Raising REAL MEN for God
Today’s world desperately needs REAL MEN; and as mission-minded parents, we need to do our part to raise our boys to make a difference for God’s kingdom.
Training Our Boys to be Men
Young men hunger for adventure, yet their desires will never to be met by watching high-action movies, or by becoming an expert in video games. And they don’t need us as women and as moms to tell them to just sit still in church and be good little boys.
We need to raise our boys for daring kingdom leadership.
“If I want my men to be dangerous for the kingdom of God, I need to be dangerous too. Over the years, God has shown me that I need to be WARRIOR in prayer and intercession, and not a WORRIER.”
Today, we’re over on another website called PASSIONATE HOMEMAKING — encouraging moms about raising strong sons for God. Today’s featured article (part 1 of a 2-part series) is about “Training Our Boys to be Men.” Feel free to add your thoughts or questions as a COMMENT on the Passionate Homemaking page. Any discussion really adds to an article’s impact!
More on Harvest Ministry about Raising Sons (& Missionary Heroes)
George Müller: Trusting God for Daily Bread
During the 1800s, missionary George Müller cared for thousands of orphan children in Bristol, England. He also traveled over 200,000 miles (by ship) across the globe, sharing the Gospel of Jesus Christ and encouraging Christians for world missions . . . all while maintaining a joyful example of ministry and family balance.
Over the next few months, we want to encourage you in your walk with God with examples from our missionary heritage.
The following excerpt is adapted from Ann’s book,
The Mission-Minded FamilyTrusting God for Daily Bread
George Müller (1805-1898) was a Christian missionary evangelist and a coordinator of orphanages in Bristol, England. Through his faith and prayers (and without asking for money) he had the privilege of caring for over 120,000 orphan children. He also traveled over 200,000 miles (by ship) to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ in 42 countries and to challenge believers about world missions and trusting God. In his journals, Müller recorded miracle-after-miracle of God’s provision and answered prayer:
One morning, all the plates and cups and bowls on the table were empty. There was no food in the larder and no money to buy food. The children were standing, waiting for their morning meal, when Müller said, “Children, you know we must be in time for school.” Then lifting up his hands he prayed, “Dear Father, we thank Thee for what Thou art going to give us to eat.”
There was a knock at the door. The baker stood there, and said, “Mr. Müller, I couldn’t sleep last night. Somehow I felt you didn’t have bread for breakfast, and the Lord wanted me to send you some. So I got up at 2 a.m. and baked some fresh bread, and have brought it.”
Mr. Müller thanked the baker, and no sooner had he left, when there was a second knock at the door. It was the milkman. He announced that his milk cart had broken down right in front of the orphanage, and he would like to give the children his cans of fresh milk so he could empty his wagon and repair it.
. . . and an example of family-balance
At his wife Mary’s funeral, Müller’s loving words also represent a good example of the joy God gives when ministry and family priorities are balanced:
Were we happy? Verily we were.
With every year our happiness increased more and more. I never saw my beloved wife at any time, when I met her unexpectantly anywhere in Bristol, England, without being delighted so to do. Day by day, as we met in our dressing room, at the Orphan Houses, to wash our hands before dinner and tea, I was delighted to meet her, and she was equally pleased to see me. Thousands of times I told her, “My darling, I never saw you at any time, since you became my wife, without my being delighted to see you.”
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart,
And lean not on your own understanding;
In all your ways, acknowledge Him,
And He will direct your paths.”
(Proverbs 3:5-6)
The JOY of trusting JESUS!
George Müller is featured in this month’s Harvest Ministry mission newsletter:
Can we send you our mission newsletter?
This month’s Harvest Ministry mission newsletter (with a brand-new “look”) highlights this awesome missionary hero, George Müller — along this month’s theme of TRUSTING God (and — on the inside — current HM mission praise reports and highlights for prayer). We recently sent these out in the mail, but we have quite a few extras. We would be honored and thankful if you would like to become a mission prayer-partner with us.
If you would like a (in the real-mail) just CONTACT US with your mailing address.
Mentor Families for MISSIONS!
It’s easy to mentor FAMILIES with The Mission-Minded Child & The Mission-Minded Family. Get a set for yourself and a few friends, and go through the books together. Take the FREE 40-Day Family Challenge, or start a mentoring group in your home or church (be sure to see our new FREE online Mission-Minded Families study guide for small groups…)
Introducing:
The Mission-Minded Family
Often, parents and teachers ask their children, “What do YOU want to be when you grow up?” Even within the church, this present generation is fixated on obtaining fame, wealth, and pleasure. But shouldn’t we be encouraging our children’s willingness to surrender to God’s plans for their futures?
In The Mission-Minded Family, Ann Dunagan presents a plan to transform the “Me Generation” into passionate warriors
consumed with God’s glory.
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY:
Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny
By Ann Dunagan (Published by InterVarsity Press)
PRESS RELEASE by B & B Media Group
BUY NOW!!! Discounts for BULK orders or MINISTRY/CHURCH orders
(For sets of 2, 12, and 24!)READ a portion on AMAZON & VIEW BACK COVER!!!
The Mission-Minded Family is a great resource to promote an increased passion for WORLD MISSIONS in your local church. Buy a box or a case, and distribute to FAMILIES & FRIENDS!!!
Send them to your MISSIONARIES, to encourage their FAMILY LIFE!!!
what others are saying:
Featured on . . .
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Featured on THE FAMILY CHANNEL/CBN.com
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Featured review on CHRISTIAN BOOK PREVIEWS
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Parenting articles on THE CHRISTIAN POST
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Homeschool articles on HEART OF THE MATTER
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Featured book summary on CROSSWALK.COM
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Featured on RICK WARREN’S MINISTER’S TOOLBOX
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY – Featured radio broadcasts on FAMILY LIFE TODAYRecommendations . . .
GIVE YOUR FAMILY A DANGEROUS DESTINY!
“I loved this book! In a time in our country where the tendency is to keep our money and time and children very safe, this book encourages – even pushes – us to get out in the world and make a real difference with the resources we’ve been given. Ann Dunagan is no arm-chair missionary…the pages of the book are filled with actual experiences that she and her husband and kids have done for many years. It totally inspired me to take some big risks and help my kids learn to love the world beyond our doorstep.”
- Bo Stern – Bend, Oregon
EXCELLENT THOUGHT-PROVOKING RESOURCE!
The Mission Minded Family is an excellent thought-provoking resource to assist Christian families in moving in this more sane and biblical drection. By establishing this balance between our personal lives and our outreach to others we can enjoy a productive mission while launching a new generation into the same missionary lifestyle. By honoring God’s wisdom, our families can effectively raise our own children for the Lord, and simultaneously reach our world with the good news of Jesus Christ . . .
As you read The Mission-Minded Family, you will be “walking with the wise.” Ann Dunagan will walk with you through a very important topic, one that could spare you and our children the heartache that many well-meaning missionaries families have had to endure because of shortsighted missionary traditions…”
- Gregg & Sono Harris (from the book’s forward)
EDUCATIONAL . . . AND THE COOLEST BOOK!
“The Mission Minded Family” by Ann Dunagan is the coolest book! It has everything: hymns, stories of missions, mini biographies of missionaries, skits, a calendar of international holidays and suggestions for how to pray on those days, tools for teaching mission-mindedness, and even practical tips for missionary travel. This is an educational and informative book whether you’re planning to be a foreign missionary, a local missionary, or just to learn more about the field.”
- Stacey, Las Vegas, NV
ABSOLUTELY INSPIRING!
“In our busy lives, very seldom, do we stop to ask God if we’re truly fulfilling His purposes in our lives. “The Mission Minded Family” opens that line of communication between you and God to have a discussion about His will for your life…Don’t be surprised if you hear God speaking to you in greater ways than you ever imagined. If you are a church leader, I can’t imagine a better resource to promote to your congregation and a better gift to give to your missionary families. Ann Dunagan walks you through her and her husband’s lives as a missionaries and sprinkles it with wisdom coming from her young children who have experienced the power of God in and through their lives. The book is not only a resource that provides you with countless “how-to’s,” but it is filled with the Dunagan family’s missionary experiences that will inspire you and draw you nearer to God.”
- Cheri Hill
Mission-Minded Romance
“Three of our kids have each found the “love of their life”; and as parents, we’ve already seen how all of these relationships are “multiplying” (rather than dividing) God’s calling and purposes for all three couples”
Holiness, Romance, and JOY!!!
Today, Ann is featuring a new article for Christian mothers over on another site called Visionary Womanhood — sharing some romantic family highlights, with three sweet love stories from our children . . . and encouraging families to focus on God’s design for holiness, romance, and JOY!!!
Come see . . .
Photo: Our daughter Christi with her fiance’ Trae Childs (a third generation missionary from Niger, West Africa) — on their very happy engagement day.
Exciting International Adventures!!!
Throughout the years, our family’s international travels have led to amusing encounters, humorous misunderstandings, and hilarious adventures. When we have an opportunity to share about world missions (especially when we’re talking with kids and teenagers) we often enjoy sharing a few of our funny missions stories or exciting adventures.
Being mission-minded is not boring!
Machu Picchu, Peru – South America
Right now, our oldest son, Patrick (who just completed his commission in the USMC, as a commanding officer in Ground Intelligence), is now on a ’round-the-world adventure (not as for military or missions work, but simply for a personal experience).
This week, he’s in South America; he just completed a 4-day trek to visit Machu Picchu in PERU . . . and we’re all curious where he’s heading next . . .
All across the globe . . .
In just a few days, Josh & Anna Dunagan (our son and daughter-in-law) will be heading to COSTA RICA, Central America — with Gospel Projects International — on a mission trip to distribute Bibles door-to-door with a missionary family, and to minister in street evangelism.
Our oldest daughter Christi (who is engaged to be married in June to Trae Childs — a third-generation missionary from NIGER — in West Africa) will be ministering with Ann at several DARING DAUGHTER events in March, to encourage teen girls for world missions.
and our college son Daniel (who is also engaged to be married in June to his sweetheart, Anna, and currently working in the ORU missions department) is excited about being a part a college mission outreach in June to GERMANY — in Europe.
Missions can be extremely fun!
Although international missions work often means adjusting to curious cuisine and challenging conditions, it can also be extremely fun. Our family has enjoyed Polynesian snorkeling, European museums, African safaris, Middle Eastern camel “excursions,” South American professional soccer games, and Australian boat rides. Take our word for it — or better yet, try it yourself — missions is definitely not boring!
More about our family’s international mission ADVENTURES
Recommended Mission-Minded Family Links:
e3 resources: the EvangeCube and more!
Resources for Prayer, Evangelism, and DiscipleshipGlobal Expeditions – TeenMania
Opportunities for teen mission tripsGospel Projects International
A new mission directed by Josh & Anna Dunagan (Jon & Ann’s son & daughter-in-law)International Faith Telegraph
World Christian News and Mission NewsMission Atlas Project
A fun resource for all ages to learn about world missionsThe Four Spiritual Laws
Share the Gospel with the 4-Spiritual Laws – in many languages!The JESUS Film – in many languages!
Learn about the JESUS Film projectThe Joshua Project – Unreached People Groups
Pray for today’s unreached people groupYWAM – Youth With A Mission
Learn about Youth With A Mission — books, discipleship training, and family mission opportunities
Recommended Mission Books & Resources
A quick look at a few of our favorite mission-minded books . . .
Balancing Missions & Motherhood
Finding God’s balance for motherhood and ministry is sometimes a difficult (and continually changing) tug-of-war; but I believe the struggle is healthy . . .
(Photo: Ann Dunagan encouraged many women in ministry from Uganda, Rwanda, Congo, and Tanzania at the recent HMFI – Harvest Ministry Fellowship International leadership conference in Uganda, East Africa.)
Most of the time, just doing another load of laundry, or drilling the kids on grammar, or reading a bedtime story . . . doesn’t seem very important. But God sees the big picture. He highly esteems motherhood and He values a faithful mom who is willing to lay down her “big dreams” . . . to serve her family. And at the same time, He sees the lost and the reality of heaven and hell . . .
God cares about my kids and God cares about the lost. As a mission-minded mom, how can I keep these two “pulls “on my heart in balance — in a way that will truly please the heart of the Lord?
Screaming Babies & Praying Mommas . . .
Today, Ann is leading a discussion about balancing missions and motherhood over at Passionate Homemaking (a great site especially for young women and moms, focused on simple, natural, and intentional living).
The featured article is: Screaming Babies & Praying Mommas. Come see . . . > > >
Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny
Often, parents and teachers ask their children, “What do YOU want to be when you grow up?” In a world that is increasingly self-seeking, self-centered, and self-absorbed, the answers are consistently more egocentric–”a movie star,” “a rock star,” “a dance star . . . ”
Introducing:
THE MISSION-MINDED FAMILY
Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny
By Ann Dunagan (Published by Biblica)
Seeking First the Kingdom in a Self-Absorbed Culture
A Press Release by B & B Media Group, Dallas, TX:
Often, parents and teachers ask their children, “What do YOU want to be when you grow up?” In a world that is increasingly self-seeking, self-centered, and self-absorbed, the answers are consistently more egocentric–”a movie star,” “a rock star,” “a dance star.”
Even within the church, this present generation is fixated on obtaining fame, wealth, and pleasure. But shouldn’t we be encouraging our children’s willingness to surrender to God’s plans for their futures? Shouldn’t our question instead be, “Oh, I wonder what awesome plans God has for your life! When you grow up, will you do whatever GOD wants you to do?”
In her book, The Mission-Minded Family: Releasing Your Family to God’s Destiny (InterVarsity Press), author, teacher, and missionary, Ann Dunagan shows parents how to combat the influence of the “Me Generation” by giving readers the tools to revolutionize their families into ones dedicated to fulfilling God’s will and potential, instead of their own. In the first chapter of her book, Dunagan quotes David Shibley as he clearly addresses the current crisis within the church.
“We whine, ‘I just want to know my purpose; I’ve got to reach my destiny.” We race all over the country to attend ‘destiny conferences,’ and we devour tapes and books on ‘reaching your full potential . . . ‘ Even cloaking our self-centeredness in Christian garb and jargon cannot cover the nakedness of this cult of self that has infested much of the church . . . How can we ever hope to discover our purpose in the earth with little or no interest in His purpose?”
Dunagan, who also wrote The Mission-Minded Child, brings the same perspective to what it means to be a mission-minded family. Her goal is to equip today’s godly parents to train our next generation to make a powerful impact for Jesus Christ by directing their focus outward. “Every day, approximately 150,000 people die; the majority of these people are not saved, and far too many have never even heard God’s Good News of salvation,” says Dunagan. “How can we sit back and hear the Gospel again and again, while many are still waiting to hear it for the first time? [adapted from a mission quote by Oswald J. Smith]. Today’s Christian families desperately need to remember that our purpose in this world involves so much more than what we can attain for ourselves. We’re here to reach the lost.”
The Mission-Minded Family includes suggested activities for families to participate in missions together, as well as resources to help families develop the desire to become more missions-focused. Dunagan discusses the need for families to balance and prioritize their everyday lives and delves into what a family’s finances would look like if they were focused on missions. Families who read and practice principles from this book will receive a rekindled closeness as they participate in ministry together.
“In a mission-minded family, there’s a God-infused energy,” Dunagan explains. “There’s a focus on God’s worldwide purpose and a passion for the lost.” There’s a spiritual depth and hunger that reaches beyond the maintenance mode of cultural Christianity.”
Packed with motivating missions stories, hymns, and quotes, The Mission-Minded Family is a quick resource tool with examples of missionary family heroes, ministry ideas, exciting prayer projects, and even practical tips for international travel. Filled with passionate inspiration, The Mission-Minded Family will be picked up again and again, read aloud, and used as a reference for years to come.
You can also find The Mission-Minded Family at ChristianBook.com, YWAM Publishing, Amazon.com, CBN’s Parable.com, and STL – Authentic Books
Inspire your family, and others, for missions!
Discounts for BULK orders or MINISTRY/CHURCH orders
(For sets of 2, 12, or 24)
It’s easy to mentor FAMILIES with The Mission-Minded Child & The Mission-Minded Family. Get a set for yourself and a few friends, and go through the books together. Take the FREE 40-Day Family Challenge, or start a mentoring group in your home or church (be sure to see our new FREE online Mission-Minded Families study guide for small groups…)
Dr. Duff’s Missionary Appeal for India
“My friend, will you go? Has God spoken to you? Have you heard His Call? Will you not answer, ‘Lord, here am I, send me’? And if you cannot go, will you not send a substitute? – Oswald J. Smith
Let’s stir up a heart for INDIA!
Lately, the nation of India has been in our thoughts and in our prayers, especially the need to support remote national ministers and evangelists.
There are many spiritual needs in this vast country, and so many people who need to hear the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
Here are some links to help you to focus your prayers:
Dr. Duff’s Appeal
An excerpt from A Challenge to Missions
By Oswald J. Smith
Dr. Alexander Duff, that great veteran missionary to India, returned to Scotland to die, and as he stood before the general assembly . . . he made his appeal, but there was no response.
In the midst of his appeal he fainted and was carried off the platform.
The doctor bent over him and examined his heart.
Presently he opened his eyes. “Where am I?” he cried. “Where am I?”
“Lie still,” said the doctor. “You have had a heart attack. Lie still.”
“But,” exclaimed Dr. Duff, “I haven’t finished my appeal. Take me back. Take me back. I must finish my appeal.”
“Lie still,” said the doctor again. “You will go back at the peril of you life.”
But, in spite of the protests of the physician, the old warrior struggled to his feet, and, with the doctor on one side and the moderator of the assembly of the other side, he again mounted the steps of the pulpit platform, and, as he did so, the entire assembly rose to do him honor. Then, when they were seated, he continued his appeal.
And this is what he said:
“When Queen Victoria calls for volunteers for India, hundreds of young men respond; but, when King Jesus calls, no one goes.”
Then he paused. There was silence.
Again he spoke: “Very well,” he concluded, “then, aged though I am, I’ll go back to India. I can lie down on the banks of the Ganges and I can die and thereby I can let the people of India know that there was one man in Scotland who loved them enough to give his life for them.”
In a moment, young men all over the assembly sprang to their feet, crying, “I’ll go! I’ll go!”
And after the old white-haired warrior had been laid to rest, these young men, having graduated, found their way to dark benighted India, there to labor as his substitutes for the Lord Jesus Christ.
My friend, will you go? Has God spoken to you? Have you heard His Call? Will you not answer, “Lord, here am I, send me”? And if you cannot go, will you not send a substitute?
It is for you to decide.
Why should anyone hear the Gospel twice before everyone has heard it once?
A Godly Dad & Goals for 2012
“How we spend our days is how we spend our lives.”
(A quote from a plaque on our sister’s wall . . . )As we’re looking ahead to a New Year, and seeking God for all He has for us in 2012, we need to seek God for His guidance, so that day-by-day, our lives will glorify Him.
Today, we would like to invite you to join us over on another site called “Visionary Womanhood” for an article Ann wrote about her godly dad. The post highlights the testimony of a daily example of prayer, the importance of God’s Word, family encouragement in yearly goal-setting, and the impact of a godly heritage (along with encouragement for YOU to seek God will for this New Year).
Come join us today at Visionary Womanhood:
Click here for the article > > Seeking God’s Vision for 2012
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