The TNTV Bible!

I'm writing a version of the Bible!! 

Yes, the whole thing.  

So - I'm starting a new project online. I had this thought about a year and a half ago and never did it. I'm writing a Twitter version of the Bible. All 66 books in 140 characters each. Another group wrote the "Twitter Bible" by summarizing each chapter. I'm going even farther and summarizing each book. Yes, the short paraphrase is enough to make even Eugene Peterson squirm, but it's more for me than anything. I'm looking to capture the 'very' basic essence of each book as best I can. No, I am not a theologian. No, I have not been to seminary. But, I have the Word of God and more resources than I can ever being to use to accomplish this.

I haven't set an official timeline, but I'm hoping to do about one a week. Look for updates on my Twitter feed @mattdivens or on my bloghttp://mybrokenworship.blogspot.com/ or here.
So with that, I begin The New Twitter Version TNTV of the Bible. 

Genesis - https://twitter.com/MattDivens/status/482517854223233027

24 Things I Wish North American Short-Term Missionaries Would Start Doing…

        Recently a post showed up on the web and gained a lot of popularity.  The title was, 

"24 Things World Christians Wish North American Short-Term Missionaries Would Quit Doing…".  

   The premise is that many of us going on short-term missions are missing mark and possibly even doing more harm than good.  While I do not argue many of the points they raise and all of us should be cognizant of our hearts and actions, my own heart ached a bit at this list of "don'ts".

   In my own life I find things much easier to attain if I am working 'toward' something instead of trying to get away from something.  So, in conjunction with the previously mentioned article, I came up with this:


24 Things I Wish North American Short-Term Missionaries Would Start Doing…  :-)

1. Sitting down with those they are visiting and listening to their stories
2. Giving LOTS of hugs
3. Laughing and crying with them 
4. Being careful to dress modestly and making others feel comfortable
5. Asking people what they believe about God and quietly listening
6. Sharing, not preaching, and only when appropriate, your own story of how and why you love God
7. Trying very hard to learn some of their language.  Even a few words can make a big difference.
8. Play games with them.  Games are universal.
9. Sing with them in your language and theirs.  Music is universal.
10.  Learn the names, carefully, of the people with whom you are working.
11. Try to build at least one meaningful friendship.  Get their address (if possible) and write them!
12. Ask them if there is anything that they might want to do.  (You'll be surprised what they might say!)
13. Worship with them in their own church on Sunday
14. While doing #13 - sit with them. (not in your own group)
15. Share your own hurts and struggles.  Be real!  Let them pray for you!  :-)
16. Spend every morning in the Word and in prayer.  Listen for God to speak before you start your "work".
17. Go "local" (if possible).  Eat with them, wear local clothes, etc.  Let them see your respect for their culture.
18. Be sure you have a truthful and meaningful answer if someone asks "Why are you here?".
19. Bring a giving heart!  Time, money, blood, sweat and tears.  God can use it all!
20. Look for the outliers.  Those people on the edges.  Sit with them.  Talk with them.  
21. Bring a copy of your favorite verse in both languages.  Learn to say it in their language and teach it in English too! :-)  (then talk about it!)
22. Go somewhere that has an established ministry and help them with their need and mission.
23. Did I say to give out lots of hugs? :-)
24. Remember, it's HIS mission, not ours.  Find out what He is doing and be a part of that.  It will be so much more rewarding.

Short-term missions can be a good and beautiful thing.  Work 'toward' whatever God has planned and 'His' mission.  

By reaching out in love, with caring attitudes and humble hearts we can be the face of Jesus on this earth - no matter where we go!

Matt

p.s. - I challenge everyone to add in the comments below a million more GOOD things we should be doing on these trips.  The list should be endless. :-)