Winter 2006 Rapport: Thoughts from the Prez
Back to Table of Contents
Download this
page from
the Winter 2006 Rapport (PDF, 136 KB,Download
Help, Download Time Calculator)
J. Philip Hogan was the epitome
of a “missionary
statesman.” His influence dominated Assemblies of God
(AG) missionary efforts for the last half of the 20th century.
One of my fondest memories of Brother Hogan come from a small
dinner in El Salvador attended by missionaries serving Latin
America. It was 1990, and he had just retired from 30 years
of service as executive director of AG missions.
Hogan
believed, “Missions cannot be reduced entirely
to rational strategies, priorities, and techniques.” Rather, “the
Spirit blows where it wills.” |
When he rose to speak, he read a text I had read before but
never really heard: “I revealed myself to those who did not ask
for me; I was found by those who did not seek me. To a nation that
did not call on my name, I said, ‘Here am I, here am I” (Isaiah
65:1, NIV). Brother Hogan then proceeded to tell of his recent
visit to China and all God had done there in his 40 years since
his missionary service in that nation. He finished with the affirmation
that the growth of Christianity in China was a clear indicator
of what this text suggested. I remember leaving that meeting
with my whole being anticipating what God might be doing in the
world.
Hogan believed, “Missions cannot be reduced entirely to
rational strategies, priorities and techniques.” Rather, “theSpirit
blows where it wills.
The Hogan legacy, honored at AGTS by the J. Philip Hogan Chair
of World Missions, will motivate generations of missionaries
to yield to the strategy of the Spirit and believe that God still
reveals himself to nations who have not asked for him, “Here
am I! Here am I!”
President Byron D. Klaus
To receive monthly commentary from President
Klaus by email, visit www.agts.edu/prez_release.
Each Prez Release contains thoughts on society, the Bible and
the church’s
role in today’s world.
Updated:
Monday, July 17, 2006 11:01 AM
|
