Pioneer Missions - Forrest McPhail

This book seeks to encourage readers to think biblically and practically about pioneer missions through the lens of a cross-cultural missionary who has served in Southeast Asia. Readers are led to meditate on the blessings and challenges of missions, then respond to them by applying biblical principles. The author seeks to do this by going to the Scriptures, as well as the use of his experiences of fifteen years in pioneer missionary work in Cambodia to illustrate his message. Forrest seeks to help pastors and other other church leaders back home better understand the blessings and challenges of pioneer missions, in hopes of encouraging greater biblical discernment in their support of missions. The author also intends to encourage and prepare those considering the pursuit of cross-cultural pioneer missions by showing them those areas of theology that are immediately relevant to the task. It is his hope that this book will assist fellow missionaries by helping them understand their role in the midst of these changing times. Endorsements: "Forrest McPhail is a first-rate pioneer missionary who has written a compelling work that comprises what he has learned, lived, and taught others. The book unpacks complex cross-cultural issues with clarity and time-earned wisdom, and demonstrates how to interact intentionally with culture in order to be both relevant and faithful to the gospel. Although set in the context of Southeast Asia, this boots-on-the-ground work is a must read for pastors and missionaries everywhere." Kevin Oberlin Kevin is Associate Professor Theology and Cross-Cultural Studies, Bob Jones University and Seminary "Pastors, read Forrest McPhail's book, and then read it again! Future missionaries, memorize it! For this old missionary, Forrest's book was written about 20 years too late. But even old dogs can, by God's grace, learn new tricks, and I've profited greatly from the humble wisdom, practical insight, and gentle rebukes of a man that I consider one of the finest missionaries I know." J.D. Crowley J.D. grew up in Japan and Hawaii. He pastored in Hawaii for 12 years before leaving for Cambodia in 1994. He has served there under EMU International doing linguistic work and training pastors among the indigenous minorities of NE Cambodia. He is the author of The Tampuan/Khmer/English Dictionary and Khmer commentaries on Matthew and Romans. J.D. has also co-authored the book Gospel Meditations for Missions "Missionaries, pastors, and all believers will benefit immensely from your work. Why? It will give Pastors a great understanding of the minefields of ministry in third world nations. It will give greater focus to churches that take short term mission trips. It will be useful in helping missionaries lay a foundation for their ministries that will be able to stand the test of trial. The writing is bold and filled with principles rooted in Scripture. This book reflects a wrestling with the issues both written in the Word and those experienced in the villages and marketplace. This will help many now and in the future if they would take your counsel to heart!" Matthew Recker Matt has served Christ in church planting ministry in New York City since 1984. The Lord has used his family to establish churches in Brooklyn, Queens, and Manhattan. Matt has published three books, including Behold the City! and Living on the Edge of Eternity.