Beyond Borders: Mission and Evangelism in STM

So how do we engage in missions in a C-19 infested world? Is it even possible to engage in physical mission activities now and post C-19? If these flash through your mind, it is similar to confining God in a box with very well-defined boundaries. Is there anything too hard for the Lord? (Jeremiah 32:27)

The pandemic is propelling us to consider options we will otherwise pay little attention to. It is true that this transition juncture is a bit challenging as our “old school” thinking is cautious on things that are not done before. In fact, we are even seeing options that once, were never considered possible, like online graduation ceremony. Yet, today is a time to take that first step of faith that will lead us to greater heights of ministry with God and for God.

New avenues and awareness: While most activities are migrating to online approach, why not missions? Social media is a popular approach today. It is subtle and non-threatening. Frontier missions and closed-door countries can now be evangelized. We only need a paradigm shift and contextualize approaches to online interactions. Google tells us that Skype was created in August 2003, Facebook in February 2004, Twitter on March 21^st 2006, WhatsApp on May 3^rd 2009, ZOOM on April 21^st 2011, and Microsoft Teams on March 14^th 2017. Only WebEx was founded prior to the turn of the century in 1995 but was not too popular then. These popular platforms are providing avenues to preach and to teach evangelistic messages in real time to almost anywhere in the world today. And these are avenues the church was cautiously venturing into without much serious consideration…until now.

Equipping: Perhaps there still are a few who may argue that we must continue with physical presence. Then as always, we need to wait and discern for the timing God will grant us. In the meantime, pursue equipping. Courses and classes are now online. In STM, we have launched the Missions and Evangelism department. In partnership with Asia Gateway Training, we are offering the M.A. in Intercultural Studies, a fully online program. A more enriching learning environment exists as we have a fantastic mix of students – experienced and seekers; seniors and freshmen; local and global.

Inclusive and holistic: Online options provide opportunities beyond boundaries. No longer are we restricted by physical constraints like travel requirements, funds, and time. All that is needed is a passion, a commitment, and a willingness.

We are at a cross-road today taking a turn that will make a difference. While we need to tread the uncharted territory carefully, we also need to flow with changes of the times to remain relevant and effective. We need to learn to discern and recognise God in events that unfold around us each day, then, join in His exciting work – in this generation, in this nation, and beyond.