The world of wikipedia has changed a lot about how we search for and gather information.

Did you know that there is a missions wiki out there that is helping to gather missions info?

Check out Missiopedia. It is a great start but you can help to add more info on the things about missions that you are passionate about. 

No one likes to fail. That word stings when you hear it! But is there another way to look at failure? This week on the podcast we are talking about failing hands.

What do I mean by that? Consider this . . . there are many reasons why you might fail as you try to be obedient to Christ's call on your life.

But you say, "What about the victorious Christian life? Doesn't God guarantee success?"

Well, one answer is "NO." Talk to any veteran missionary and they will share about hard failures in their life. Some are their own fault, some are caused by outside forces . . . but each failure teaches us something. It also prepares the way for other things.

In one of my first ministry jobs, I worked on a youth evangelistic web site for years and saw initial success. In the end much of the project died, BUT one key part of the project still lives on. I was sad to see the apparent failure, but God was using that entire project to push forward one part and see great results.

Another answer is "WHAT DOES GOD CONSIDER SUCCESS?" Simply put, you could see your ministry as a failure but God's eternal perspective could see success.

Are you willing to fail in the world's eyes if it means bringing glory to God and seeing Kingdom Impact in the long-term?

Do you have any experiences with a failure that turned out to be an eternal success?

How would you handle failure as a missionary? 

Wow - talk about a loaded word . . . FANATICAL.

We hear it all the time in blogs, in magazines and on TV. But it never means something positive. This week on the podcast we are talking about fanatical hands.

What does that mean?

Well it is very simple. The job of missions is a tough one. There are a million challenges, misunderstandings, hurdles to overcome. Without a fanatical passion to communicate God's love, we won't last very long.

You might be saying,  "That sounds alarmist and melodramatic!" Well, maybe it sounds that way as we sit in our high speed living rooms watching HDTV on our new flat screen.

But when you are spraying for fleas for the third time, up all night studying a new language, being ignored by your neighbors, being manipulated by those in the church . . . you get the idea.

The work of missions is hard and we need to have a deep passion and commitment that can only come from God. If you work yourself up into commitment, that will be the first thing to go.

The passion and fanatical vision that lasts only comes from God.

So are you praying for that kind of vision today?

Have you heard God answer your prayer?