You just might be surprised at which of your friends, coworkers, or family members is looking for help, direction, and opportunities to grow in their service in mission.
Have you noticed that many Baptist churches have inserted “Missionary” in their name? So the revised name becomes, for example, Friendly Missionary Baptist Church. Why do you think that is?
Do you recognize these names:
Did you do pretty well with the first three names? Struggle a bit with the last three? Here is a little help …
William Sheppard – one of the first African-American missionaries, served in the Congo
John Marrant – ministered cross culturally to Native Americans in the 1770’s
George Liele – considered to be the first American overseas missionary, served in Jamaica
It’s not uncommon to hear about the great contributions of African Americans for secular contributions such as inventions, education, and civil rights. As believers, let’s also remember the service of those committed to fulfilling the Great Commission of our Lord even amongst great challenges.
Bonus Question: Who is credited as the first African-American missionary to Africa? (Answer at end.)
William Sheppard: Congo’s African American Lingstone
By William Phipps
In this comprehensive biography of William Sheppard, William Phipps chronicles Sheppard’s childhood and his incredible journey to the Congo. Phipps details Sheppard’s efforts to challenge human rights violations, presents accounts of Sheppard’s life after he left Africa, and explores some of the reasons behind his departure. In addition, the book describes the African American missionary’s indelible impact on the areas of religion, human rights, education, and art. This important work tells the remarkable story of how an African American born in the South during the era of slavery emerged as on the most distinguished Presbyterian leaders in American history.
http://www.amazon.com/William-Sheppard-Congos-African-American-Livingstone/dp/0664502032
African-American Experience in World Mission
By Vaughn J. Walston & Robert J. Stevens
Venture into the world of overseas missions from an African-American perspective. This collection of articles takes you deep into the history of missions in the African-American community. You will learn of the struggles to stay connected to the world of missions in spite of great obstacles. You will read of unique cultural experiences while traveling abroad. You will feel the heart for fulfilling the Great Commission both in the African-American community and beyond.
Buy Now from the William Carey Library
ISBN 10: 0878086099
Bonus Question Answer: Lott Cary
I have heard this question more than once: Why go around the world with the gospel when there are people right here that need to be saved? If we followed the reasoning of “why go”, we would never send relief or aide to others until every American was well fed and well clothed.We wouldn’t bother to help those far away even if they encounter famines, natural disasters, or other hardships. But of course we do send help because we understand there are great physical needs.
Sadly, there are places in the world where people live in great spiritual darkness and do not have access to the gospel. They don’t have Bibles or churches. Billions of people in our world live in areas where they won’t hear the gospel unless we send someone. Jesus said the road to destruction is wide with many choosing that way. It is a myth that we can put off sending the gospel to others until all our people at home are saved. There are numerous practical reasons we should go into all the world and preach the Good News to everyone (Mark 16:15). But the most import reason we should go is because Jesus asked us to go.
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