Pamir Tajiks

The Tajik people who live in the Xinjiang Province are related but not close relations to those Tajiks of Tajikistan. They are sometimes called Pamir Tajiks, after the Pamir Mountains, where their homes are located. Ethnically and in many ways culturally, they are similar to those in Tajikistan, but one of the main differences is that they have their own language. This distinct language is unwritten, so while they use it to communicate at home, most know either Uyghur or Mandarin Chinese (or both) to speak with others.

Their physical appearance is nothing like that of others in Eastern Asia. They have dark complexions like other Central Asian peoples, but their facial features remind me more of Caucasians in structure. Many have lighter brown hair and some even have dark blue or green eyes. One other interesting fact is that they admire big noses.

Religiously they are considered Muslims, but they have mixed that belief system with older beliefs from their culture. So, they have a very convoluted faith that mixes Islam with mystic traditions. The simple truth is they need the Light of the Gospel to penetrate thru their spiritual darkness.

The government does make it hard to live in this area, but last time I checked God said in His Word, that “greater is He that is in you, than he that is in the world.” Sure, it won’t be easy to live and minister in that corner of the world, but did God promise us a bed of roses when we choose to serve Him? No, but He does promise to be there with you every step of the way. 

Josh Norton Obituary

DECIN, Czech Republic—Joshua P. Norton, 40, unexpectedly went home to be with the Lord on Monday, August 6, 2012, at his home in Decin, Czech Republic. He was born December 9, 1971, Hudson, NY, the son of Richard and Miriam Underhill Norton. He grew up in New Hampshire, attended Christian schools, and earned a degree in electrical engineering from Norwich University in Vermont. He proudly served in the Marine Corps for four years as an enlisted man and in a second tour as an officer. Joshua willingly left a promising career in the Marine Corp to attend Bible college where he met his wife and answered a call from his Savior to serve on the mission field. Joshua married Maelene Hinkley on June 10, 2000, and faithfully served in the Czech Republic since February 2005. Joshua lovingly devoted himself to his wife and children. His love for his family and friends and the people of the Czech Republic were evident. But foremost, Joshua was committed to the Lord Jesus Christ. His faith was real, and he truly desired to honor and glorify his Savior with his life. From numerous hikes through the woods to helping memorize spelling lists, he was a terrific daddy actively involved in his children’s lives. He was an outstanding husband who not only loved but cherished his wife. He was a hopeless tightwad when spending on himself, yet very generous when giving to the needs of others. Joshua is survived by his wife, Maelene: four sons, Ethan, Seth, Levi, and Grant and a daughter Candace; his parents; brothers Daniel and Paul; sisters Faith and Lois; and 28 nieces and nephews. 

Soldier goes Home

I want to request prayer for the Norton family. 

They have been missionaries in the Czech Republic for about 8 years. I stayed at their house in Decin two summers ago. Wonderful family! committed to our Lord. 

this past Monday night, Bro. Josh went to sleep in his home there in the Czech Rep. and woke up in his real Home of Heaven. 

For reasons, we do not know or understand, God took him home. Please pray for his wife Mae and their 5 kids who are now without a husband and a dad. 

Preach the Cross - Reach the Lost

Yea, so have I strived to preach the gospel, not where Christ was named, lest I should build upon another man's foundation: 

But as it is written, To whom he was not spoken of, they shall see: and they that have not heard shall understand.

For Christ sent me not to baptize, but to PREACH THE GOSPEL: not with wisdom of words, lest the cross of Christ should be made of none effect. 

For the preaching of the cross is to them that perish foolishness; but unto us which are saved it is the power of God. 

For I determined not to know any thing among you, SAVE JESUS CHRIST, AND HIM CRUCIFIED.

Have you been preaching the Gospel to those in your life? 

The Unfinished Task

“Facing a Task Unfinished”

By Frank Houghton, 1930

Facing a task unfinished,

That drives us to our knees,

A need that undiminished,

Rebukes our slothful ease,

We, who rejoice to know Thee,

Renew before Thy throne,

The solemn pledge we owe Thee,

To go and make Thee known.

Where other lords beside Thee

Hold their unhindered sway,

Where forces that defied Thee,

Defy Thee still today,

With none to heed their crying

For life, and love, and light,

Unnumbered souls are dying,

And pass into the night.

We bear the torch that flaming

Fell from the hands of those,

Who gave their lives proclaiming

That Jesus died and rose.

Ours is the same commission,

The same glad message ours,

Fired by the same ambition,

To Thee we yield our powers.

O Father Who sustained them,

O Spirit Who inspired,

Saviour, Whose love constrained them,

To toil with zeal untired,

From cowardice defend us,

From lethargy awake!

Forth on Thine errands send us

To labour for Thy sake.

A Few Quotes

“We are inclined to think too much of ourselves and too little of our neighbor . . . . To accept and affirm the dignity of the other will nurture the image of God in them. To devalue that person or fail to show respect will contribute to a further distortion of the image of God in them.”
- Duane Elmer

“Missionaries must come to an even greater realization of the importance of culture in communicating Christ. In the final analysis, they can effectively communicate to the people of any given culture to the extent that they understand that culture.”
– David Hesselgrave

"Does it really matter how many die or how much money we spend in opening closed doors, and in occupying the different fields, if we really believe that missions are warfare and that the King’s glory is at stake? War always means blood and treasure. Our only concern should be to keep the fight aggressive and to win victory regardless of cost or sacrifice. The unoccupied fields of the world must have their Calvary before they have their Pentecost.”
– Missionary Samuel Zwemer (Missionary to the Muslims of Saudi Arabia)

Just a few quotes I found about missions on BSWE.org 

BSWE (Biblical School of World Evangelism) is a missions school based out of First Baptist Church of Milford, OH.

Their goal is train warriors for the missionfield. It is not easy to leave your home and move away to another culture, language and people. But isn't our little discomfort worth it, if people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ? 

What are YOU doing for the cause of Christ???

Ten Commandments for Missionaries

(from the Nationals point of view)

1. Thou shalt not have any other objective than the glory of God in planting churches in foreign countries

2. Thou shalt learn the language well

3. Thou shalt respect their culture

4. Thou shalt not underestimate the people

5. Thou shalt not be hard-headed so as not to work well with other missionaries

6. Thou shalt not impose ready-made, cut-and-dried North American solutions or programs 

7. Thou shalt not bring the evils of North American churches and Christians to the field

8. Thou shalt be a servant

9. Thou shalt treat the people as equals and brothers

10. Thou shalt take much thought to the equipment that is taken to the field

Mongolia

Sandwiched between Russia and China, Mongolia occupies a strategic spot on the globe. It is only slightly smaller than the state of Alaska and its land is diverse. In the south, lies the Gobi Desert, a vast emptiness of sand. The northeast contains giant steppes and in the west, mountains and hills occupy the landscape. Most know the country only because of its history and its mighty leader in the 13th Century.

square in Ulaanbaatar (UB)

Ghengis Khan /tʃiŋɡʊs hɑn/

Ghengis unified all the local Mongol tribes and then lead them in establishing the largest land empire the world has ever known. His kingdom covered most of modern day China and reached into eastern Europe. After the Great Khan's death, the empire splintered off and eventually fell to surrounding peoples. They were governed by outsiders until 1911, when they declared independence from China. That was short lived however, and in 1921 the Soviets brought them into their Union. Again in 1990, Mongolia declared its independence.

overlooking a Mongol town

Currently - Mongolia has a population around 3 million. One third of whom live in the capital, Ulaanbaatar /ulɑnbɑtr/. Roughly 90% of the people are ethnically Mongolian. Total there is 23 ethnic groups within the country and 16 different languages spoken. The traditional beliefs of Buddhism and Shamanism are practiced by much of the population. A large portion also claim to be non-religious.
The need for more to actively spread the Gospel is high. So many Mongols have never heard a clear presentation of Gospel. Will you pray for these people?

traditional gers 

The Mongol people are very hospitable; they love guests. If you visit their ger (or their apartment in the city), you will most likely be served their 'milk tea.' It has a very, uh unique taste! It kinda grows on you after a while. :) And the horse and yak aren't as bad as you might think.

typical scenery in the countryside

Information from:
Joshua Project <www.joshuaproject.net>
Operation World 7th Edition by Jason Mandryk 
and personal experience

Blog's Origin

What does World Missions and Mafia have in common?

Here's the story -

One day several of the students at BBTI (myself included) were talking about missions. After all, that's why we are here at BBTI - Baptist Bible Translators Institute. Prior to this occasion, many in my life have teased me about "knowing everyone." While that is a false statement, I do know a lot of people. And those I don't know, well never mind, I don't want to give away all my secrets. Back to the story.... During this particular instance, the statement came up again that I know everyone. Jokingly, one person said it was as if I was the head of the Missions Mafia. 

Of course, it was all in jest, but thereafter, several have mentioned that I should use this "talent" for a good cause. Such as, connecting those who maybe otherwise wouldn't know each other. Therefore, this is the beginning of the Missions Mafia Blog! 

Welcome! 

I do not know if this will be an effective or ever "get off the ground," but it will be fun at least! 

My purpose for this blog all centers around Missions. I might do a missionary profile of someone I know (only if that missionary would not be endangered by doing so). Or perhaps give facts about a country or people group that needs more missionaries. I hope that many will enjoy reading about Missions and ALL are welcome to comment or email me if they have a particular request for information about a certain area.

Also, when I hear of a particular need a missionary might have, perhaps for a short term helper, I will also note that. Maybe that will actually be the avenue for people to team up for the Lord's Work! 

After all, there is MUCH to be done for the GREAT COMMISSION! 

Let us join together and see God's Word Go Forth!!!