I have spent the past 5 days in Japan speaking at a conference sponsored by the Japan Evangelical Allilance. Japan is .7% Christian. Please note that this is point 7% - less than 1%. Japan has 127 millioin people, It is the size of California however the people are located on 10% of this size as the rest of the land is made up of mountains. At the end of World War II General MacArthur asked for 100 missionaries to come to Japan. He stated the people were open to the love of Jesus Christ and the Hope He brings. The response was minimal.

I am looking at our world today ---- God is grieved with the evil that exists and is looking to His people to bring His Hope and Healing. He will empower His people to do this.

How can we prevent another " What Might Have Been"

I just returned from Sri Lanka a few weeks ago. This country has been battered by a civil war for the past 26 years. It would be easy to say there were the "good guys and the bad guys" but as in all civil wars it is mixed. The war ended a few weeks ago - but with great pain in the wake. Further press releases on this can be found on the www.wesleyan.org as well as www.worldhope.org and the World Evangelical Alliance website. The purpose of this trip was that of working with the local Evangelical Alliance as a Peacebuilding Mission and the work of beginning Reconciliation of this troubled area.

I was stunned as I heard over and over from various sources - "It will need to be the Christians who lead the reconciliation process." This seems ridiculous as the country is less than 1% Christian. But perhaps one of the brilliant, Cambridge trained Sri Lanka lawyers ( not from the Christian religion) stated, "It will have to be the Christians who bring reconciliation. Truth and Reconciliati8on does not work in non-Christian contries.

I began to further ponder the words of Jesus, " Blessed are the Peacemakers" I believe we as Evangelicals have not fully understood the power and intent of Jesus' words. Sometimes we just look at the Sermon on the Mount as a "nice piece of literature" - but to live it out?? what would that do in this world today?

I would be interested in your thoughts.

Yesterday I squeezed myself into the window seat on a small plane leaving Atlanta. My rather hefty seatmate on the aisle was reading his blackberry as I was reading. He turned to me and said , " Are you reading the news?" I rather hestitantly responded, " No, I am reading my mail." With great emotion he blurted, " Have you heard the news today?" I was a bit shocked and realized I had spent time in the air and rushing through airports and had not heard whatever catastrophe may have occurred. He then announced to save my ignorance, " 93,000 people have been laid off today." Well this is not good news and also news we seem to hear every day.

At the same time I understand President Obama is going to Congress to increase funding to almost triple the numbers for Americorps. I thought of this in light of the whole issue of volunteers. The church has historically and continues to be the largest institution through which volunteers serve.

In fact, it is interesting that in 125 AD it was stated by the leaders of Rome, " Who are these people the Christians, they are taking care of their own and also ours?"

Of course, Christians do this not because of a law but because of the Love of Christ through His Holy Spirit moving through them.

Would it be possible for this to be said today-- in the midst of this global economic crisis? How could this be done? Where and how are people volunteering where you are? Can we create a grass roots movement of this?

As I watched the Kennedy Center Honors program, I couldn't help but wonder if Madoff might have received something had he not been caught earlier in his ponzi scheme. I am always curious regarding the bottom-line criteria used for honoring people - not just at these prestigious, historical events but even in our churches. I believe people need to be honored for their achievements and commitments but I often wonder if we look deep enough. Rabbi Benjamin Blech from Yeshiva University remarked on the downfall of Madoff , " In elevating to a level of demi-worship people with big bucks, we have been destroying the values of our future generation. We need a total rethinking of who the heroes are, who the role models are, who we should be honoring." His words in the NY Times made me think!

Another observation regarding honoring has been interesting over the years. Please be aware, this is not a scientific study with empirical evidence but simply my observations. Organizations or institutions that are in-grown, inbred and essentially have lost their mission tend to spend a great deal of time in their meetings honoring each other. I have observed this in various cultures. Is this something we do to say we are alive?

What are your thoughts or criteria for honoring?

In the recent column I wrote regarding Rural Ministry several responded. ( Thanks so much - that was VERY encouraging) But a comment was made several times that people do not see Rural Ministry as COOL. I have reflected on this and am wondering.......

Is it lack of population density? Well, recently pastor Tom Gudmunson of the Wesleyan church in Miles City MT, - a rough and at times lawless small town of 10,000 told me he has 5,000 unchurched people within 5 min. of his church.

Is it lack of young families? Marian Hadsell pastors a church in Oklahoma in a town of about 12 - but attracts 200 + people from the surrounding counties to his vibrant church - and has opened a Center for youth in nearby town 9 miles away. They gutted an old department store on the town square. The only specific ministry in the area for youth. The community and local college are grateful.

Is it seen as not ethnically diverse? What about Native American populations? The stats are around 4% believers.

Is it lack of financial support ? This may not be a "cool" factor - but one of reality regarding repaying student loans and lack of employment. However - school buses always run in these areas - the pay is not bad and the inroads into the community cannot be surpassed.

So please help me out - WHAT MAKES MINISTRY COOL? WHAT MAKES LOCATION COOL?