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Revolution In World Missions
Do you long to let go of selfcenteredness and be more eternally minded? Do you desire to make a difference in the lost world but arenâ?t sure how to go about it? Based on the testimony of thousand
247 pages, Paperback
First published December 1, 1969
161 people are currently reading
2648 people want to read
About the author
K.P. Yohannan
41 books124 followersDr. KP Yohannan has been crisscrossing the globe for the past 40 years, challenging the Body of Christ to discipleship. His call to a radical lifestyle—with an all-out commitment to Jesus—has left its impact on nearly every continent. To the Church caught up by the tidal waves of compromise and self-preservation, Yohannan’s life message is a fresh word to this generation and yet as timeless as the scriptural mandate itself.
Yohannan is the founder and director of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia
aka GFA), a Christian mission organization deeply committed to seeing communities transformed through the love of Christ demonstrated in word and deed. He is also the metropolitan bishop of Believers Church , an indigenous church in South Asia.
Born in South India in 1950, Yohannan is the youngest of six sons. His mother dedicated each of her children to the Lord and longed to see one of them commit their lives to ministry. She secretly fasted each Friday for three-and-a-half years, praying, “Oh God, let just one of my boys preach!” Even as she prayed, her children were growing up, seeming destined for secular work. Finally, only the youngest, little “Yohannachan,” was left. Seeing how shy and insecure he was, his mother thought there was little chance that he would preach.
However, after Yohannan finished his schooling, he heard stories about North India from a visiting mission team, and his heart was gripped. His mother’s faithful prayers were answered as he immediately decided to join the mission movement and go to faraway North India to help bring the Good News to the multitude of villages that had never heard of Christ. While preparing to go with this radical mission team from Europe, the timid 16-year-old was challenged by a call to radical discipleship from missionary statesman George Verwer. That night, Yohannan couldn’t sleep. What if God asked him to preach publicly in the streets? What if he was stoned and beaten?
Suddenly, God’s presence filled the room, and he knew he was not alone. “Lord God,” he prayed in surrender, “I’ll give myself to speak for You—but help me to know that You’re with me.”
The next morning, he awoke with a supernatural love and burden for the people around him. The Lord gave him courage to speak to the crowds he saw that day, and he continued to preach for the next seven years in North India. As a field evangelist and regional coordinator, he was responsible for the members of his teams and the planning of each day. His future wife, Gisela, was also serving with the mission movement at the same time, and Yohannan felt through their brief encounters that he had found someone who shared his same vision and calling.
In 1971, Yohannan was invited to spend a month in Singapore at a new institute that had been started by John Haggai. Here, he was challenged by Haggai to do something significant with his life for God’s glory. His time at the institute produced a restlessness that eventually led him to leave India to search abroad for God’s ultimate will in his life. In 1974, he came to the United States, where he received his theological training at Criswell College. He and Gisela were married after his first term.
As a theology student, Yohannan was ordained and began pastoring a local church in Dallas, where he served for four years. While God blessed his pastoral ministry, Yohannan couldn’t forget the burden God had given him for those who had never once heard the name of Jesus.
Dr. Yohannan is a prolific writer with more than 200 books published in Asia and 11 in the United States. With more than 3.9 million copies in print, Yohannan’s landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, is an international bestseller that has literally changed the course of mission history in our generation. For his faithful service to the Body of Christ, Yohannan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Hindustan Bible College in Chennai, India.
Yohannan is the founder and director of GFA World (formerly Gospel for Asia
aka GFA), a Christian mission organization deeply committed to seeing communities transformed through the love of Christ demonstrated in word and deed. He is also the metropolitan bishop of Believers Church , an indigenous church in South Asia.
Born in South India in 1950, Yohannan is the youngest of six sons. His mother dedicated each of her children to the Lord and longed to see one of them commit their lives to ministry. She secretly fasted each Friday for three-and-a-half years, praying, “Oh God, let just one of my boys preach!” Even as she prayed, her children were growing up, seeming destined for secular work. Finally, only the youngest, little “Yohannachan,” was left. Seeing how shy and insecure he was, his mother thought there was little chance that he would preach.
However, after Yohannan finished his schooling, he heard stories about North India from a visiting mission team, and his heart was gripped. His mother’s faithful prayers were answered as he immediately decided to join the mission movement and go to faraway North India to help bring the Good News to the multitude of villages that had never heard of Christ. While preparing to go with this radical mission team from Europe, the timid 16-year-old was challenged by a call to radical discipleship from missionary statesman George Verwer. That night, Yohannan couldn’t sleep. What if God asked him to preach publicly in the streets? What if he was stoned and beaten?
Suddenly, God’s presence filled the room, and he knew he was not alone. “Lord God,” he prayed in surrender, “I’ll give myself to speak for You—but help me to know that You’re with me.”
The next morning, he awoke with a supernatural love and burden for the people around him. The Lord gave him courage to speak to the crowds he saw that day, and he continued to preach for the next seven years in North India. As a field evangelist and regional coordinator, he was responsible for the members of his teams and the planning of each day. His future wife, Gisela, was also serving with the mission movement at the same time, and Yohannan felt through their brief encounters that he had found someone who shared his same vision and calling.
In 1971, Yohannan was invited to spend a month in Singapore at a new institute that had been started by John Haggai. Here, he was challenged by Haggai to do something significant with his life for God’s glory. His time at the institute produced a restlessness that eventually led him to leave India to search abroad for God’s ultimate will in his life. In 1974, he came to the United States, where he received his theological training at Criswell College. He and Gisela were married after his first term.
As a theology student, Yohannan was ordained and began pastoring a local church in Dallas, where he served for four years. While God blessed his pastoral ministry, Yohannan couldn’t forget the burden God had given him for those who had never once heard the name of Jesus.
Dr. Yohannan is a prolific writer with more than 200 books published in Asia and 11 in the United States. With more than 3.9 million copies in print, Yohannan’s landmark book, Revolution in World Missions, is an international bestseller that has literally changed the course of mission history in our generation. For his faithful service to the Body of Christ, Yohannan was awarded an honorary Doctor of Divinity degree from Hindustan Bible College in Chennai, India.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 363 reviews
September 29, 2007
This book shakes all of your cultural foundations. Honestly written, KP's story of experiencing America for the first time opens our eyes... it challenged me to pursue real change.
April 23, 2011
If you're not a Christian this is a very dry read . Full of statistics and methodologies , Revolution in World Missions is a plea to Western Christians . If you are unfamiliar with Eastern missionary efforts this book may come across as harsh . The books plea is that affluent Christians in the west need to quit wasting time money and efforts into sending their own missionaries to the Asian nations and start supporting national missionaries . The author believes the issue Western Christians have in doing this boils down to pride and prejudice . The point of prejudice aside , many nations today do not allow Western missionaries to enter , Christians in the West need to find a new way to spread the gospel . Something they've been ineffective doing in the past . This may very well be the way to do it . I loved the passion this man has for the lost , even if it came across as repetative , it only drove the point home that he is focused and determined . Excellent in it's suggestions , but a very dry read . I would consider reading it if you are a Christian interested in missionary work and to learn more about current missions over seas .
February 16, 2015
The stories in this book are astounding and heartbreaking. Reading this, you know God is working in crazy ways, and that satan is real and trying to wreck people. The power of God is so evident throughout the stories.
K.P Yohannan writes about his first impressions of America during his first trip there and its truly eye opening seeing it from his view. I think he is a bit angry at the blessing of America and acts as if Western Christianity is useless. When in fact, despite any upbringing, poor or rich, God raises up who he wants, in whatever ways. India has the caste system, extreme poverty, and a more prevalent demonic presence that can been seen or felt. America has luke warm Christians or people who are religious going to church for the sake of tradition, which is a demonic tool as well, but used differently. Two very different places, yet two very open ministry areas to minister in for those who are passionate about the cause of Christ.
His attack in Chapter 5 probably does more bad than good in trying to win Americans over. I felt hurt that his image of Christian American's was our large churches, our 'largeness' in body type, our constant watching of TV and news, and even our christian schools and stores was somehow hateful to Asia??
Much more judgmental than was needed. However, a couple chapters later Yohannan says that giving money is different for everyone, and God leads each of us differently. I am glad he said that, even though the harshness of Chapter 5, almost cancels that out.
K.P Yohannan writes about his first impressions of America during his first trip there and its truly eye opening seeing it from his view. I think he is a bit angry at the blessing of America and acts as if Western Christianity is useless. When in fact, despite any upbringing, poor or rich, God raises up who he wants, in whatever ways. India has the caste system, extreme poverty, and a more prevalent demonic presence that can been seen or felt. America has luke warm Christians or people who are religious going to church for the sake of tradition, which is a demonic tool as well, but used differently. Two very different places, yet two very open ministry areas to minister in for those who are passionate about the cause of Christ.
His attack in Chapter 5 probably does more bad than good in trying to win Americans over. I felt hurt that his image of Christian American's was our large churches, our 'largeness' in body type, our constant watching of TV and news, and even our christian schools and stores was somehow hateful to Asia??
Much more judgmental than was needed. However, a couple chapters later Yohannan says that giving money is different for everyone, and God leads each of us differently. I am glad he said that, even though the harshness of Chapter 5, almost cancels that out.
April 13, 2010
This book really changed my heart. The book began with the wonderful story of the man who started Gospel for Asia. But as it progressed he went in to details about the culture shock he experienced when first coming to America. He opened my eyes to how lucky I am and how often I neglect to think, feel, or live that way.
In the second part of the book he also talked about the importance of native missionaries and their important role in bringing the Gospel of Christ to the lost souls in the two-thirds world. I didn't so much mind hearing about the stoires of their victories for Christ or the success of their ministry as much as I was disheartened at the attitude displayed by K.P. regarding where Americans role is now in missions in the 21st century. He basically said thank you Americans for all the work you started but we can take it from here. The only thing that did really shake me deep down was when he spoke such truthful words into my heart about the issue of trust not only maybe American's feel but me personally feels regarding trusting the "good news" in the hands of native missionaries. This bothered me because I thought I was not one to be racist or impartial on this issue yet at the same time realized how I do feel if I am not personally taking part, how do I know the effort is efficiently taking place in Asia? All in all I really enjoyed it and all it's informativeness of the new turn missions in the 10/40 window is taking place.
In the second part of the book he also talked about the importance of native missionaries and their important role in bringing the Gospel of Christ to the lost souls in the two-thirds world. I didn't so much mind hearing about the stoires of their victories for Christ or the success of their ministry as much as I was disheartened at the attitude displayed by K.P. regarding where Americans role is now in missions in the 21st century. He basically said thank you Americans for all the work you started but we can take it from here. The only thing that did really shake me deep down was when he spoke such truthful words into my heart about the issue of trust not only maybe American's feel but me personally feels regarding trusting the "good news" in the hands of native missionaries. This bothered me because I thought I was not one to be racist or impartial on this issue yet at the same time realized how I do feel if I am not personally taking part, how do I know the effort is efficiently taking place in Asia? All in all I really enjoyed it and all it's informativeness of the new turn missions in the 10/40 window is taking place.
July 23, 2015
Mr. Yohannon makes an excellent case for supporting native missionaries rather than sending missionaries from the West into unreached territories overseas. Not only do the native missionaries cost less, but they already know the language, customs, and culture and are far more attractive to their fellow citizens than foreigners are.
This book is also part autobiography that inspires, convicts, and entertains. The only downside is Mr. Yohannon's sales pitches for his own mission agency. I am sure this is a highly qualified mission agency, but after a while it comes across as self-promoting and almost tacky. Still, this is a very good read and is worth the short amount of time it takes to finish.
This book is also part autobiography that inspires, convicts, and entertains. The only downside is Mr. Yohannon's sales pitches for his own mission agency. I am sure this is a highly qualified mission agency, but after a while it comes across as self-promoting and almost tacky. Still, this is a very good read and is worth the short amount of time it takes to finish.
August 5, 2021
It’s impossible for me to separate what I’ve learned about GFA in the past few days from my thoughts about this book. Nor do I think I should. This book isn’t just a biography; it is a critique of the past, a present call to action, and a fundraising push.
I do believe that much has been done through this organization. This book highlights the beauties and struggles of spreading the Gospel. That focus is wonderful. I do appreciate that the Gospel is even briefly presented in this book. But…
This starts out as a biography but quickly devolves into an attack on western Christianity in general and western missions organizations in particular. He does rightly call out our tendency to be lukewarm, thoughtless, even lazy and greedy, but the solution presented in this book is to reorient all missions through him. Perhaps that’s just a side effect of the fundraising part of the book. But it does leave you with the distinct feeling that the author feels that only he and his organizations are capable of witnessing effectively in India. Truly, a vital local church is the most effective way to reach a community., but he glosses over the fact that while these are local churches, they are not independent. They are still funded, apparently almost completely, by Christians around the world, and accountable to K.P. Yohannan. Throughout this book, it is presented that he is working with established churches to spread the gospel, but now I know he has built his own denomination. There is no allowance made for following the Lord’s leading in individual situations, or for even a difference in calls of ministry.
This is another problem. Beyond the Gospel message of salvation from sin, there is no doctrine or practice explained in this book. The Bible doesn’t just speak about salvation. It speaks authoritatively on Christian life and practice for church and public life. Before supporting any organization, I would want to know more about their stands on these issues. Yohannan seems to go out of his way to avoid speaking of these things and avoid anyone who does take a firm stand on any other issue than the Gospel. Again, there is no acknowledgment that God leads people into different ministries.
With the perfection of hindsight, you can see that even in the earliest days this organization was set up to prioritize itself over its members' families. There is a terrible story of one man being praised because he let his children almost starve so that he can continue in ‘ministry’. That would be in direct violation of 1 Timothy 5:8. “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
With all of that put together, I really feel that this book was an attempt to emotionally manipulate me, the reader, into taking specific financial action. Not to go out and witness more, but just to give more money. I would not recommend it.
I do believe that much has been done through this organization. This book highlights the beauties and struggles of spreading the Gospel. That focus is wonderful. I do appreciate that the Gospel is even briefly presented in this book. But…
This starts out as a biography but quickly devolves into an attack on western Christianity in general and western missions organizations in particular. He does rightly call out our tendency to be lukewarm, thoughtless, even lazy and greedy, but the solution presented in this book is to reorient all missions through him. Perhaps that’s just a side effect of the fundraising part of the book. But it does leave you with the distinct feeling that the author feels that only he and his organizations are capable of witnessing effectively in India. Truly, a vital local church is the most effective way to reach a community., but he glosses over the fact that while these are local churches, they are not independent. They are still funded, apparently almost completely, by Christians around the world, and accountable to K.P. Yohannan. Throughout this book, it is presented that he is working with established churches to spread the gospel, but now I know he has built his own denomination. There is no allowance made for following the Lord’s leading in individual situations, or for even a difference in calls of ministry.
This is another problem. Beyond the Gospel message of salvation from sin, there is no doctrine or practice explained in this book. The Bible doesn’t just speak about salvation. It speaks authoritatively on Christian life and practice for church and public life. Before supporting any organization, I would want to know more about their stands on these issues. Yohannan seems to go out of his way to avoid speaking of these things and avoid anyone who does take a firm stand on any other issue than the Gospel. Again, there is no acknowledgment that God leads people into different ministries.
With the perfection of hindsight, you can see that even in the earliest days this organization was set up to prioritize itself over its members' families. There is a terrible story of one man being praised because he let his children almost starve so that he can continue in ‘ministry’. That would be in direct violation of 1 Timothy 5:8. “But if any provide not for his own, and especially for those of his own house, he hath denied the faith, and is worse than an infidel.”
With all of that put together, I really feel that this book was an attempt to emotionally manipulate me, the reader, into taking specific financial action. Not to go out and witness more, but just to give more money. I would not recommend it.
Read
February 25, 2023I might come back to this one day...but I was using it as devotional alongside my Bible reading and it just wasn't what I needed spiritually.
January 16, 2011
I picked up this book on the way out of a Christian Bookstore. God must have been in it, because I never do that. I highly recommend this book and in fact will be sharing it with others in my Church. No one can deny that Dr. Yohannan has a heart for his people and the mission he has been called to. I cannot say that I agree with everything he says in the book. Like most very dedicated mission founders, he has a difficult time understanding how anyone who loves God could refuse to sacrafice everything for the vision God has given him. I notice that some of the previous reviewers who rated the book poorly were offended by his call to Western Christians to live a life of sacrafice in order to support missionsaries in Asia. That's where he misses it a little, but just a little. Just as he promotes the "National" missionaries in Asia because their affectiveness is due to their living the culture of and Asians they minister to, it is important that Western nationals live the culture of the west to reach the lost in the west. However, Dr. Yohannan touched my heart, because he rightly pointed out that too many of us Western Christians live a life of materialism far beyond that which is necessary to live at peace with our western neighbors. The other really, really important point that Dr. Yohannan points out is the utter failure of purely social missions. Lifting people out of their poverty at the expense of their soul is a shallow victory with eternal consequences. I think he said something like, "few hearts are changed by a full belly." I, for one, am better for having read this book; my view and attitude toward missions is changed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 28, 2014
I have heard about the "mission effort" in the church since I was a child. I have heard many missionaries speak and read many missionary biographies. KP's story and ministry philosophy is unique. He is the first ministry leader to advocate for strong indigenous/native missions to include oversight and control.
For centuries the Western world has been sending missionaries overseas and great things have been accomplished as great sacrifices were made by those who went and sent them. Yet it does seem as if times are changing and in regions like India and Asia where there is a growing and vibrant church, why wouldn't we work hard to help empower them to do the job that is right in their back yard. This is a new perspective on missions that I was blessed to read and consider.
On a personal level, I enjoyed reading about KP's life and upbringing, straddling two worlds and through that receiving a very unique call in God's kingdom, which is his current ministry effort. Who would have thought that we "the American church" needed people sent from God to show us grace and to help us learn how to truly follow Jesus in the midst of all the noise and stuff in our lives.
Great book!!! I recommend it for anyone wrestling with how to follow Jesus in our confusing and challenging world.
For centuries the Western world has been sending missionaries overseas and great things have been accomplished as great sacrifices were made by those who went and sent them. Yet it does seem as if times are changing and in regions like India and Asia where there is a growing and vibrant church, why wouldn't we work hard to help empower them to do the job that is right in their back yard. This is a new perspective on missions that I was blessed to read and consider.
On a personal level, I enjoyed reading about KP's life and upbringing, straddling two worlds and through that receiving a very unique call in God's kingdom, which is his current ministry effort. Who would have thought that we "the American church" needed people sent from God to show us grace and to help us learn how to truly follow Jesus in the midst of all the noise and stuff in our lives.
Great book!!! I recommend it for anyone wrestling with how to follow Jesus in our confusing and challenging world.
September 17, 2015
This was a book club pick, and I have always read the book club picks, no matter how I felt about them, so the fact that I am tossing this one aside is significant. I tried, I really tried, but this guy's version of Christianity is not for me. He lost me when he basically said that it is ok to let the Third World starve, as long as we save their souls first. Enough said. I have wasted all the time I am going to on this guy.
July 15, 2024
I can honestly say that I'm not sure if I love or hate this book.
K. P. Yohannan is founder of Gospel for Asia. In Revolution in World Missions, he shares both the story of his life and his vision for evangelizing the remaining unreached people groups of Asia, particularly in India. The book is well-written, making clear arguments with which the reader may or may not agree. One thing the reader cannot deny, though, is the unbridled passion that Yohannan has for missions, the Gospel, and the unreached peoples of the world.
Of all the strengths in this book, four stood above them all.
First, Yohannan makes a compelling biblical case for Americans to abandon their materialistic worldview and embrace an attitude of sacrifice for world missions. Yohannan pulls no punches when it comes to this subject. In fact, the call for Americans and other westerners to consider the plight of the underfunded mission field is woven in nearly every chapter. This theme is not uncommon today. Writers like Francis Chan and David Platt have sounded the same alarm; yet Yohannan does so in a way that, for whatever reason, was more impactful on my soul than Radical or Crazy Love. Yohannan writes with such raw emotion and his life is so notably a living example of sacrifice that it impacted me in a very real way. In fact, I had to set the book down for a while to sort of "catch my breath." The intensity of my emotions were overwhelming and I needed to step away and process some of what the Lord was doing in my heart.
Second, Revolution in World Missions puts the death nail in the coffin of the social gospel - which is no gospel at all! Yohannan demonstrates how the priority of missions should be the proclamation of the gospel, not social care of the impoverished. He shows how the social gospel has been ineffective in the task of evangelizing Asia. He correctly notes that social ministry can be a great tool to proclaim the gospel, but also notes how in most social gospel outreaches, the primary aim is social ministry and the proclamation of the gospel often gets lost in the shuffle.
Third, Revolution in World Missions records Yohannan's understanding of the primacy of the church in discipling new believers and preserving fruit. Early on in his ministry he was an itinerant preacher who would return to villages only to discover that those who had converted were no longer following Christ. The Lord helped him realize that establishing churches was the secret to preserving the fruit of the ministry.
Fourth, Yohannan takes a bold stance against the word of faith movement and its off-shoot, the prosperity gospel. The church planters in Gospel for Asia live below the poverty line with those they are reaching. They see this as a sign of apostolic faithfulness. Their sacrificial spirit inspires me!
There are some parts of Revolution in World Missions that concern me as well. For example, K. P. Yohannan often cites times in his life where he is mystically led. I have experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit in my own life, but I am frankly weary of people playing the "God Card." So many times I see people moving in ways that are either explicitly contrary to Scripture or, at least, contrary to the Spirit of Christ, because they are "mystically led." To be honest, I don't see any evidence of Yohannan following the Holy Spirit in an unscriptural way. My fear is that those who fly more fast and loose will view his testimony as empowering them to continue to be crass and unruly as "the Spirit leads them." Another weakness is his seeming disdain for denominational distinctives. I personally think that the only way to do away with denominational distinctives is to become unthinking. I don't think Yohannan would say that; I just don't see any emphasis on doctrine in this book. Finally, I wish he had more updated statistics in this book. Most of them are more than a decade old. I think if the statistics were updates that the book would be even more punchy towards the fat American church.
Overall, this is a book that should be read. Think as you read it. Feel free to agree or disagree with Yohannan. I did.
But if his goal was to make me think about how to live more sacrificially on mission for Christ, he did it!
FINALLY, I have a dear friend named Xiaoyun who was adopted from China. I call her by her American name, Evelyn. Evelyn came to America days before she "timed out" and became ineligible for adoption. Today she is a spunky, hilarious American teen. I just recently found out that she had partnered with Gospel for Asia to raise money for a program they do to spread the Gospel. They provide a family with chickens to raise if the family will listen to a Gospel presentation. One Gospel presentation costs about $11. Evelyn has raised nearly $47,000!!!!! If you want to know more about her fund raising for GFA, click here - https://www.mygfa.org/chicksforchildren/
I want to encourage you to think about how you could sacrifice for the Gospel. Maybe you would start right now and click on Evelyn's page. I believe your contribution will be used effectively to minister throughout Asia!
K. P. Yohannan is founder of Gospel for Asia. In Revolution in World Missions, he shares both the story of his life and his vision for evangelizing the remaining unreached people groups of Asia, particularly in India. The book is well-written, making clear arguments with which the reader may or may not agree. One thing the reader cannot deny, though, is the unbridled passion that Yohannan has for missions, the Gospel, and the unreached peoples of the world.
Of all the strengths in this book, four stood above them all.
First, Yohannan makes a compelling biblical case for Americans to abandon their materialistic worldview and embrace an attitude of sacrifice for world missions. Yohannan pulls no punches when it comes to this subject. In fact, the call for Americans and other westerners to consider the plight of the underfunded mission field is woven in nearly every chapter. This theme is not uncommon today. Writers like Francis Chan and David Platt have sounded the same alarm; yet Yohannan does so in a way that, for whatever reason, was more impactful on my soul than Radical or Crazy Love. Yohannan writes with such raw emotion and his life is so notably a living example of sacrifice that it impacted me in a very real way. In fact, I had to set the book down for a while to sort of "catch my breath." The intensity of my emotions were overwhelming and I needed to step away and process some of what the Lord was doing in my heart.
Second, Revolution in World Missions puts the death nail in the coffin of the social gospel - which is no gospel at all! Yohannan demonstrates how the priority of missions should be the proclamation of the gospel, not social care of the impoverished. He shows how the social gospel has been ineffective in the task of evangelizing Asia. He correctly notes that social ministry can be a great tool to proclaim the gospel, but also notes how in most social gospel outreaches, the primary aim is social ministry and the proclamation of the gospel often gets lost in the shuffle.
Third, Revolution in World Missions records Yohannan's understanding of the primacy of the church in discipling new believers and preserving fruit. Early on in his ministry he was an itinerant preacher who would return to villages only to discover that those who had converted were no longer following Christ. The Lord helped him realize that establishing churches was the secret to preserving the fruit of the ministry.
Fourth, Yohannan takes a bold stance against the word of faith movement and its off-shoot, the prosperity gospel. The church planters in Gospel for Asia live below the poverty line with those they are reaching. They see this as a sign of apostolic faithfulness. Their sacrificial spirit inspires me!
There are some parts of Revolution in World Missions that concern me as well. For example, K. P. Yohannan often cites times in his life where he is mystically led. I have experienced the leading of the Holy Spirit in my own life, but I am frankly weary of people playing the "God Card." So many times I see people moving in ways that are either explicitly contrary to Scripture or, at least, contrary to the Spirit of Christ, because they are "mystically led." To be honest, I don't see any evidence of Yohannan following the Holy Spirit in an unscriptural way. My fear is that those who fly more fast and loose will view his testimony as empowering them to continue to be crass and unruly as "the Spirit leads them." Another weakness is his seeming disdain for denominational distinctives. I personally think that the only way to do away with denominational distinctives is to become unthinking. I don't think Yohannan would say that; I just don't see any emphasis on doctrine in this book. Finally, I wish he had more updated statistics in this book. Most of them are more than a decade old. I think if the statistics were updates that the book would be even more punchy towards the fat American church.
Overall, this is a book that should be read. Think as you read it. Feel free to agree or disagree with Yohannan. I did.
But if his goal was to make me think about how to live more sacrificially on mission for Christ, he did it!
FINALLY, I have a dear friend named Xiaoyun who was adopted from China. I call her by her American name, Evelyn. Evelyn came to America days before she "timed out" and became ineligible for adoption. Today she is a spunky, hilarious American teen. I just recently found out that she had partnered with Gospel for Asia to raise money for a program they do to spread the Gospel. They provide a family with chickens to raise if the family will listen to a Gospel presentation. One Gospel presentation costs about $11. Evelyn has raised nearly $47,000!!!!! If you want to know more about her fund raising for GFA, click here - https://www.mygfa.org/chicksforchildren/
I want to encourage you to think about how you could sacrifice for the Gospel. Maybe you would start right now and click on Evelyn's page. I believe your contribution will be used effectively to minister throughout Asia!
April 22, 2017
This was an excellent book. I was very challenged and made to think! There were a few parts that i didn't agree with, but where i did, i did whole-heartedly. :))
December 4, 2009
This was a convicting book. Having recently returned from a trip to India, I've seen the immense poverty and hardship in that country. A huge percentage of the world's population lives far below the standards we enjoy in the U.S. Yohannan is director of Gospel for Asia, and their primary goal is to support native missionaries in Asia. For many reasons, natives can minister more effectively than Westerners in most Asian countries. God is doing an amazing work in the Third World. The Church is exploding in growth! What is humbling is how much native missionaries do with so little. If we had to live in their circumstances, we would quickly crumble and start questioning the goodness of God. They are an incredible testimony to us, and should motivate us to get off our fat American rear-ends and throw ourselves into supporting their work!
March 29, 2011
I really enjoyed this book. K.P. Yohanan's testimony is amazing. The work God is doing through native Indian missionaries is amazing.
One MAJOR caveat: This book can give the impression that Asia does not need white missionaries. I know many people, including myself, came away from the book feeling as if we had no place in the Asian church. But that is a complete misunderstanding of the gospel. Asia needs white missionaries, black missionaries, etc. Just like America needs Korean missionaries and Indian missionaries. We are an interdependent. We are complementary, not independent. There is always a place for foreign missionaries to correct the native perspective, whether native is the United States or Malawi.
One MAJOR caveat: This book can give the impression that Asia does not need white missionaries. I know many people, including myself, came away from the book feeling as if we had no place in the Asian church. But that is a complete misunderstanding of the gospel. Asia needs white missionaries, black missionaries, etc. Just like America needs Korean missionaries and Indian missionaries. We are an interdependent. We are complementary, not independent. There is always a place for foreign missionaries to correct the native perspective, whether native is the United States or Malawi.
March 16, 2009
Ths is a MUST read for anyone who wants God's heart for the World!
Yohannan is an incredible voice for worldwide evangelization, and for making the changes in missions philosophy of the western church that will help facilitate that goal.
The first part of the book is a frightening comparison of the Biblical mandate that God has given us to 'Go unto all the world and preach the gospel to all 'ethnae' (people groups), and the reality of the vast numbers of people groups and individuals who are currently totally or almost totally unevangelized throughout the world. Within his own country of India, Yohannan describes that there are thousands of different languages, and only a fraction of them have the Bible translated into them. And India is soon to be the most populated country in the world.
Yohannan then gets to the main point of this prophetic word God has given him. That the future of global evangelization is no longer served by the 18th century philosophy of the white missionary trekking to distant jungles to bring the dark heathen to the light.
God has revealed that the indigenous missionary movement, that is annointed, called, believers from within the many nations where the masses of the lost are located, is the most effective tool for bringing to pass the vision that John had in Revelation of peoples from every nation('ethnae' - people group), tribe and toungue gathered before the throne of the Lamb worshipping Him.
Yohannan gives specific reasons why this is so. Among them, the most convincing are:
1. That the sending of western missionaries is at least 10 times more expensive, than eqquipping indiginous missionaries with the exact resources they need to reach the most unreached areas of the world.
2. That westerners in general, and western Christian in particuar are mistrusted and even despised in most of the most unreached countries, to the point that they will never be able to reach more than a fraction of the people they are targeting.
3. That the methods of evangelization used by the indiginous ministers are vastly more effective because they do not try filter the gospel first through western culture, and then back into their own culture. The gospel is presented in a way that makes sense to them in their own culture without diluting or confusing the message.
(See the Apostle Paul's use of the 'atar to the unknown god' in Athens - and the bok 'Eternity in Their Hearts' by Don Richardson.
The role of the western church, according to Yohannan is not in any way diminished by the plan of God, but is merely shifted to one of support through prayer, finances and infrastructure. He goes specifically into the importance of each of these tasks and the way that western missionaries, and missions organizations will always remain vital to goal of global evangelization and discipleship.
Imparting a prophetic word that he knows will cause negative reaction in many in the western church, without diluting or compromizing the message itself in order to 'soften the blow' or protect himself or his ministry is a very hard thing to do. Yohannan gives personal testimony of the journey that God brought him along in order to show him that he could neither soften nor dilute the message, but had to give it as he heard it from God. But in spite of the possibilty of offence, Yohannan's humility, in his delivery, give the message even more power and authority.
Ths is a MUST read for anyone who wants God's heart for the World!
Yohannan is an incredible voice for worldwide evangelization, and for making the changes in missions philosophy of the western church that will help facilitate that goal.
The first part of the book is a frightening comparison of the Biblical mandate that God has given us to 'Go unto all the world and preach the gospel to all 'ethnae' (people groups), and the reality of the vast numbers of people groups and individuals who are currently totally or almost totally unevangelized throughout the world. Within his own country of India, Yohannan describes that there are thousands of different languages, and only a fraction of them have the Bible translated into them. And India is soon to be the most populated country in the world.
Yohannan then gets to the main point of this prophetic word God has given him. That the future of global evangelization is no longer served by the 18th century philosophy of the white missionary trekking to distant jungles to bring the dark heathen to the light.
God has revealed that the indigenous missionary movement, that is annointed, called, believers from within the many nations where the masses of the lost are located, is the most effective tool for bringing to pass the vision that John had in Revelation of peoples from every nation('ethnae' - people group), tribe and toungue gathered before the throne of the Lamb worshipping Him.
Yohannan gives specific reasons why this is so. Among them, the most convincing are:
1. That the sending of western missionaries is at least 10 times more expensive, than eqquipping indiginous missionaries with the exact resources they need to reach the most unreached areas of the world.
2. That westerners in general, and western Christian in particuar are mistrusted and even despised in most of the most unreached countries, to the point that they will never be able to reach more than a fraction of the people they are targeting.
3. That the methods of evangelization used by the indiginous ministers are vastly more effective because they do not try filter the gospel first through western culture, and then back into their own culture. The gospel is presented in a way that makes sense to them in their own culture without diluting or confusing the message.
(See the Apostle Paul's use of the 'atar to the unknown god' in Athens - and the bok 'Eternity in Their Hearts' by Don Richardson.
The role of the western church, according to Yohannan is not in any way diminished by the plan of God, but is merely shifted to one of support through prayer, finances and infrastructure. He goes specifically into the importance of each of these tasks and the way that western missionaries, and missions organizations will always remain vital to goal of global evangelization and discipleship.
Imparting a prophetic word that he knows will cause negative reaction in many in the western church, without diluting or compromizing the message itself in order to 'soften the blow' or protect himself or his ministry is a very hard thing to do. Yohannan gives personal testimony of the journey that God brought him along in order to show him that he could neither soften nor dilute the message, but had to give it as he heard it from God. But in spite of the possibilty of offence, Yohannan's humility, in his delivery, give the message even more power and authority.
Ths is a MUST read for anyone who wants God's heart for the World!
August 3, 2015
I grieve as i write this review. This is a great book on the origins of Gospel For Asia, and it's founder's vision. However, it is a case of do as i say, not as i do. In recent years, GFA has been highlighted for numerous corrupt practices in financial and spiritual matters (a quick google search will reveal what I am talking about).
It is really a shame because KP's message is vital for the church, he challenges western christians to rethink the great commission, and he does it well. I find it a great tragedy that the humble beginnings of this ministry have given way to the trappings and corruption that comes with position and power, especially in christians. It is something we see repeatedly in christian leaders, and a lesson to us all.
Here is KP's criticism of a donor who wished to donate with "strings attached":
He believed, as many before him have, that if God was doing anything in the world, He would do it through him.
Unfortunately now the same thing can be said of KP himself. All through the book, he faithfully decries the social gospel, poor stewardship of funds spent on missions, sins in the life of church elders etc. These three are the most powerful allegations now being made against KP in his holding of thousands of acres of land in India and the disparity in financial reporting in US and India; the opening of a top-notch hospital in an affluent part of the country for medical tourism; and the ring-kissing incident (in 2003 KP left his earlier evangelical roots to become a Metropolitan Bishop in the Syrian Orthodox tradition, and videos have emerged of ordinands being required to kiss his ring upon their ordination).
I sometimes wonder if the reason why God takes many righteous men/women to his presence prematurely is so that they dont fall into this sort of stuff. I wish the KP we saw in this book was the KP in real life, I would be the first to back him. Let us continue to be discerning without losing our enthusiasm for the Lord's work.
It is really a shame because KP's message is vital for the church, he challenges western christians to rethink the great commission, and he does it well. I find it a great tragedy that the humble beginnings of this ministry have given way to the trappings and corruption that comes with position and power, especially in christians. It is something we see repeatedly in christian leaders, and a lesson to us all.
Here is KP's criticism of a donor who wished to donate with "strings attached":
He believed, as many before him have, that if God was doing anything in the world, He would do it through him.
Unfortunately now the same thing can be said of KP himself. All through the book, he faithfully decries the social gospel, poor stewardship of funds spent on missions, sins in the life of church elders etc. These three are the most powerful allegations now being made against KP in his holding of thousands of acres of land in India and the disparity in financial reporting in US and India; the opening of a top-notch hospital in an affluent part of the country for medical tourism; and the ring-kissing incident (in 2003 KP left his earlier evangelical roots to become a Metropolitan Bishop in the Syrian Orthodox tradition, and videos have emerged of ordinands being required to kiss his ring upon their ordination).
I sometimes wonder if the reason why God takes many righteous men/women to his presence prematurely is so that they dont fall into this sort of stuff. I wish the KP we saw in this book was the KP in real life, I would be the first to back him. Let us continue to be discerning without losing our enthusiasm for the Lord's work.
December 24, 2015
I'm struggling to write a review of this book. If I could give this 3.5 stars, I would. I thought Yohannan touched on excellent points, but I'm unsure about the overall tone of the book in the way he directs the Western church to act.
I'm not deeply knowledgable about the missions field and the struggles faced, and I don't know a lot about the landscape of the Asian mission field. I can tell that K.P. Yohannan loves the Lord and has been called to serve his people. I found his perspective helpful on indigenous people being much more effective in sharing the gospel with their own people. He discusses excellent points about neoclassicalism and its harmfulness in light of spreading the gospel.
Although the Spirit may be leading him in one direction, I don't know if I agree with his assessment of everyone else's calling. I'm probably summing this up too cynically, but basically, he tells Westerners to "stay home" and just give your money to local people to prostelatize. In the beginning of the book, he condemns Westerners for living too extravagantly (perhaps a valid point), but then he doesn't give much more of a challenge other than "give my organization money" [again, my own cynical viewpoint]. He is frustrated with how Westerners come into foreign countries with bad programs that are unable to reach the indigenous people [again, perhaps valid point], but I don't feel as though all Westerners should "stay home" and not "go" as the Lord commands. What would happen if Paul didn't "go" on missions to other people groups?
Again, I thought Yohannan brought up excellent points and challenged my thinking of how we can possibly reach unreached people groups, but I'm left feeling a big discouraged about his charge for Westerners. I don't want to sit back on the sidelines and just send money.
I'm not deeply knowledgable about the missions field and the struggles faced, and I don't know a lot about the landscape of the Asian mission field. I can tell that K.P. Yohannan loves the Lord and has been called to serve his people. I found his perspective helpful on indigenous people being much more effective in sharing the gospel with their own people. He discusses excellent points about neoclassicalism and its harmfulness in light of spreading the gospel.
Although the Spirit may be leading him in one direction, I don't know if I agree with his assessment of everyone else's calling. I'm probably summing this up too cynically, but basically, he tells Westerners to "stay home" and just give your money to local people to prostelatize. In the beginning of the book, he condemns Westerners for living too extravagantly (perhaps a valid point), but then he doesn't give much more of a challenge other than "give my organization money" [again, my own cynical viewpoint]. He is frustrated with how Westerners come into foreign countries with bad programs that are unable to reach the indigenous people [again, perhaps valid point], but I don't feel as though all Westerners should "stay home" and not "go" as the Lord commands. What would happen if Paul didn't "go" on missions to other people groups?
Again, I thought Yohannan brought up excellent points and challenged my thinking of how we can possibly reach unreached people groups, but I'm left feeling a big discouraged about his charge for Westerners. I don't want to sit back on the sidelines and just send money.
July 20, 2013
This book has changed my entire perspective on missions, and with good reason. I've always been very drawn to missionaries and had been planning on becoming one with my family to India. Of course in learning how unlikely it is for people to be transformed by Christ by white missionaries where the country does not freely allow missionaries compared to national ones and how it was described in this book really opened my eyes for instead wanting to support those who are already in Asia spreading the gospel. I am at a loss for words because now I don't know . . .I have been drawn to Asian nations as a missionary since I was a child. This book is a must read though if you are hoping to become a missionary in another country. I still highly believe in Christian missionary work no matter who is the Christian missionary, and always have, but now I feel like my whole world is changing before me. It costs thousands of more dollars for a US citizen to go to other countries as missionaries compared to those already there. I hope to be able to do work in my own country and perhaps work with organizations such as Gospel for Asia in order to support the work of the Great Commission. There is going to be a lot of prayer now over this but I clearly had my eyes opened that I did not fully put thought into what K.P. Yohannan spoke about from his own experiences and his own time as a missionary there and the ones that are already there through GFA.
December 10, 2012
I don't want to criticize Yohannan because the Lord is obviously doing great work through him, but this book was not very well written.
It is a short, easy read, but also extremely repetitive with no real conclusions. Thinking back, it seems more like a sales pitch to get money for GFA then a story about anything. I liked the stories of what was actually happening through GFA, but it was a very dry read. I don't really have a biased opinion of missions, I think it is ridiculous that we do spend so much money to send people over there, especially the trips that are more vacations, like going to water parks and tourism, instead of telling people about Jesus. I can't really talk though, because I am so awkward and shy it is not like I am going around telling people either. I also agree that we spend WAY too much on the church buildings, and that has been bothering me for a while now, so I'm glad he called those things out.
This book made me feel uncomfortable, and I felt guilty even spending $2 dollars on food after reading it, but maybe that is the point. We all need to be a little more generous because we do have too much.
It is a short, easy read, but also extremely repetitive with no real conclusions. Thinking back, it seems more like a sales pitch to get money for GFA then a story about anything. I liked the stories of what was actually happening through GFA, but it was a very dry read. I don't really have a biased opinion of missions, I think it is ridiculous that we do spend so much money to send people over there, especially the trips that are more vacations, like going to water parks and tourism, instead of telling people about Jesus. I can't really talk though, because I am so awkward and shy it is not like I am going around telling people either. I also agree that we spend WAY too much on the church buildings, and that has been bothering me for a while now, so I'm glad he called those things out.
This book made me feel uncomfortable, and I felt guilty even spending $2 dollars on food after reading it, but maybe that is the point. We all need to be a little more generous because we do have too much.
April 21, 2015
I absolutely loved this book, except chapters 12 and 13, which seemed to contradict each other. He passionately crushes Christian humanitarian efforts in chapter 12 and essentially condemns anyone attempting to meet physical needs as a means to start the gospel conversation. Yet in Chapter 13, he writes that GFA preaches the gospel while reaching people's physical needs. To me it came across as though he didn't trust any other organization to offer aid with the gospel except his own, which is unfair when you're asking for money. But other than that, it is a brilliant reminder of what America's wealth can do for the world and a great picture of trusting in God.
August 12, 2009
This book is INCREDIBLE! It will give you a different outlook on life. It really brought me back to what being a "Christ" like Christian is all about.
KP Yohannan has clearly pinpointed the truths about many American churches. We are indeed a "Sleeping Giant" with a need to deny our flesh, pick up our cross and follow the plans of our God!
Everyone living in the USA should read this book. This book is also FREE, Visit www.gfa.org and request a free copy. Or ask me! I will gladly give you mine = D
KP Yohannan has clearly pinpointed the truths about many American churches. We are indeed a "Sleeping Giant" with a need to deny our flesh, pick up our cross and follow the plans of our God!
Everyone living in the USA should read this book. This book is also FREE, Visit www.gfa.org and request a free copy. Or ask me! I will gladly give you mine = D
Read
July 24, 2011Read it if you want to know how God is moving on the worldwide stage and if you are willing to be changed in the process. Don't read it if you wish to stay comfortable with how you looked at the world before you open this book.
September 30, 2019
Are you sitting comfortably? You won’t be when you’ve read this book. It’s one to shake you out of the complacency you didn’t even know you were suffering from. Do you believe the Bible? No, not do you say you believe or think you believe. Do you _really_ believe it? Do you believe that everyone who hasn’t accepted Jesus in this life is heading for an eternity in hell as the Bible clearly states? And what are you doing about it? And how do you know your actions are having an eternal effect?
In this book, you will discover that the era of colonial style mission is well and truly over. That we sometimes hang on to what we know even when it’s not working. That not all Christian activity is of eternal significance.
BUT in this book you will also be taken on a thrilling ride through what God’s doing to build His church throughout the world and through the efforts of His ordinary people like you and me. You will be challenged to give, to pray, to take your stand as God’s warrior in a new and meaningful way. Watch out if your congregation gets its hands on this book – your church may never be the same again!
In this book, you will discover that the era of colonial style mission is well and truly over. That we sometimes hang on to what we know even when it’s not working. That not all Christian activity is of eternal significance.
BUT in this book you will also be taken on a thrilling ride through what God’s doing to build His church throughout the world and through the efforts of His ordinary people like you and me. You will be challenged to give, to pray, to take your stand as God’s warrior in a new and meaningful way. Watch out if your congregation gets its hands on this book – your church may never be the same again!
July 25, 2020
I find his perspective the most helpful thing in the book. A guy born in India who became a missionary in his own country, comes to the United States and starts to raise money for his brothers in the field back home. At times maybe he can be seen as over-critical, but his heart is for the millions of people who don’t know Jesus.
December 16, 2021
change my perspective on so many things, i know now what it really means to be a disciple of Christ
April 10, 2012
-Published by Gospel for Asia. 212 pages.
-The title "Revolution in World Missions" really caught my attention, given that I've had a massive interest and desire to be a part of missionary work. The title truly grasped the plot of the book.
-The fact that the word "Revolution" is in large print on the cover made me stop to think before putting it down and checking out another book. As a follower of Christ, I know the importance of a spiritual revival and revolution in the world. As I continued examining the cover, I noticed the words "gospel" and "Asia." As previously mentioned, I absolutely love world missions to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and noticing those words on the cover of the book sparked an interest in me.
-The book is non-fiction. It is a first-person story about Yohannan's journey to spread the Gospel in third-world countries, mainly his own where there is an unbelievable spiritual emptiness. People who are followers of Christ or interested in religious movements would enjoy reading this book. Even people interested in religious history and the sacrificial things that Christians are doing for their faith nowadays would like the book.
-The main people in the book would be Yohannan and God, of course. Yohannan was born into a culture where there was no religious freedom, and yet his mother believed in God and prayed for years that at least one of her sons would do something great for God. It was very risky, but Yohannan gained a supernatural desire as he grew older to change the world for God. He knew that he was meant for more, and he was also very aware of the risks and fatal dangers he would face in doing so. Without God, Yohannan wouldn't have gained the courage to do all that he did. He's witnessed Christian missionaries get stoned to death right before his very eyes, but God in all his glory gave Yohannan the heart of a martyr. It was ultimately the hand of God that moved Yohannan to do all that he did.
-This story is, as I've mentioned before, about a young man born into a culture that detested Christianity. Yohannan had a calling to be a missionary for God, and with that calling, he knew that he had to step out of his comfort zone in order to change the world for the better. He tells his story, everything from the way he woke up one morning and saw things completely different as God had given him supernatural compassion for the people in his country to his travels to America and how being in America stirred up all sorts of emotions in him such as anger, disbelief, fear, and confusion. He went on to become a pastor in America, and he then thought that he had finally reached what God had called him to do. Unexpectedly, however, God told him that he needed to return to Asia, given that Asia was the place God wanted Yohannan to change for Him. It's an intense, touching story of a determined man willing to give up everything, even his life, for the eternal glory of God.
-A theme that I found throughout the book was that you need to stand up for what you believe in no matter the cost. Yohannan was perfectly aware that he was putting his life on the line. At any point in time, he could have died. Yohannan is very admirable for everything that he did. Another theme that really stuck out to me was that when you step out of your comfort zone to stand up for God, you WILL be protected. It is no coincidence that Yohannan is still alive today and able to tell his story. He could have just as well died, as many missionaries did in Asia and who are dying right now in other non-Christian countries around the world. Whatever you do, this book has taught me, do with all your heart. Whatever happens, it WILL be worth it.
-My point of view is undoubtedly positive. I absolutely love the passion and willingness that Yohannan depicts at all times in his story. I am a witness that the power of God is prevalent at all moments in the life of His children, yet I still struggle with surrendering it all and letting it go. Yohannan is the perfect role model, even through a book. He tells of his struggles of surrender as well. He also tells about his times where he felt like giving up, but he never did because he knew that the God who's in him is greater than he who is in the world. Revolution in World Missions left me in awe of Yohannan heart and gave me a hunger to do the same thing: to change the world for God and change lives throughout the world, regardless of the risks. Since I read the book, I continuously find myself asking God for the heart of a martyr, and it has confirmed my desire and plans to spend a year in world missions after high school. I absolutely loved this book!
-The title "Revolution in World Missions" really caught my attention, given that I've had a massive interest and desire to be a part of missionary work. The title truly grasped the plot of the book.
-The fact that the word "Revolution" is in large print on the cover made me stop to think before putting it down and checking out another book. As a follower of Christ, I know the importance of a spiritual revival and revolution in the world. As I continued examining the cover, I noticed the words "gospel" and "Asia." As previously mentioned, I absolutely love world missions to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and noticing those words on the cover of the book sparked an interest in me.
-The book is non-fiction. It is a first-person story about Yohannan's journey to spread the Gospel in third-world countries, mainly his own where there is an unbelievable spiritual emptiness. People who are followers of Christ or interested in religious movements would enjoy reading this book. Even people interested in religious history and the sacrificial things that Christians are doing for their faith nowadays would like the book.
-The main people in the book would be Yohannan and God, of course. Yohannan was born into a culture where there was no religious freedom, and yet his mother believed in God and prayed for years that at least one of her sons would do something great for God. It was very risky, but Yohannan gained a supernatural desire as he grew older to change the world for God. He knew that he was meant for more, and he was also very aware of the risks and fatal dangers he would face in doing so. Without God, Yohannan wouldn't have gained the courage to do all that he did. He's witnessed Christian missionaries get stoned to death right before his very eyes, but God in all his glory gave Yohannan the heart of a martyr. It was ultimately the hand of God that moved Yohannan to do all that he did.
-This story is, as I've mentioned before, about a young man born into a culture that detested Christianity. Yohannan had a calling to be a missionary for God, and with that calling, he knew that he had to step out of his comfort zone in order to change the world for the better. He tells his story, everything from the way he woke up one morning and saw things completely different as God had given him supernatural compassion for the people in his country to his travels to America and how being in America stirred up all sorts of emotions in him such as anger, disbelief, fear, and confusion. He went on to become a pastor in America, and he then thought that he had finally reached what God had called him to do. Unexpectedly, however, God told him that he needed to return to Asia, given that Asia was the place God wanted Yohannan to change for Him. It's an intense, touching story of a determined man willing to give up everything, even his life, for the eternal glory of God.
-A theme that I found throughout the book was that you need to stand up for what you believe in no matter the cost. Yohannan was perfectly aware that he was putting his life on the line. At any point in time, he could have died. Yohannan is very admirable for everything that he did. Another theme that really stuck out to me was that when you step out of your comfort zone to stand up for God, you WILL be protected. It is no coincidence that Yohannan is still alive today and able to tell his story. He could have just as well died, as many missionaries did in Asia and who are dying right now in other non-Christian countries around the world. Whatever you do, this book has taught me, do with all your heart. Whatever happens, it WILL be worth it.
-My point of view is undoubtedly positive. I absolutely love the passion and willingness that Yohannan depicts at all times in his story. I am a witness that the power of God is prevalent at all moments in the life of His children, yet I still struggle with surrendering it all and letting it go. Yohannan is the perfect role model, even through a book. He tells of his struggles of surrender as well. He also tells about his times where he felt like giving up, but he never did because he knew that the God who's in him is greater than he who is in the world. Revolution in World Missions left me in awe of Yohannan heart and gave me a hunger to do the same thing: to change the world for God and change lives throughout the world, regardless of the risks. Since I read the book, I continuously find myself asking God for the heart of a martyr, and it has confirmed my desire and plans to spend a year in world missions after high school. I absolutely loved this book!
June 18, 2014
I loved the first 100 pages of this book. The author should have stopped there. The first half of this 200 page is the author's story of how he got involved in missions work and eventually founded Gospel for Asia. I could not put the book down at this point. It read like a novel. And knowing it had all really happened made it even harder to put down!
The second half is a whole marketing ploy for his organization. He goes through cycles of talking about how awesome national missionaries are, to how terrible western missionaries are, to how western missionaries were good about 100 years ago (just so he doesn't completely offend his western audience), to how his organization is super awesome because they support national missionaries in Asia. Only a couple times did he even mention Africa and South America and how national missionaries are good there too because his main focus was about where HIS organization is based and how you can support HIS organization.
The thing that bothered me the most was when he went on and on about how the job of westerners is to give their money to help his organization and that that is their only job. The worst part of this was his story about how some day, when you're in heaven, you'll be thanked by the people your money helped reach. Like I'm really gonna care once I'm in heaven. And are they really gonna care at that point? No. Because in the end it was Jesus who saved all of us anyway and we'll all be too busy praising Him to care about "who saved who." That story was just stupid. I honestly skimmed through the next couple chapters after that that contained similar material.
Speaking of "similar material" the whole book was similar material. The book could easily have been half the length and still got the same point across (Did I already say that? His technique must be rubbing off on me). In fact after just hearing his story of how God worked in his life and eventually led him to found Gospel for Asia made me ready to give to him. But after he marketed his organization to me and went on and on about the same crap over and over I didn't want to give anymore. After all, as the person who gave me the book said, "the gospel is a story that needs to be told. Therefore tell your story about God." Which is what the author did... in the first 100 pages.
To the author's credit, though, he did make some good points about national missionaries. Points such as how national missionaries understand the culture they are preaching to and are cheaper to support but, again, these points could have easily been made in half the length.
If you are a westerner interested in being a missionary, not a really good read. All you'll get out of it is that it's a waste of money for you to go and you won't do a good job. If you are interested in who national missionaries are and the work that they do and how you can support them, read this book. There are some really good stories about specific national missionaries and lots of references to ways you can support them.
The second half is a whole marketing ploy for his organization. He goes through cycles of talking about how awesome national missionaries are, to how terrible western missionaries are, to how western missionaries were good about 100 years ago (just so he doesn't completely offend his western audience), to how his organization is super awesome because they support national missionaries in Asia. Only a couple times did he even mention Africa and South America and how national missionaries are good there too because his main focus was about where HIS organization is based and how you can support HIS organization.
The thing that bothered me the most was when he went on and on about how the job of westerners is to give their money to help his organization and that that is their only job. The worst part of this was his story about how some day, when you're in heaven, you'll be thanked by the people your money helped reach. Like I'm really gonna care once I'm in heaven. And are they really gonna care at that point? No. Because in the end it was Jesus who saved all of us anyway and we'll all be too busy praising Him to care about "who saved who." That story was just stupid. I honestly skimmed through the next couple chapters after that that contained similar material.
Speaking of "similar material" the whole book was similar material. The book could easily have been half the length and still got the same point across (Did I already say that? His technique must be rubbing off on me). In fact after just hearing his story of how God worked in his life and eventually led him to found Gospel for Asia made me ready to give to him. But after he marketed his organization to me and went on and on about the same crap over and over I didn't want to give anymore. After all, as the person who gave me the book said, "the gospel is a story that needs to be told. Therefore tell your story about God." Which is what the author did... in the first 100 pages.
To the author's credit, though, he did make some good points about national missionaries. Points such as how national missionaries understand the culture they are preaching to and are cheaper to support but, again, these points could have easily been made in half the length.
If you are a westerner interested in being a missionary, not a really good read. All you'll get out of it is that it's a waste of money for you to go and you won't do a good job. If you are interested in who national missionaries are and the work that they do and how you can support them, read this book. There are some really good stories about specific national missionaries and lots of references to ways you can support them.
April 13, 2009
This is a great book by Brother K.P. to advocate for giving missionary funds to native missionaries. Their sponsorship is very similar to sponsoring a child, where they would send you a picture of the native missionary & his/her testimony. Reading this book will make you feel guilty about the native missionaries' journeys, so don't read it if you're the type of person who has a hard time saying no. I received this free book by chance on the Internet. I think this book itself is worth a donation, so I donated by buying the GFA Mini World Map & Asian Christian CD.
This book is really excellent in reminding me what is the point of missionary work. I was a little confused after going on a Taiwan mission trip, because it was all about forming relationship instead of doing work. However, Brother K.P. emphasizes that the whole point of mission work is forming relationships with the lost and healing their souls. We are not social workers, so we are not out there only for helping the poor. Jesus does command us to care for the least, but the most immediately need is spiritual food instead of only materially.
Favorite Quote: "The Great Commission reveals the reason God has left us here in this world, the main activity of the Church until Jesus returns as the King of kings to gather us to Himself. He desires us to go everywhere proclaiming the love of God to a lost world. Exercising His authority and demonstrating His power, we are to preach the Gospel, make disciples, baptize and teach people to obey all the commands of Christ. This task involves more than handing out leaflets, holding street meetings or showing compassionate love to the sick and hungry, although these may be involved. But the Lord wants us to continue as his agents to redeem and transform the lives of people. Disciple-making, as Jesus defined it, obviously involves the long-term process of planting local churches.
Note too that the references to the Great Commission are accompanied by promises of divine power. The global expansion of the Church obviously is a task for a special people who are living intimately enough with God to discern and exercise His authority." (P.170-171)
This book is really excellent in reminding me what is the point of missionary work. I was a little confused after going on a Taiwan mission trip, because it was all about forming relationship instead of doing work. However, Brother K.P. emphasizes that the whole point of mission work is forming relationships with the lost and healing their souls. We are not social workers, so we are not out there only for helping the poor. Jesus does command us to care for the least, but the most immediately need is spiritual food instead of only materially.
Favorite Quote: "The Great Commission reveals the reason God has left us here in this world, the main activity of the Church until Jesus returns as the King of kings to gather us to Himself. He desires us to go everywhere proclaiming the love of God to a lost world. Exercising His authority and demonstrating His power, we are to preach the Gospel, make disciples, baptize and teach people to obey all the commands of Christ. This task involves more than handing out leaflets, holding street meetings or showing compassionate love to the sick and hungry, although these may be involved. But the Lord wants us to continue as his agents to redeem and transform the lives of people. Disciple-making, as Jesus defined it, obviously involves the long-term process of planting local churches.
Note too that the references to the Great Commission are accompanied by promises of divine power. The global expansion of the Church obviously is a task for a special people who are living intimately enough with God to discern and exercise His authority." (P.170-171)
November 25, 2014
After stumbling upon a banner on a Christian website advertising this book for free, claiming that this book 'would change you life,' I decided to order the book. Needless to say, this book definitely did change my perspective on a LOT of things. Brother K.P. exhorts Americans to return to the gospel call and the great commission, vowing that this age is not the age of the Western missionaries going to the East, but rather, national or indigenous missionaries - who can be well equipped and trained - going to their own people. This saves an exorbitant amount of money, and is being more tactful with the funds of the Church.
K.P. puts out the statistics bare, and the realities of them are startling. We as Americans are greedy, and do not put our money where our mouth is - raiding money for an organization, and then spending more money on the pasta banquet after the fundraiser on ourselves!
After reading this book, I became involved in GFA immediately, and thenceforth starting supporting a national missionary in India, and a Bridge of Hope child in India as well. I also had the opportunity later on to travel to GFA headquarters and do an internship down in their writing department for a couple months.
Through this simple book I have made eternal friends of brothers and sisters of the Kingdom to whom I am eternally grateful. If you are a Christian, I charge you to order this book free here: http://www.gfa.org/offer/freebook/
I pray it changes your life - and pushes you to action.
Brent McCulley (10/26/13)
K.P. puts out the statistics bare, and the realities of them are startling. We as Americans are greedy, and do not put our money where our mouth is - raiding money for an organization, and then spending more money on the pasta banquet after the fundraiser on ourselves!
After reading this book, I became involved in GFA immediately, and thenceforth starting supporting a national missionary in India, and a Bridge of Hope child in India as well. I also had the opportunity later on to travel to GFA headquarters and do an internship down in their writing department for a couple months.
Through this simple book I have made eternal friends of brothers and sisters of the Kingdom to whom I am eternally grateful. If you are a Christian, I charge you to order this book free here: http://www.gfa.org/offer/freebook/
I pray it changes your life - and pushes you to action.
Brent McCulley (10/26/13)
October 28, 2012
KP Yohannan gives a vivid and powerful look at current state of south Asia and how Western Christians, in the USA specifically, can follow God by assisting missions there. As an Indian who has also lived in America, he gives a much-needed perspective on the Western Church in a relatable manner. I would definitely recommend this to all Christians in the US, as I think this perspective is not heard often (if at all).
As a note, Yohannan focuses specifically on the 10/40 window (mainly India). While I think this focus is strategic and helpful, I am wary to focus on one region at the loss of other people groups in the world. That said, I definitely think it is possible to assist missions both in the 10/40 window and everywhere else, so it's not really harmful that he focuses on it. It makes sense that he would focus on the region he is most involved with and knows the most about.
Something I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated about the book was that Yohannan's points each have a Biblical basis. He gives references to myriad verses and passages throughout the book, simply calling Christians to hear what God has commanded and obey. This book is not just about missions; it is about going all-in for Christ.
As a note, Yohannan focuses specifically on the 10/40 window (mainly India). While I think this focus is strategic and helpful, I am wary to focus on one region at the loss of other people groups in the world. That said, I definitely think it is possible to assist missions both in the 10/40 window and everywhere else, so it's not really harmful that he focuses on it. It makes sense that he would focus on the region he is most involved with and knows the most about.
Something I thoroughly enjoyed and appreciated about the book was that Yohannan's points each have a Biblical basis. He gives references to myriad verses and passages throughout the book, simply calling Christians to hear what God has commanded and obey. This book is not just about missions; it is about going all-in for Christ.
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