Global Diaspora Network Holding Event
On October 20, 2010, during the 3rd Lausanne congress in Capetown, Dr. Sadiri Joy Tira was reappointed to serve for another five years as Lausanne Senior Associate for Diasporas. Following that appointment he invited key Evangelical “movers” in the diaspora movement to form the Global Diaspora Network (GDN) under the umbrella of the Lausanne Movement. Now GDN serves as a catalytic organization motivating and mobilizing diaspora Christians to partner for global missions and addressing key issues related to 21st century missions.
Since its launch last year, the GDN has been witnessing God’s amazing works in missions globally. It is exciting to see the church of Jesus Christ moving forward and faithfully obeying the mandate of bringing the whole gospel to the whole world. Indeed, God is on the move!
The GDN met for the first time, on February 21, 2011 in Paris, France. One of the decisions made was for GDN to call a Global Diaspora (Missiology) congress in March 2015. Also discussed was to accelerate the use of technologies in evangelism and discipleship for the “people on the move.” GDN covets your support more than ever. Your prayer and support will assist in:
a) Gathering together vital research and experts in the field of migration including members of the government and diplomatic communities, Missiologists, and aid workers.
b) Informing about the challenges and opportunities of ministries among Diaspora groups and inspiring a vision to explore new approaches to minister to these groups.
c) Championing and emphasizing the importance of Diaspora Missiology in seminaries and educational institutions.
d) Igniting a passion to mobilize the Church to that end, and to provide local congregations with resources for equipping diaspora Christians with tools for evangelism and discipleship in their host countries.
Two important events will take place in Manila this July and August specifically as follows:
(1) July 20-27, 2011 the GDN Executive Committee will be meeting with the GDN Board Of Trustees. Related to this, the GDN is hosting a special lecture on “Diaspora Missiology” on July 25, 09:00 – 12:00 with Dr. Sadiri Joy Tira, Lausanne’s Senior Associate on Diasporas and Chairman/Founder of GDN.
It will be a two-part-lecture, which will also be graced by Dr. Tetsunao Yamamori, a leading expert on missions in various seminaries and universities in North America, UK, and Asia. Dr. Yamamori authored and edited over two dozens books. This lecture will be open to denominational heads, pastors, missions’ leaders, and seminary students.
There will also be a special dinner fellowship (by invitation only for 30-50 persons), for Evangelical denominational leaders, key Pastors, and heads of various missions’ organizations, with Dr. Ted Yamamori & Dr. Sadiri Tira as honored guests. During the dinner fellowship GDN Executive Committee will present its Vision and roadmap towards the congress in March 2015.
(2) GDN is also hosting “The Far East Asia Educators Forum” from August 11-14, 2011. There will be 2 solid days of consultation (August 12, 13). This will be participated in by invited scholars in Asia. The theme is “Envisioning God’s Vision Among the People on the Move.” It will specifically look into; a) identifying critical Issues & surveying the regional diaspora landscape, b) realizing a regional diaspora theological education & missiology, and, c) charting the future of diaspora missiology in the Far & South East Asian context.
Please pray as GDN moves forward for the reaching to and through People on the Move.
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Dr. Grant McClung, President of Missions Resource Group and International Missionary Educator for Church of God World Missions, is a member of the GDN Advisory Board.
