Former Grace Brethren International Missions executive director Tom Julien, who is the author of Antioch Revisited (pictured), recently received a glowing tribute for the book in an e-mail from an executive in the Southern Baptists’ International Mission Board. Here is an edited excerpt–rejoice at the book’s impact and continue to pray for its effectiveness. It, and all other BMH books, may be purchased at www.bmhbooks.com or by calling (toll-free) 1-800-348-2756.
“Greetings in the Lord’s name from the International Mission Board in Richmond, VA! What a privilege it is to write to you and thank you for the wonderful book, Antioch Revisited: Reuniting the Church with Her Mission!
“It is proving to be a wonderful way to communicate our agency’s vision. Our vision is: ‘We will lead Southern Baptists to be on mission with God to bring all the peoples of the earth to saving faith in Jesus Christ.’ Our president, Dr. Jerry Rankin, has led us to this vision and we are seeing increasing numbers of churches in our denomination awaken to their responsibility.
“We are also seeing increasing numbers of missionaries awaken to the new emerging resource of a missions-minded church ready to engage the lost and impact the missionary’s own effectiveness. I personally believe that the days ahead are exciting as missionary leadership and facilitation and willing church partners converge and the resulting synergy propels us forward!
“Shortly after I read your book in July or August, I shared the gist of the story with Dr. Rankin. His response was immediate and he encouraged me to order more to share. I ordered an initial 30 books and shared with leaders at our home office.
“Shortly after that purchase I ordered another 60 to share with our eleven regional personalizers (a missionary assignment representing a region of the world primarily to connect our regions—and missionaries within those regions—with churches) and our regional partnership strategists for each region (a missionary assignment on the field facilitating partnerships and assisting missionaries to strategically utilize partners).
“Some of this batch of books will be shared with some of our trustees, as well. I have ordered this most recent order of 120 to share with our regional leadership teams. Your story is making a significant contribution!
“I’ve shared as briefly as possible but wanted to communicate how much I appreciate this story! I also want to pass on appreciation to John Leonard who has served me well every time I’ve ordered books. He’s been so helpful!”