Biblical Characters Modern-day Missionaries Should Look Up to

The Bible is filled with characters who spread the Word of God in the face of overwhelming odds. They are considered the inspirations of missionaries. Although some of the stories should not be taken literally, the approach they take, both spiritually and mentally towards the task of evangelization, is legendary and worthy of study.

Take for instance Daniel, who was a child in Jerusalem during the invasion of the ancient Babylonians. Despite the attempt at brainwashing, through exposure and education of foreign cultures and beliefs, the young Daniel stayed strong with his faith. His wisdom impressed even his captors. He defied Babylonian orders that prohibited the worship of deities other than their own. As a consequence, he was thrown into a lion pit, but was miraculously saved by God.

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More recently in the Bible, in the Gospels of Matthew and John, there came a preacher known as John the Baptist. He was a fellow without fear. He taught the Word of God whenever and wherever he saw fit. John the Baptist focused on teaching about Jesus Christ. There were times though, as Luke wrote in his Gospel, that John the Baptist grappled with doubts. But just like Daniel, his faith was strong enough to tide him over.

Finally, we come to the greatest missionary to ever walk the earth, Jesus Christ. He started Christianity and shared not just God’s teachings, but also Himself to everyone he met. And not only is Christ the one true being every missionary aspires to be, he is the one many people strive to emulate. The greatest person to ever exist has given the world the greatest legacy of all-time.

John Binkley is the founder of Generational Equity. He has been traveling for decades, helping many people and sharing with them the Word of God. Find out more about his work by checking out this LinkedIn profile.

Why Missions Are Good For The Soul

People know that the focal point of missions is anchored on sharing the Word of God with others. But what about the people who spread the Good News? Aside from nourishing their spirits with God’s grace, there are other beneficial aspects for missionaries. Here are some of them.

Missions help young people get together and influence each other in the best way possible. Being on a mission together can help young people understand each other more. After all, they have the same doubts, and they face the same challenges. Through discussion and prayer, they may help each other with what they’re going through in their lives outside the mission. But of course, they need to remember that the mission comes first and that it isn’t an opportunity for socialization.

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Missions open the eyes of missionaries, especially first-timers. Many people who go on first-time missions are shocked when they see and experienced poverty that they’ve only read about. For them, the effect of being immersed in a mission is more profound. And it leads them to take the whole experience a lot more seriously, and it reminds them to value the things they already have.

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Missions help people discover themselves through God’s work. When people are challenged, they somehow find the will to overcome these challenges, and in turn, they discover a strength they never knew they had in them. This is particularly the case when they are confronted with the responsibility of spreading the Word of God in a foreign land, to people who might not be receptive to such teachings. People who find God in them, find strength and find their true selves.

Dr. John Binkley is the founder of Generational Equity. But his true passion is spreading the Word of God. To learn more about Dr. Binkley and global missions, subscribe to this Twitter account.

A life of Adventure: Lessons Learned From Traveling the World

Learning is not confined to the four walls of a classroom. The world has so many lessons to teach if only an individual pays attention.

More than just a leisure activity, traveling can teach a lot about life. Getting out of one’s comfort zones and immersing oneself in an unfamiliar place force one to adapt and to be patient. Moreover, being in a new place opens an individual up to new ideas and allows him to understand and appreciate other cultures.

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Traveling also allows people to connect and make friends with other people. Most people, during their childhood, were constantly told never to talk to strangers. Traveling, however, teaches people that sometimes, talking to and interacting with a strangle can help them appreciate life more. Traveling enables people to meet many unforgettable people – from fellow backpackers who share the same passion for adventure to locals who happily extend a helping hand to those who are lost. Connecting with strangers restores people’s faith in the kindness and generosity of others.

Finally, traveling gives an individual a greater perspective on life. Seeing the world, meeting new people, and being immersed in unfamiliar territories allow people to gain a fresh perspective on life. Traveling also empowers people to find beauty in small things and to learn to say "yes" to new adventures and experiences.

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The beauty of it all is that the more one travels, the more he realizes that there is so much more to see and learn from the world. Traveling is learning that lasts a lifetime.

Dr. John Binkley is a dedicated philanthropist and the founder of Generational Equity, an established M&A firm catering to lower and middle market companies. Visit this Linkedin page for more information on Dr. Binkley.

The Most Remarkable Christian Missions In History

Throughout history, Christian missionaries have spread the Word of God. Their work is unceasing. Let’s take an inspiring look at some of the greatest Christian missionaries and missions the world has ever known:

Francis Xavier

Francis Xavier was a founding member of the Society of Jesus, also known as the Jesuits. He had a close frienship with Ignatius of Loyola. His mission in Asia was the stuff of legend. Xavier did much-documented evangelical work in India. He was the first Christian missionary to set up missions in Japan, Borneo, and other places in Asia. His plan to set up a mission in China did not come to fruition in his lifetime, as he passed away in Shangchuan Island before he could realize this dream.

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David Livingstone

 

Around three centuries after Francis Xavier came David Livingstone. He was part of the London Missionary Society. Livingstone was a medical missionary, and his missions revolved around helping people in Africa and mapping out the entire continent for future missions. The missions of David Livingstone are responsible for the Word of God reaching his African brethren in so many ways.

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Amy Carmichael

The mission of Amy Carmichael was carried out a lot more recently. She spent almost all her life in India, away from her native Ireland. Her mission was centered on helping orphans in the south of India, which she did for over fifty years. She passed away in 1951 after being bed-ridden for twenty years due to an accidental fall. But during those final twenty years, she still continued her mission of sharing her faith with her fellow man.

John Binkley is the head of Generational Equity. He is also a philanthropist and a minister who travels the world helping in missions everywhere. Learn more about inspirational travel and Christian missions by checking out this blog.