Understanding the characteristics of the continent helps understand African political forces.

Mark 13:10 and its more frequently quoted Synoptic parallel, Matthew 24:14 (“This gospel of the kingdom shall be proclaimed throughout the entire inhabited earth for a testimony to all nations. Then shall the end come.”) are part of the great Olivet Discourse of the Lord Jesus Christ.

While visiting the Buddhist temple in Kamakura, I came to one gate beyond which an exquisite garden beckoned to me. It seemed to exude the peace for which one can grow starved while living in Tokyo. Unfortunately, on that day I could do no more than snap a slide while standing beneath the gate, for a sign forbade entrance.

Scripture tells us that we must look out to the harvest fields, but before doing that, it is often most helpful to take an inward look. The inward look should signify a frank, honest, realistic appraisal of our missions – including past accomplishments, present program and work – and then whether plans for the future are adequate for our part in completing the Great Commission.

The letters you write for wide distribution at home are essentially prayer letters, even if they do take on a different form from those you send to the inner circle of prayer helpers. In another sense, they are newsletters, giving information as a stimulus and a guide to prayer. A newsy letter is a good letter.