COVID-19 in missiological and historical perspective
#MMPMIDC7649651
Hartley BL
; Danielson RA
; Krabill JR
?-/-? 2021[Jan]; 49
(1
): 6-20
PMIDC7649651
show ga
COVID-19 is affecting Christian mission in many different ways. Doubtless it is
inspiring some people to initiate new mission efforts, while in other contexts it
is causing thriving mission to change radically or cease altogether. In this
forum article, three missiologists write essays about how mission was affected
during the influenza pandemic of 1918?1919, the event most frequently compared to
COVID-19 for its similarly worldwide scope. James Krabill?s essay describes how
the earlier influenza pandemic led to renewed spiritual vigor in Nigeria and the
establishment of several new denominations in West Africa, which remain
influential today. Robert Danielson?s essay examines how a ministry to sailors in
the early 20th century, known as the Floating Christian Endeavor, was negatively
impacted by the influenza pandemic. This article concludes with Benjamin
Hartley?s story of how the life of John R Mott, perhaps the most famous world
Christian statesman in 1918, was also affected by the influenza?s scourge. These
historical essays provide both inspiration and consolation for contemporary
mission initiatives as missiologists and other Christian leaders seek to respond
to the crises of their own day.
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