When I teach about the American Board of Commissioners for Foreign Missions (ABCFM), I typically tell the epic tales of how the modern mission movement was born at a prayer meeting under a haystack, how Luther Rice and the Judson’s becoming Baptists on their way to India, thus dissing the Congregationalists and the ABCFM. And how courageous they all were for risking their lives and going to foreign lands to teach people about Jesus.
I usually tell these stories in pretty glowing terms. After all, missionaries are Super Christians. Right?
Well, it depends on who you ask. And if you ask Sarah Vowell, author of Unfamiliar Fishes, you might be a little shocked at her answer. Continue reading »
