The Power of Influence

In every one of my classes I tell my students I have two objectives for the course.  First, to teach them as much as I know about cross-cultural missions, communication and church planting.  Second, to influence them to be global minded belivers. 

I realize that not many of those who take my class will end up serving cross-culturally.  Most of them, like the MDiv. students in Shalom Seminary, will probably remain in their home district, among their own tribe and clan.  That’s okay.  It is my hope that when they have completed their studies they will be world Christians as youth group leaders, teachers or pastors.  Certainly the principles I am teaching can help them in crossing cultural boundaries no matter what they do in the future.

Influence, while discipling, may one day lead others to take up the mantle and share these principles in ways that only the Lord can know.   I certainly had no idea that Shurhi, who was a young girl in my class in south India back in 2006, would one day be on the teaching staff of Shalom.  Among many of her duties, one class she teaches is Religions of the World.  In visiting with Shurhi this past week she told me that she has been accepted in a PhD. program in Oxford.  She asked if I would be willing to guide her in her study, which will be on Taboo in the Nagaland context. 

I marvel how the Lord uses each one of us in small ways to further His Kingdom.  I am thrilled how God has opened up this opportunity for Shurhi, and the others students who have been a part of my class down through the years.  The story of Shurhi should be an encouragement to all of us who faithfully serve the Lord in the position God has placed us.  I know it’s an encouragement for me this day, so many miles away from my family, as I prepare for another class to teach and influence.