Mission Work in an Ever-changing World

Today’s “international migration” is changing societies in Europe, sometimes radically whether we like it or not. The traditional thinking about missionary work in some distant country has acquired new dimensions alongside it. One of them is that missionary work is in close proximity, even in the home environment. Maybe God makes us better fulfill the command in churches and as individuals.

Still, traditional has its value. Sometimes, the concepts of evangelization and missionary work get mixed up, both are important in their own way. If only this would clarify the matter a little: The sharing of the Good News within the circle of one’s own people and culture is evangelism. Again, if linguistic and cultural borders are crossed, we talk about missionary work, even if it takes place in the home country.

The concepts do not matter, as long as we do not shame the Gospel; ”For I am not ashamed of the gospel of Christ: for it is the power of God unto salvation to every one that believeth; to the Jew first, and also to the Greek.”

Our domestic mission is called Vantaa International Christian Fellowship, VICF, which functions as part of GNN, offering “a spiritual home for all nations.”
When I look at the international audience from the podium, it reminds me of the moment when we stand in front of the Throne (Rev.7:9).

Did you know that heaven is international?

– Arto Sädeaho –