Preface

I sat in the upper level of the auditorium at the University of Illinois in Urbana, listening to the heavy-weights of the evangelical community challenge 17,000 college students to a vital and personal commitment to world evangelization. It was InterVarsity’s Urbana Student Mission Conference.

I must admit I had begun daydreaming when all of a sudden there was that statement: "In secular war, for every one person on the battle front, there are nine others backing him up in what is called the ’line of communication.’"

The concept exploded like a mortar shell! The speaker had been drawing a parallel between secular war and the spiritual warfare that accompanies cross-cultural ministry. He continued, "And how can we expect to win with any less than that ratio? God is not looking for Lone Rangers or Superstars; He is commanding an army—soldiers of the Cross."

I said, "Thank You, Lord, for that confirmation!" At that time I was directing a one-year school of evangelism which had a strong emphasis on cross-cultural outreach. Though I had had no background in secular war, as soon as students applied to the school, I had been encouraging them to build around themselves a team of nine people who would support them in prayer, since enrolling in this school was saying to the enemy, "I am getting out of the pew and onto the battlefield!"

Since that evening at Urbana, with more vigor than ever, I have encouraged, exhorted—even implored—anyone going into cross-cultural outreach ministry to not leave home without a strong, committed support team—a group that accepts the ministry of serving as senders.

By the time we’re through with our study together, you’ll be able to answer this question: How can I get involved in the Great Commission of world evangelization even though I’m just an ordinary human being called to stay at home?

You can become personally involved in the mission process as a sender.

Ministering by His grace,

Neal Pirolo

San Diego, California