“Best Times” for Missions During the “Worst Times”

December 10, 2008 – 1:40 pm

A couple of months back, John Piper gave 4 reasons why, during this economic downturn, “The worst of all times is the best of times for missions“:

1. During an economic downturn we are more dependent on God. That is the most fertile soil for creating missionaries.
2. During an economic downturn unreached people around the world do not expect you to come, but to look out for yourself. So they may more likely see your risk as love rather than exploitation.
3. During an economic downturn those who need Christ around the world may be less secure in earthly things and more ready to hear about eternal life.
4. During an economic downturn people at home may be wakened to the brevity of life and the fragility of material things, and so may become more generous not less. And when they give under these circumstances, it will make Christ look all the more like the all-satisfying Treasure that he is.

These observations were drawn from a study of Lamentations 3; this book was penned during one of the lowest times for Israel. “But in that moment they were given the best of promises,

The steadfast love of the Lord never ceases; his mercies never come to an end; they are new every morning; great is your faithfulness. (3:22-23)”

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