Dear Friends of Frontier Ventures,
Today we want to explain the culmination of a number of important events for our ministry as Frontier Ventures.
Forty plus years ago, a former missionary with no money and no staff refocused the attention of the missions industry on the Unreached Peoples of the world. Everyone (outside of a handful of followers) in 1980 believed this was impossible. But by 1990, the entire missionary enterprise had been turned on its head and the world of missions had been refocused on 16,750 Unreached People groups. A diminutive man with a clip on tie, a handful of staff, a huge belief in the Word of God and the power of the Holy Spirit changed the world.
Some things are different now. Several years ago, people were suggesting that the time for the U.S. Center for World Mission/Frontier Ventures had passed and that we had accomplished what God wanted. We should fold up our tent and go out of business. I didn't believe it at all then and I believe it even less now.
The vision for the Unreached Peoples was only the first part of what God has wanted to say to the Church and missions world. God has more to say and once again diminutive, insignificant people have an impossible message for the Church and the world of missions.
Once again, we believe the vision comes from God, and things that seem impossible to men are very possible for God. I think the prophet Habakkuk speaks into this situation from across time from chapter 2;
...the LORD answered me and said,
"Record the vision,
inscribe it on tablets,
That the one who reads it may run.
3"For the vision is yet for the appointed time;
It hastens toward the goal and it will not fail.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
For it will certainly come, it will not delay.
4"Behold, as for the proud one,
His soul is not right within him;
But the righteous will live by his faith.
(What is the goal that we hasten toward?)
14 That the earth will be filled
With the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Over a year ago we entered a new chapter of our life as a ministry and as a series of communities. That meant being on a journey with Jesus.
William Carey International University (WCIU) has announced the planned purchase of its long-term missions campus:
"The pending sale positions WCIU for a new chapter in its research and preparation of men and women to work at the roots of human problems, while also helping to ensure that the legacy of Frontier Ventures continues. The two groups will retain a significant presence adjacent to the near-15-acre site in Pasadena, California."
If you would like to read more on the WCIU campus update, please visit THIS link.
We appreciate your prayers for all of us as we continue to journey towards seeing Jesus movements within every people.
Until all have heard,
Francis Patt, General Director