Revolution in World Missions

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: K.P. Yohannan does a great job in this book in telling people about the problems of a lot of world missions.

One particular point I found eye-opening is in the chapter "A bowl of rice is no substitute for the Holy Spirit." In this chapter K.P. talks about how some Christian ministries often ask for money so that they can feed the poor and that would be a good representation of Christ. But as K.P. points out, feeding people for a period of time is useless unless they hear the Gospel and receive Christ through the Holy Spirit. He points out that often people make the mistake in assuming their money is going to help people come to Christ, but often it only makes them "convert" for a little while, until a group of Muslims come in with some rice -- then they become Muslims!

I also appreciated the chapter about native missionaries, called "Our policy is the natives." K.P. makes a strong case as to why natives are far better missionaries than foriegners. He explains that there is strong anti-western sentiment around the world, and are less-likely to hear westerners. He also potently makes the case that western missionaries just perpetuate the myth that Christianity is a WESTERN religion. I think this chapter of the book was really an eye-opener. Note, however, that he doesn't say that westerners should NEVER do world missionary work, but just that we should be conscious of the fact that the natives can relate and connect far better to their own people than can foreigners.

There are many more good aspects to this book which I think you should read for yourself. Many parts of the book may be contrary to your presuppositions about world-missions, but don't let that turn you off. If you have an open mind you will probably see the wisdom of his words.

I encourage you to pick up this book -- I can assure you that you will learn something.

Rating:
Summary: Must read for any Christian, especially Pastors!
Review: This book challenged me greatly in this present time of the "Prosperity Message"! I needed to read this very much. If you Pastor, work in missions, or desire to do either, I say this book is a must. I wish all believers would read it, but those especially.
The fact that the book is available free shows the heart of K.P. Yohannan. Dont mistake it for not being worth anything.
The only 2 issues I wrestled with in the book was
1) I believe there needs to be more accountability with the money on the mission field. K.P. rejected monies that had strings attached to it, saying once the money was turned over to the local missionaries, it was between them and God if it was mishandled. There are too many Jacobs out there to just leave it at that (IMHO). We should be accountable to those who support us.
2) I belive like K.P. the best way to win the Chinese is with Chinese, and the Indians with Indians. I believe too many western missionaries have moved over seas and lived like kings and made no difference in the lives of the natives...I agree with all that. But, I kind of came away from this book feeling as an American missionary I had no reason to go to that foreign field, just send my money and prayers. Maybe I took it a little harsh, but anyone willing to go to that mission field with a pure heart is a great need and can have a great impact.

Rating:
Summary: Great Book
Review: This book was great because it gave an outsiders perspective of American life. Don't let this book deter you from overseas missions, I still encourage you that Western Europe is in need as well. He lives what he talks about and thats what I admire.

Rating:
Summary: What matters most.
Review: [Revolution in World Missions, 2001] Yohannan truly forces us to look at our priorities as Christians. Should we contribute [money] to who-knows-what-in-corporate-America, or could we let God use it in amazing ways for the enormous "10/40 window" of lost and hurting people in this world. I agree with the other reviews about the impact of this book; while I remember some of the miracles Yohannan witnessed, I don't ever recall him claiming any "divine revelations", but simply recalling some of his powerful prayers with the Holy Spirit. God bless GFA (...) and native missionaries!