the Tornado (Bulgarian)
  Обяснение на торнадот

Portuguese (1)

• The Family: Together in God's Presence (Portuguese)
  A Família: Juntos na Presença de Deus

Spanish (33)

• All Things for Good, Part 2 (Spanish)
  Todas Las Cosas Para Bien, Parte 2
• Do Not Let Sin Reign in Your Mortal Body, Part 1 (Spanish)
  No Reine el Pecado en Tu Cuerpo Mortal, Parte 1
• Do Not Let Sin Reign in Your Mortal Body, Part 2 (Spanish)
  No Reine el Pecado en Tu Cuerpo Mortal, Parte 2
• Faith: In Hope, Against Hope, For the Glory of God (Spanish)
  Fe: En Esperanza Contra Esperanza Para la Gloria de Dios
• The Father Has Given All Things into Jesus’ Hands (Spanish)
  El Padre Ha Entregado Todas las Cosas a Jesús
• The Food of Christ Is to Give Eternal Life (Spanish)
  La Comida de Cristo es Dar Vida Eterna
• For God's Sake, Let Grace Be Grace! (Spanish)
  ¡Por Amor de Dios, Dejen que la Gracia Sea Gracia!
• Free from Sin, Slaves of Righteousness, Part 1 (Spanish)
  Libres del Pecado, Esclavos de la Justicia, Parte 1
• Free from Sin, Slaves of Righteousness, Part 2 (Spanish)
  Libres del Pecado, Esclavos de la Justicia, Parte 2
• The Free Gift of God Is Eternal Life, Part 1 (Spanish)
  El Regalo de Dios es Vida Eterna, Parte 1
• The Free Gift of God Is Eternal Life, Part 2 (Spanish)
  El Regalo de Dios es Vida Eterna, Parte 2
• Gentiles Rejoice in the Root of Jesse (Spanish)
  Los Gentiles se Regocijan en la Raíz de Isaí
• Go, Your Son Will Live (Spanish)
  Vete, Tu Hijo Vive
• God Did Not Spare His Own Son (Spanish)
  ¿Por Qué Dios No Escatimó A Su Propio Hijo?
• Gospel to the Nations, Generosity to the Poor (Spanish)
  El Evangelio a las Naciones, Generosidad Hacia los Pobres
• The Greatest Thing in the World: An Overview of Romans 1-7 (Spanish)
  La Mayor Realidad del Mundo: Una Visión General de Romanos 1-7
• Greatness, Humility, Servanthood (Spanish)
  Grandeza, Humildad, Servicio
• Healed for the Sake of Holiness (Spanish)
  Sanado para Ser Santo
• How Is It Right to Justify the Ungodly? (Spanish)
  ¿Cómo Puede Ser Correcto Para Dios Justificar al Impío?
• How to Kill Sin, Part 1 (Spanish)
  Cómo Matar el Pecado, Parte 1
• How to Kill Sin, Part 2 (Spanish)
  Cómo Matar el Pecado, Parte 2
• How to Kill Sin, Part 3 (Spanish)
  Cómo Matar el Pecado, Parte 3
• The Importance of Knowing Our Sin (Spanish)
  La Importancia De Conocer Nuestro Pecado
• Jesus: Equal with God (Spanish)
  Jesús: Igual a Dios
• Justified to Break the Power of Sin (Spanish)
  Justificados Para Romper el Poder del Pecado
• The Kingdom of Heaven Is a Treasure (Spanish)
  El Reino De Los Cielos Es Semejante A Un Tesoro
• The Reformed Faith and Racial Harmony (Spanish)
  La Fe Reformada y la Armonía Racial
• The Suffering of Christ and the Sovereignty of God (Spanish)
  El Sufrimiento de Cristo y la Soberanía de Dios
• Ten Aspects of God's Sovereignty Over Suffering and Satan's Hand in It (Spanish)
  Diez Aspectos de la Soberanía de Dios Sobre el Sufrimiento y la Mano de Satanás en Ello
• Thank God for Famous Faith (Spanish)
  Gracias Dios por la Fe Famosa
• Treasuring Christ Together Above All Things (Spanish)
  Atesorando Juntos A Cristo Por Encima De Todas Las Cosas
• What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate, Part 1 (Spanish)
  Lo Que Dios Unió, Que No Lo Separe El Hombre, Parte 1
• What God Has Joined Together, Let Not Man Separate, Part 2 (Spanish)
  Lo Que Dios Unió, Que No Lo Separe El Hombre, Parte 2

The following is a guest post by Ryan Black, coordinator of marketing and communication for ChinaSource .

On October 1st, the People’s Republic of China celebrated the 60th anniversary of its founding in 1949.

Brent Whitefield has written an article entitled “Chinese Protestants and the West Since 1949” that is very helpful in understanding what transpired with the church in China during these 60 years. There was little communication with the West during the years of Mao Zedong’s communist reign, so many began to wonder “whether there remained a Chinese church to speak of.”

Despite the oppression, the church “had not only survived but had grown” during this time into a prominent position in Chinese society and the worldwide church in general:

Poised to dispatch legions of missionaries to the world, some to take on the re-evangelization of the West, the Christians are asking: “What can China do for Christianity?”

How did this growth take place?

You can read Brent Whitefield’s article and a host of others at ChinaSource’s new site. Visit to learn about China and connect with others interested in China.

ChinaSource is a partnering organization dedicated to serving those who serve China. They provide analysis on current China-related issues through their publications while also informing, networking, and mobilizing individuals and organizations through their events.

A wonderful brother and partner of this ministry told me this story recently and I knew right away that we should share it with you. It illustrates the kind of God-ordained provisions that we joyfully witness almost every day. We’re withholding his name to protect his ability to get visas for travel to sensitive countries.

The call came from the office of the President of Burundi (Central Africa). Since the cessation of civil war a wonderful new Christian President had been elected and he has a new and vibrant Secret Service and National Police Force. He wanted them trained in leadership, but it needed to be leadership taught from the Bible! What a joyous request from the President.

Upon landing in Burundi we were met at the airport by Pastor Theopolis (name changed) and taken to our hotel to prepare for the week of training. We met with the Colonel of the Secret Service and I must admit that most of the Burundian officials wondered out loud what the Bible could really say about leadership in post-war Africa.

By mid-day of the first day of training the postures of the men and women changed from laid back to sitting on the edge of their seats. We had given each of them a Bible in French and it was beginning to come alive to them. They were seeing how the leadership issues and examples from their new Bibles  connect to a post-war nation.

Stories could go on about the week of training. I left the officers with tears in my eyes. They had a Bible and manuscript of the Bible teachings, but they asked for more. They wanted to study about this glorious and wonderful God. I had nothing more to give them, until…

A few months later I was meeting with Bill Walsh of Desiring God International Outreach and we discussed the needs in central and eastern Africa. After that conversation, Desiring God decided to send me cases of books that would benefit the pastors and the Secret Service men and women.

But how to get these heavy boxes there? The shipping cost was prohibitive. Three wonderful cases of books for Burundi, but who travels to Burundi?

I was at home when the phone rang. It was Pastor Theopolis. We chatted and I asked about the ministry and his continued work with the Secret Service and National Police. He said that many were now Christians and working in churches across the cities and nation, but they were thirsty for materials.

I told him of the cases and then the news came! Theopolis was calling me from a two-day visit to Virginia and was leaving the next day on the evening flight to Amsterdam. It did not take me but a few minutes to get his address and depart for the FedEx office. The three cases would be in pastor’s hands by 10:00 the next morning and in Burundi two days later! Theological training was on its way. God’s providence is magnificent.

The ministry of Desiring God International Outreach is a blessing from God. And couriers are that special link—people who can stuff a duffle bag with resources to help relieve the theological famine in this world. Now there is a marvelous library in central Africa and Christians who can access a deeper understanding of God.

But, in my travels to 40 nations I also know that we need these materials in other languages—Russian, Turkish, simple Chinese, and many more. I was blessed that God flew one pastor to the USA to become his own courier, but I would guess that every church in the USA has at least one “courier” that will be headed overseas in the next few months. The goal is to take that extra duffel bag and Pack Hope!  

Will you be traveling from the U.S. overseas soon? Learn more about how you can join us in getting free resources around the world.

The following post is by Bernie Anderson, missionary to Mongolia and brother of Scott Anderson, Director for Networking & Partnerships here at DG.

Every culture on earth has fatal flaws. If any particular culture is followed to its logical and practical end, there is nothing but a grave. In American culture, one of these flaws is the assumption that materialism is right. Where I work in Mongolia one of those fatal flaws is the expectation of excessive alcohol consumption.

NPR recently did an interesting expose on alcoholism in Mongolia. I found the piece to be accurate in exposing the heartbreaking reality of what we see every day here. Watching a young child burdened with the responsibility of leading their drunk father or mother home is something we see frequently.

The man in the NPR article references the hopelessness of shamanism and folk superstition. There is a general sense of acquiescence among the people here regarding this issue. “It’s our culture.” “It’s the way it has always been. It’s the way it will always be.”

There is opportunity for the young church in Mongolia to step up and meet this problem with the power of the Gospel. People are ready for hope to be introduced. However, alcoholism is found in the church here, too. Again, where there there should be hope, there is hopelessness and apathy.

We who are working in Mongolia see this passivity as opportunity for the Gospel. Jesus will redeem the soul from the pit (Psalm 103:4). The challenge is in focused disciple-making within the Mongolian church.

Our dream to is to see men and women who love Jesus more than alcoholic euphoria. We want to see the church in Mongolia grow strong in the Word and deep in the Gospel so that this culture will ultimately transformed for the Glory of Jesus, and the glory of the Lord will fill the earth as the water fills the seas (Habakkuk 2:14).

We have the privilege of working with such disciples here in the capital city Ulaanbaatar. Our work is primarily with students and young people, and we have a small handful who love Jesus more than anything else. We pray that God will deepen their love and their faith, root them in his Word and increase their number—for his name and renown in Mongolia.

Desiring God recently partnered with Yeni Yaşam Yayinlari (New Life Publishers) in Turkey to translate Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ into Turkish.

It's very exciting to have this book translated, because ministering to Turkish-speaking people involves many nations, not just Turkey. Bulgaria, Germany, Turkmenistan, Azerbaijan, Moldova and other countries all have large populations of Turkish-speaking people.

We chose to translate Seeing and Savoring Jesus Christ because it's accessible to both unbelievers and new believers.

It was written so that people would see Jesus for who he really is and come to enjoy him above all else. Pray with us that God would use this new translation to give more people eyes to see him as solid truth and hearts to savor him with great joy.

Father, I desire that they also, whom you have given me, may be with me where I am, to see my glory that you have given me. (John 17:24).

Although Turkey and surrounding countries have roots in Christianity historically, there's a great need today for theologically sound resources. It is our prayer to partner with and encourage more ministries involved in equipping the Global Church with Christ-centered resources.

You’ve put together a checklist for your upcoming overseas trip. Gone over it numerous times to make sure you haven’t missed anything. (After all, where you’re going, you can’t just make a quick stop at Target for something you forgot.)

Now that all your clothes and toiletries are packed, what more do you need to bring?

How about packing some extra hope?

We’re looking for international travelers to help us donate and deliver critical resources to our partners in faraway places.

The global Christian church has experienced tremendous growth in recent decades. But with the increase in numbers there remains a widespread famine of biblical teaching, leaving many weak. DG International Outreach is partnering with a growing network involved in cross-cultural ministry. We distribute books and media to friends involved in missions and church-planting all over the world. But, international shipping is exorbitant, often costing more than the resources themselves.

That’s where you come in!

Whether you’re a business traveler or a missions worker heading to the field, we want to pack your bags full of Christ-exalting, hope-filled resources.

Here’s how it works:

As you prepare to go overseas, let us know if you are willing to serve as a courier. If we have a partner near your destination in need of resources, we will ship them to you stateside before you leave. Your role is to pack them in your bags and deliver them upon your arrival.

Through this very practical means, you can join us in providing theological famine relief for the global church. Together we can pack hope in your bags and deliver God-centered teaching to believers in need all over the world.

Special Offer for National Conference Attendees

We will have a special opportunity for those who will be attending the Desiring God National Conference this coming weekend.

The International Outreach team will be set up in the Exhibition Hall/Bookstore, prepared to sit down and talk with you about connections you may have with missions and church-planting efforts outside the United States. We will be ready to send cases of DG resources with you on the spot if you will make a commitment to getting them overseas in the next 6 months.

Please look for us where you see the graphic below. We’d love to sit down and talk! Lord willing, you may end up with a little extra luggage as you depart from Minneapolis.

Friday was spent hiking through the various communities built along the side of the Andes with Food for the Hungry partners. We were able to spend time with three remarkable pastors—Pastor Ramos, Pastor Navarro, and Pastor Antonio—and one of the community presidents. It was instructive to see the holism that accompanies the ministry of these pastors and their churches. Both words and deeds have to be present in these poverty-stricken communities.

“Holistic ministry,” of course, is fast on its way to becoming another evangelical cliché. But these pastors are a testimony to the power of a truly gospel-centered ministry. It is a worthwhile study to work through the complementary nature of Jesus’ demonstrations of new creation (miracles and confrontations with powers) and his discourses that follow. The preaching is an explanation of the miracles. And the miracles are testimony to a new reality; the new reality of God setting the world aright through the life, death and resurrection of his Son. This pattern is also repeated through the testimony of the church in the book of Acts.

We are whole persons, with intellectual, psychological, physical, and spiritual needs. Gospel-faithful ministry must tend to all of these. The vision of International Outreach is to strengthen the global church to carry out holistic ministry. And part of holistic ministry is the faithful preaching and teaching of the gospel.

It has been a thrill to listen to the pastors here and hear of their triumphs. It has also been a joy to provide resources and help them along in their service to communities in dire need.

Read the post from Day 1.

This week Mike Thate and I are in Lima, Peru as part of a vision trip with Food for the Hungry. DG International Outreach has partnered with FH over the past couple of years in several ways. We have given them resources for their candidate school and staff in the field. Also, you may have seen a past blog post about an FH famine relief project in Myanmar that Desiring God supported.

On this trip we are continuing to strengthen our partnership with our friends at Food for the Hungry. We are spending time meeting with Peruvian church leaders in some of the poorer communities of Lima in an effort to gain understanding of the nature of holistic ministry and the part that DGIO can play in bringing some relief to the theological famine.

Here’s an update from Mike on our first day:

Today was a full day of cultural orientation, spent mainly between the Peruvian Museo de la Nacion and the Franciscan Monastery and Museum in Lima, Peru. The entire seventh floor of the Museo is dedicated to the terrorist activities from 1980 - 2000. According to the video shown at the head of the tour, the seeds of violence began in the lecture halls of Maoist communist philosophers, notably Abimael Gúzman who lectured at San Cristóbal of Huamanga University. The twenty years of bloodshed stole the lives of some 70,000 people.

While walking through the Museo, one couldn’t help but feel the massive implications of failed utopias. The promise of a “better tomorrow” has repeatedly proven to be a noose around the necks of the recipients of these “promises.” When the future is the all-consuming goal the present becomes malleable to whatever whims are currently in power. The power of the gospel is the now-and-to-come nature of the kingdom and the continuity between this earth and the earth that will be reborn at the Lord’s return (Revelation 21). The groans of this earth are heard and will be redeemed (Romans 8) instead of simply scrapped or “cleansed.”