Episode 302
Every Believer’s an Apologist, Missionary Returns to Field & Gateway Seminary to Fund Mission Trips
In an increasingly secular and post-Christian culture, leaders who make their living in apologetics are imploring believers to practice the discipline in their everyday lives. As a 22-year-old Journeyman, Jeri Whitfield saw long-term missionaries commit their lives to God and the people they served. That was her model for missions — a missionary presence that creates Gospel access and transforms lives. It’s still her desire today, 40 years later. And, Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg announced a major gift received by the school to fund short-term mission trips for students. The GoGrant will cover travel, housing, food and tuition costs for one short-term mission trip for master’s and diploma students at Gateway Seminary.
Transcript
In an increasingly secular and post-Christian culture, leaders who make their living in apologetics are imploring believers to practice the discipline in their everyday lives.
Apologetics and Christian thinking are no longer specific topics for certain Christians, but are necessary disciplines for the spiritual walk of every believer, experts say.
The question believers face from society is no longer “Is Christianity true?” but Timothy Paul Jones says it’s, “Is it good?”
Jones, a professor at Southern Seminary, says Christians can learn much about this concept from studying church history, because a culture hostile to Christianity is nothing new.
“The early 21st century is far from the first time that Christians have faced the charge that their faith is immoral or harmful,” Jones told BP.
Jones said the most important concept of apologetics every believer must know well is the resurrection of Christ.
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As a 22-year-old Journeyman, Jeri Whitfield saw long-term missionaries commit their lives to God and the people they served. That was her model for missions — a missionary presence that creates Gospel access and transforms lives. It’s still her desire today, 40 years later.
It’s also why she’s returned to serve in Thailand through the International Mission Board three times.
Once again, now in her 60s, she’s returned to the field. This time she brings with her a passion to connect students to what God is doing around the world, especially in Thailand – where she’s beginning her 17th year of service with the IMB.
Why does she keep returning to reach the nations through the IMB? The answer for Whitfield is simple. She’s committed her life to being a steadfast missionary presence, even though the commitment hasn’t been easy. God isn’t finished using her to reach the nations.
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Good News for Today is sponsored by The Voice of the Martyrs
Good News for Today is made possible through our friends at The Voice of the Martyrs, a nonprofit organization that serves persecuted Christians around the world. Founded in 1967 by Richard and Sabina Wurmbrand, VOM is dedicated to inspiring believers to deepen their commitment to Christ and to fulfill His Great Commission — no matter the cost. Find out more and sign up for their free monthly magazine at vom.org/goodnews.
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Gateway Seminary President Jeff Iorg announced a major gift received by the school to fund short-term mission trips for students. The GoGrant will cover travel, housing, food and tuition costs for one short-term mission trip for master’s and diploma students at Gateway Seminary.
Iorg made the announcement during Gateway’s annual mission conference which, this year, was offered in partnership with the International Mission Board.
As an endowment, the fund will continue to financially support short-term mission trips for generations of Gateway students.
Read the full piece and sign up for our daily emails at Baptist Press.com.
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