Author: Jeffrey Bush

Jeffrey Bush has served with Vision Baptist Mission since May 2012. Prior to this assignment the Bush family faithfully served the Lord for 8 years in Argentina, South America. During their time in Argentina, God blessed their efforts resulting in five churches, a radio ministry, and a Bible college to train those called to the ministry.
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Jeff’s Personal Reading List

Jeff’s Personal Reading List:

Jeffrey Bush (updated 12-29-2021)

I do not endorse everything in these books, but I’ve found them to be useful in areas I am studying or trying to grow in. I am a child of God and the Bible is the best of all books, but I believe it wise to study and to better in every area as a husband, father, friend, leader, preacher, and encourager. I trust that some of the books listed below will challenge you as well.  

Finances

    • Money, Possessions, and Eternity by Randy Alcorn 
    • The Treasure Principle by Randy Alcorn
    • Total Money Makeover by Dave Ramsey
    • Rich Dad Poor Dad by Robert T. Kiyosaki
    • The Richest Man in Babylon by Denis Waitley
    • The Richest Man Who Ever Lived by Steven K. Scott

Marriage for Husband

    • If Only He Knew by Gary Smalley
    • 7 Ways to Be Her Hero by Doug Fields
    • 52 things wives need from their husbands by Jay Payleitner
    • For Married Men Only by Tony Evans
    • Worthy of Her Trust by Stephen Arterburn
    • Tender Warrior by Stu Weber
    • Men Who Love Fierce Women by Leroy & Kimberly Wagner

Marriage for Wife

    • Fierce Women by Kimberly Wagner 
    • Control Girl by Shannon Popkin
    • The Most Important Year in a Woman’s Life/Man’s Life by Robert Wolgemuth
    • Capture His Heart by Lysa TerKeurst
    • The Christian Girl’s Guide to Great Sex by Sheila Wray Gegoire

Marriage for Both Husband & Wife

    • Love and Respect by Emerson Eggerichs 
    • The Best Advice I Ever Got on Marriage by Jim Daly
    • The Five Love Languages by Gary Chapman
    • Men are from Mars, Women are from Venus by Dr. John Gray
    • When Risqué is Okay by Clint Caviness
    • Boundaries in Marriage by Henry Cloud and John Townsend
    • The Intimate Marriage by RC Sproul
    • Four Seasons of Marriage by Gary Chapman
    • Turn up the Heat by Kevin Leman
    • How to Re-spark and Keep Chemistry in your Relationship Forever by Leil Lowndes
    • Sacred Marriage by Gary Thomas
    • Fall in Love, Stay in Love by Willard Harley, Jr. 
    • Married and Still Loving It by Gary Chapman
    • Trading Places by Les and Leslie Parrott
    • His Needs, Her Needs by Dr. Willard F. Harley, Jr. 
    • How We Love by Milan Yerkovich 
    • Sheet Music by Kevin Leman
    • Sex Begins in the Kitchen by Kevin Leman
    • Have a New Sex Life by Friday by Kevin Leman
    • Marriage Done Right by Jim Daly

Dating

    • The Purity Principle by Randy Alcorn
    • Passion and Purity by Elizabeth Elliot
    • The New Rules for Love, Sex, and Dating by Andy Stanley
    • Things I Wish I’d Known Before We Got Married by Gary Chapman
    • Saving your Marriage Before it Starts by Les and Leslie Parrot

Leadership

    • Spiritual Leadership by J. Oswald Sanders
    • Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips
    • Outliers by Malcolm Gladwell
    • Leadership Gold by John Maxwell
    • Axiom by Bill Hybels
    • The Motivation Mastery by Chris Widener
    • Courageous by Bill Hybels
    • The Book on Leadership by John MacArthur
    • The Go-Giver by Bob Burg
    • Becoming a Person of Influence by John Maxwell
    • The 21 Most Powerful Minutes in a Leaders Day by John Maxwell
    • The 21 Indispensable Qualities of a Leader by John Maxwell
    • Making Vision Stick by Andy Stanley
    • Mistakes Leaders Make by Dave Kraft
    • Never Eat Alone by Tahl Raz and Keith Ferrazzi
    • The Spiritual Leader by Paul Chappell
    • Developing the Leaders Around You by John Maxwell
    • Good to Great by Jim Collins 
    • The Leader in You by Dale Carnegie
    • The Coaching Habit by Michael Bungay
    • Training Camp by Jon Gordon
    • The 360 Degree Leader by John Maxwell
    • How to Lead When You’re Not in Charge by Clay Scroggins
    • What Makes a Leader by Daniel Goleman
    • What The Most Successful People Do Before Breakfast by Laura Vanderkam
    • The Lasting Impact of Positive Leadership by Stan Toler
    • Living Forward by Michael Hyatt
    • Leadership 101 by John Maxwell

Leadership, Time Management

    • Time Management in an Instant by Karen Leland
    • Eat That Frog by Brian Tracy
    • Time Warrior by Steve Chandler
    • Listful Thinking by Paula Rizzo
    • Deep Work by Cal Newport
    • 50 Lessons I Learned From The World’s #1 Goal Achiever by Vic Johnson

Leadership, Determination—Drive

    • The Rhinoceros Success by Scott Alexander
    • The 10 X Rule by Grant Cardone
    • The Way of the Fight by Georges St.-Pierre 
    • Grit by Angela Duckworth
    • Start by Jon Acuff
    • Extreme Ownership by Jocko Willink and Leif Babin
    • Excellence Wins by Dean Merrill
    • Be Obsessed or Be Average by Grant Cardone
    • 8 Hours or Less by Ryan Huguley 
    • All In by Mark Batterson
    • Grit to Great by Linda Kaplan Thaler
    • The Compound Effect by Darren Hardy

Preaching

    • Preaching that Pleases God by Tom Farrell
    • Teaching on Preaching by Jack Hyles
    • Teaching on Teaching by Jack Hyles
    • Biblical Preaching by Haddon Robinson
    • The Power of Preaching by Tony Evans

Public Speaking

    • Everyone Communicates, Few Connect by John Maxwell
    • The Quick and Easy Way to Effective Speaking by Dale Carnegie
    • Speak Like Lincoln, Stand Like Churchill by James C. Humes
    • TED Talks by Akash Karia
    • Talk Like TED by Camine Gallo
    • Public Speaking to Win by Dale Carnegie
    • The Art of Storytelling by Jeff Davidson
    • 7 Laws of the Learner by Bruce Wilkinson
    • 7 Laws of the Teacher by Howard Hendricks
    • The Seven Laws of Teaching by John Milton Gregory
    • Smart Talk by Lisa B. Marshall
    • The Art of Public Speaking by John R. Hale
    • Communicating For Change by Andy Stanley
    • What Great Teachers Do Differently by Todd Whitaker
    • How to Talk to Anyone, Anytime, Anywhere by Larry King
    • How To Speak So People Will Listen by Ronald L. Willingham 
    • The Essential of Persuasive Public Speaking by Sims Wyeth
    • Public Speaking Confidence by Glenn Harrold
    • Communicate What You Think by Earl Nightingale 
    • How to Make Our Listeners Like Us by Dale Carnegie

Christian Life

    • Tale of Three Kings by Gene Edwards
    • Ordering Your Private World by Gordon MacDonald
    • Pilgrims Progress by John Bunyan
    • The Normal Christian Life by Watchman Nee 
    • Cat and Dog Theology By Bob Sjogern
    • Zeal Without Burnout by Christopher Ash
    • The Red Sea Rules by Robert Morgan
    • The Calvary Road by Roy Hession
    • The God Ask by Steve Shadrach 
    • Reclaiming Surrendered Ground by Jim Logan
    • The Bumps are What You Climb On by Warren W. Wiersbe
    • 14-Day Worry Cure by Dale Carnegie 
    • Love Focused by Bob Hughes

Freedom From Temptations

    • Finally Free by Heath Lambert
    • When Young Men are Tempted by Bill Perkins
    • When Good Men are Tempted by Bill Perkins
    • Demolishing Strongholds by Johnny Hunt
    • The Invisible War by Chip Ingram
    • The Strategy of Satan by Warren Wiersbe
    • The Fight of Your Life by Tim Clinton
    • True Purity by Hayley & Michael DiMarco
    • Sexual Detox by Tim Challies 
    • Every Young Man’s Battle (also Every Man’s Battle) by Stephen Arterburn and Fred Stoeker
    • Victory Over The Darkness by Neil T. Anderson
    • The Porn Problem by Vaughn Roberts

Prayer

    • When We Say Father by Adrian Rogers
    • Power Through Prayer by E.M. Bounds
    • Prayers For Freedom Over Worry and Anxiety by Bruce Wilkinson 
    • Praying The Bible by Donald S. Whitney

Parenting Girls

    • Bringing Up Girls by James Dobson
    • Strong Fathers, Strong Daughters by Meg Meeker
    • Be the Dad She Needs You To Be by Kevin Leman
    • 52 Things Daughters Need From Their Dad by Jay Payleitner

Parenting Boys

    • Bringing up Boys by James Dobson
    • Better Dad’s Stronger Sons by Rick Johnson
    • Raising Men, Not Boys by Mark Faberez
    • Take the Lead by Robert J. Kurtz

Parenting General

    • 52 Things Kids Need From a Dad by Jay Payleitner
    • Making Children Mind Without Losing Yours by Kevin Leman
    • How to Have a New Kid by Friday by Kevin Leman
    • How to Bring Your Children to Christ..& Keep Them There by Ray Comfort 
    • The Tech-Wise Family by Andy Crouch
    • Point Man by Steve Farrar
    • Grace Based Parenting by Tim Kemmel
    • Planet Middle school by Kevin Leman
    • Hero by Meg Meeker
    • Family Worship by Donald S. Whitney
    • King Me by Steve Farrar 
    • How to Help Your Anxious Teen by Jessica Thompson 
    • God-Confident Kids by Cyndie Claypool de Neve
    • Family Worship by Donald S Whitney
    • The Duties of Parents by J.C. Ryle
    • Why Your Kids Misbehave by Kevin Leman
    • The Best Advice I Ever Got on Parenting by Jim Daly

Ministry

    • Lectures to my Students by Charles Spurgeon
    • Order in the Church by Paul Chappell
    • Some Things I’ve Learned by Curtis Hutson
    • Criswell Guidebook For Pastors by W. A. Criswell
    • Hyles Church Manual by Jack Hyles
    • Meet Generation Z by James Emory White
    • Deep and Wide by Andy Stanley
    • DiscipleShift by Bobby Harrington
    • Building a Discipling Culture by Mike Breen
    • 4 Chair Discipling by Dann Spader 
    • When Work and Family Collide by Andy Stanley

Missions

    • The Challenge of Missions by Oswald J. Smith
    • The Master Plan of Evangelism by Robert E Coleman
    • Deputation Manual by Austin Gardner and Tony Howeth
    • Mentoring for Missions by Günter Krallmann
    • Training of the Twelve by A.B. Bruce
    • Missionary Methods: Saint Paul’s or Ours by Rolland Allen 
    • Faith Promise for World Witness by Norm Lewis
    • Missions in the Twenty-First Century by Tom Telford
    • LAMP, Language Acquisition Made Practical 
    • Today’s All-Star Missions Churches by Tom Telford
    • The Creation of a Student Movement to Evangelize the World by Timothy Wallstrom
    • Go Ye Means You by Norman Lewis
    • Chocolate Soldiers by CT Studd
    • Discovering Missions by Charles R. Gailey
    • So You Want to Be a Missionary by Don Mingo
    • Missions Smart by David L. Frazier

Missions, Church Planting

    • The Anatomy of a Missions Church by Ron Maggard
    • The Indigenous Church by Melvin Hodges
    • Starting a New Church by Ralph Moore
    • The Planting and Development of Missionary Churches by John Nevius 
    • Simple Church by Thom Rainer
    • The Effective Invitation by R. Alan Streett
    • The Principles and Practices of Indigenous Church Planting by Charles Brock
    • The Honest Guide to Church Planting by Tom Bennardo

Missions, Culture Adaptation

    • Culture Shock by Myron Loss
    • Black Like Me by John Howard Griffin
    • Have We No Rights by Mabel Williamson
    • Cross-cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer
    • The Ugly American by William Lederer 
    • Buried in Bitter Waters by Elliot Jaspen
    • Uncle Tom’s Cabin by Harriet Beecher Stowe
    • This is Where You Belong by Melody Warnick
    • Foreign to Familiar by Sarah Lanier 
    • Re-Entry by Peter Jordan

Thought Life

    • Crashing the Chatterbox by Steven Furtick
    • As a Man Thinketh by James Allen.
    • The Power of Attitude by Mac Anderson
    • The Power of your Subconscious Mind by Joseph Murphy
    • Think and Grow Rich by Napoleon Hill
    • Keys to Positive Thinking by Napoleon Hill
    • Making a Good Brain Great by Daniel G. Amen
    • How to Battle Depression and Suicide by Ray Comfort 
    • The Winning Attitude by John Maxwell
    • Redefining Anxiety by John Delony
    • Acres of Diamonds by Russell H. Conwell
    • The Secret of Self Confidence by Norman Vincent Peale 
    • Killing Lions by John Eldredge 
    • Stress is a Choice by David Zerfoss

Sharing The Gospel

    • One Thing You Can’t Do in Heaven by Mark Cahill
    • The Passion for Souls by Oswald J Smith
    • To Seek and to Save by Paul Chappell
    • Out of the Comfort Zone by Ray Comfort

Discipline

    • The Power of Discipline by Brian Tracy
    • Developing Winner Habits by Dennis Waitely
    • The Disciplines of the Christian Life by Eric Liddell
    • The Obstacle is the Way by Ryan Holiday 
    • Atomic Habits by James Clear

Personal Growth

    • Talent is Overrated by Geoff Colvin
    • Stressaholic by Heidi Hanna 
    • The Energy Bus by Jon Gordon
    • Stopping Stress before It Stops You by Kevin Leman
    • The Birth Order by Kevin Leman
    • The Dream Giver by Bruce Wilkinson
    • In a Pit with a Lion on a Snowy Day by Mark Batterson
    • 13 Things Mentally Strong People Don’t Do by Amy Morin
    • The Motivation Manifesto by Brendon Burchard
    • Ziglar on Selling by Zig Ziglar
    • Dangerous Calling by Jack Tripp
    • How to Stop Worrying by Dale Carnegie
    • Intimacy with the Almighty by Charles Swindoll
    • The Prayer of Jabez by Bruce Wilkinson
    • The Positive Dog by Jon Gordon 
    • Foxe’s Book of Martyrs by John Foxe
    • The Wisdom and Teaching of Stephen R. Covey
    • The Man in the Mirror by Patrick Morley
    • Man of God by Charles Stanley 
    • Move Your Bus by Ron Clark
    • The Last Arrow by Erwin McManus
    • The Pursuit of God by A.W. Tozer
    • Who Moved My Cheese by Spencer Johnson
    • Anger is a Choice by Tim LaHaye
    • Why Revival Tarries by Leonard Ravenhill
    • When Good Men Get Angry by Bill Perkins
    • The Fuel and the Flame by Steve Shadrach
    • Suffering is Never for Nothing by Elisabeth Elliot
    • Failure is Never Final by Vic Johnson 

Relating to Others

    • How To Instantly Connect with Anyone by Neil Lowndes
    • Relationships 101 by John Maxwell
    • How to Connect in Business in 90 Seconds or Less by Nicholas Boothman
    • How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie
    • How to Talk to Anyone by Leil Lowndes
    • You’re Not Listening by Kate Murphy
    • 151 Quick Ideas to Improve Your People Skills by Robert E. Dittmer
    • The Peacemaker by Ken Sande
    • The Compassionate Shepherd by John Ashley

Biographies (Missionary)

    • Bruchko by Bruce Olson
    • Adoniram Judson, Bound for Burma by Janet and Geoff Benge
    • Come Up to this Mountain by Lois Neely
    • Shadow of the Almighty by Elisabeth Elliot
    • Through Gates of Splendor by Elisabeth Elliot
    • Peace Child by Don Richardson
    • Lords of the Earth by Don Richardson
    • To The Golden Shore by Courtney Anderson 
    • Hudson Taylor’s Spiritual Secret By Howard and Geraldine Taylor
    • The Life And Diary of David Brainerd by Jonathan Edwards 
    • Brother Andrew by Janet Benge
    • Jacob Deshazer, Forgive Your Enemies by Janet Benge
    • Gladys Aylward, The Adventure of a Lifetime by Janet Benge
    • Bob Hughes: An Extraordinary Life by Monroe Roark 
    • Patrick of Ireland, The Boy Who Forgave by K.C. Murdarasi
    • In The Presence of Mine Enemies by Garcia Burnham
    • God’s Smuggler by Brother Andrew
    • Saint Patrick by Michael J. McHugh 
    • God’s Hostage by Andrew Brunson
    • No Turning Back by Jan Van Hee
    • Father to the Fatherless by Paul H. Boge

Biographies (Others)

    • The Hiding Place by Corrie Ten Boom
    • Tramp for the Lord by Corrie Ten Boom
    • Up from Slavery by Booker T. Washington
    • Jerry Falwell, His Life and Legacy by Macel Falwell
    • Billy Graham, America’s Pastor by Janet Benge
    • George Mueller, The Guardian of Bristol’s Orphans by Janet Benge 
    • Klaus-Dieter John by Janet Benge
    • Great Lives: Abraham by Charles Swindoll
    • Tortured for Christ by Richard Wurmbrand
    • Great Lives: David by Charles Swindoll 
    • Steal Away Home by Matt Carter and Aaron Ivey
    • Great Lives: Joseph by Charles Swindoll 
    • D.L. Moody by Nancy Drummond
    • Fanny Crosby, the Blind Girl’s Song by Lucille Travis
    • The Cross and the Switchblade by David Wilkerson 
    • Evidence Not Seen by Darlene Deibler Rose
    • Seeking Allah, Finding Jesus by Nabeel Qureshi 
    • The Heavenly Man by Brother Yun
    • The Last of the Giants by Harry Rimmer 
    • I Dared to Call Him Father by Bilquis Sheikh
    • A Man Called Peter by Catherine Marshall
    • Lead Like Walt by Pat Williams
    • John Newton: The Angry Sailor by Kay Marshall Strom

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Inspiring Commitment of a Young African Pastor

The inspiring commitment of a young African pastor from Zimbabwe found among his papers in Zimbabwe after he was martyred for his Christian faith. 

I am part of the fellowship of the unashamed. I have Holy Spirit power, my die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I’m a disciple of Jesus. I won’t look back, let up, slow down, back away, or be still.

My past is redeemed, my present makes sense, my future is secure. I’m finished and done with low living, sight walking, small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, tamed visions, worldly talking, cheap giving, and dwarfed goals.

I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I don’t have to be right, first, tops, recognized, or rewarded. I now live by faith, lean on His presence, walk by patience, am uplifted by prayer, and labor by power.

My face is set, my gait is fast, my goal is heaven, my road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions are few, my Guide is reliable, and my mission is clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, detoured, lured away, turned back, deluded, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, hesitate in the presence of the adversary, negotiate at the table of the enemy, ponder at the pool of popularity, or meander in the maze of mediocrity. I won’t give up, shut up, let up, until I have stayed up, stored up, prayed up, preached up for the cause of Christ.

I am a disciple of Jesus. I must go till He comes, give till I drop, preach till all know, and work till He stops me. And when He comes for His own, He will have no problem recognizing me-my banner will be clear.

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Preparing for Furlough

Furlough is an important time in a missionary’s life. It can be viewed as an annoying hiccup in ministry and therefore ignored, but furlough can be a great thing for the missionary, their family, and their ministry. Allow me to give a few of the “preparations” needed to make furlough a good time instead of a dreaded time.

 

1. Vehicle.

If you don’t have one Stateside, you can rent one through a missionary service such as Righteous Rides or Baptist Missionary Transportation Ministry (BMTM). You can buy one and have family keep it while you’re gone so that you can use it on your next furlough or you can purchase a cheap one that you can turn around and sell when you leave.

2. Housing. 

You can go online to search and rent one before you ever arrive back to the US. Your home church may have a mission’s house or another church in the area may have a mission’s house that you could use.

Cautions to consider:

  1. It’s good to see family, but it is best to live in a place where you can be around people that will help, teach, challenge and prepare you for the next level of ministry.
  2. It’s best not to stay at family or friend’s houses unless you have your own entrance, kitchen, and bathroom. You need your privacy. Sharing a kitchen or bathroom is ok for few days or a week, but afterward, it is very likely to cause problems.

 

3. Raise Support.

It is best to call 3–4 months before you leave the field to begin filling your calendar. If you do not need to raise support, don’t worry about visiting new churches, but if you need more support, it is best to book meetings and get your calendar full. If you wait to call until you arrive back Stateside, you will likely not get any meetings booked right away. Most pastors book a minimum of 3–4 months out.

If you are raising money for land, buildings, or a project, it may be better to visit already-supporting churches. If you are trying to raise your support, it is best to book new churches.

4. Growth While on Furlough.

Marriage – go to a marriage retreat and read a minimum of one marriage book.

Ministry – read books, go see other missionaries and people who can help you. Set up times to meet one on one with your mentor and experienced people who can help you.

Family – plan some getaway times and fun things for everyone to do together.

5. Your Children. 

If possible, you can put your children in a school. If you are going to homeschool, get the curriculum needed and everything prepared for their education while on furlough.

Allow your kids to get involved in the children’s program or youth program at the church you will be based from. Maybe look for some sports programs or activities that your kids can be involved in as to enjoy their time in the US and take advantage of things that they will not be able to do or learn on the field.

6. Start Preparing Ministry (leaders and church)

Six months before your departure, you should map out your exit by writing down how many Sundays and midweek services you have before you leave. Make a plan so that the national leadership is 100% taken over everything before you ever leave the field.

Furlough is a very good and needed thing for your ministry. Missionaries typically do not like it for fear of the ministry falling apart, but this is a very needed test and lesson for the ministry on the field. Preparing the people and churches for your departure will help the transition (your leaving) go smoothly. Plan times that you will be late to church so that they will learn to start without you being present. Plan to be gone for entire services. Plan to be present but not do anything. Meet with the pastor(s) and help him have a schedule of what he will be preaching. Give the leaders tools for studying, preaching, teaching and leading ministries. By preparing the people and ministries, your departure can go smoothly instead of abruptly.

7. Health. 

Schedule any doctor or dental appointments needed for you or for your children. Whether just check-ups or concerns, go ahead and try to set up appointments before you leave the field.

8. Preaching and Teaching.

Prepare several messages you can use while on furlough. Since you are a veteran, it is very likely that you will be asked to preach more than one message at the same church so make sure you have several messages ready.

9. Personal or Promotional Material. 

Prepare and order prayer cards and a display so that they will be shipped and waiting for you when you arrive back Stateside. If you are not a graphic designer, you can pay one of the many who are good in this area.

You may want to record good video footage to make or have made a presentation you can send to and update all your supporting churches.

10. Plan a minimum of one good family vacation.

As you travel around to churches, look for opportunities to take the family to visit national and historic sites, but also plan to set aside some time for a fun family vacation that the kids will remember for the rest of their lives.

 

Jeffrey Bush

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When Visitors Visit the Missionary on the Field

When I served as a missionary, having visitors (family, home church, youth group or just a single or couple individuals) was a blessing, but it was also a lot of work. My goal in this short article is to give a few ideas and suggestions as you host guests. Having a plan will help the time together and influence someone for the cause of Christ.

  1. Write out a planned schedule. This plan will be your roadmap during your visitor’s stay.
    1. Take them to the highest points of the city. Let them take pictures of the city and talk to them about how they are like sheep without a shepherd, a people in need of the Gospel.
    1. Give a gift basket when your guests arrive. For a large group, just have a basket for the leaders.  Bottled water in the basket is always appreciated.
    1. Give them your address and phone number (as well that of your wife’s or any pastor/leader you work with) so they can easily contact you or find their way back if separated from the group.
    1. Rent a vehicle (possibly a bus) if there are several people so that you can easily get around together. You can figure the cost in what the group pays while visiting you.
    1. Take them to religious temples (Hindu, Buddhist, Catholic, etc.). Talk to them about the spiritual condition of your country and allow them to see it first hand.
    1. Take them to poor areas in the city and see the poverty, and talk about the spiritual poverty that abounds.
    1. Go to where large crowds of people are and let them pass out Gospel tracts.
    1. Make sure they’re comfortable. Do they have food allergies? Is it going to be hot or cold while they are there? Find out their needs and/or wants. Remember that if they are not comfortable, they are not as likely to listen to you when you challenge them nor will they like your country (because of a rough experience).
    1. 10.Let your visitors give testimonies, sing specials and preach when they visit your church(es). Do not do everything yourself in the church service, let them get involved. When they are involved instead of just watching, it makes their visit all the more greater.
    1. 11.Take them to see the lights of the city at night and talk to them about how each light represents several souls that are in need of Christ.
    1. 12.Find out the tourist attractions in your area and take them there, using each one as a preaching point. Let them see the history of your country, spiritual state of the country and culture of your country. Let them buy souvenirs to take back.
    1. 13.Take them to a cemetery, show them graves and dates in which people died and then ask them where they think all of the people are now.  Know when the Gospel first arrived to the country and how many people before that didn’t have much of a chance to hear the Gospel.
    1. 14.Make it your goal to preach, teach, motivate and show the obvious need while they are visiting you.  No one should visit your field without seeing the need and feeling the burden to be a missionary, or at the least being challenged to do more in missions.
    1. 15.Let them try food from your country, but mainly give them food that will not upset their stomach and make them sick. Just give them a taste of the food from your country and then take them to restaurants or make food at home that they are familiar with. Everyone likes adventure, but in small quantities.
    1. 16.Let your local church people give their testimonies and translate it for the visitors so that they can see what God is doing. If you have young men training for ministry (or pastors), let them preach to the visitors; this can be very powerful.
    1. 17.Give them tours and explain both the religion and culture of your country.  Let them observe the people at religious institutions. Why do the people have a red dot on their forehead? Why do they bow down to idols? Why do they have ribbons on their vehicles? Why do they have a call to prayer? Why do they dress in a certain way? Remember that what you are now accustomed to is very foreign to your visitors so be sure to explain all of it.
    1. 18.Make sure the hotel (or guest house or wherever you put the visitors) is nice. It does not have to be luxurious, but you do not want to scare them or make it where they do not enjoy their visit (this will give them a bad concept of the country, the people and of you as a missionary).
    1. 19.Have a devotional time in the morning and evening as a group. Be sure to give challenges and talk to them about the need all throughout the day.
    1. 20.Let them participate in ministry. Let the leaders teach your church people and especially those you’re training for ministry.
    1. 21.Do activities that people like and will remember. What do you want them to remember from their trip/visit? You don’t want them bored because you do not have anything planned but you don’t want to have them out every hour to where they will not listen when you challenge them either. Ask yourself what you want them to remember from their visit, and keep this in mind when you plan every activity.
    1. 22.Map out and take them to all the Gospel preaching churches in the city. Tell them how many people attend each church and then compare it to the great need in the country. Show them the churches verses the population. Lay out a map and let them look at it and pray over it. They should leave with a burden for your country and for the world.

 

by Jeffrey Bush