Across the Street and Around the World {Review}

Have you ever considered the Great Commission and what it means to your life?  Perhaps you've heard the words in a sermon or glossed over them in your Bible reading?  But have you ever really given them any thought?  What does it mean to "go into all the world and make disciples?"  Many of us hear those words and visions of unreached tribes enter our minds.  We shake our heads and say "Not me, Lord.  That commandment is for someone else."  Maybe we don't even bring it up in prayer, afraid of what that still quiet voice might actually say.  But how often have we paused to consider these words of Christ to "make disciples?"

If any of those thoughts have ever entered your mind, or more importantly if they haven't, then this book is for you.  In today's global society fulfilling the Great Commission is easier, and scarier, than ever.  Due to the refugee crisis around the world, the nations are coming right into our own neighborhoods.  Are we really prepared to reach them in an impactful way for Christ?

Filled with practical tips, spiritual insight, and questions for personal reflection, Across the Street and Around the World is an encouraging and convicting read.  Author Jeannie Marie talks about her own personal experiences in learning to reach the refugees in her community.  A daunting step at the time that ultimately led to overseas exploration.  Besides refugees, many of us repeated come into contact with the nations via international students or immigrants in our neighborhoods.  This book is wonderful for opening our eyes to the opportunities that abound in every day life.

The second half of the books deals more specifically with issues or difficulties in reaching Around the World.  Concerns such as personality types, short-term vs. long-term missions, and adjusting dreams & expectations are all addressed.  I very much appreciated that the author spent a lot of time discussing how overseas missionaries should evaluate their practical business in a foreign country before moving, cautioning that many time foreigners can cause more harm than good.

Ultimately, this is a book for anyone wanting to make a difference in the nations, whether at home or abroad.  And for any Christian, this shouldn't be a question.  Fulfilling the Great Commission can look a thousand different ways in individual lives, and this book does a great job explaining that.

*Disclaimer: I received this book from the publisher.  All opinions are my own.