5. Misuse of Resources. It makes no sense to spend $60,000 of God's money annually sending an American with his family to live as a missionary in a poor country where hundreds of local citizens have been called of God to reach their own people, and have no personal support. Any one of them, already knowing the local languages, would be ten times more effective than the foreigner. And is likely to be eager to serve with support of $600 or less annually, because he lives on the same economic level as those being reached with the gospel. In many countries the support package of one American could supply the support and ministry needs of 50 native missionaries. By what unreasonable stretching of our imaginations have we come to the point of arrogant pride by which we conclude that one American not knowing the language is more valuable to the cause of Christ in a poor country than 50 resident citizens of that country who learned the local language(s) in childhood?

6. Carnal, Sectarian, Denominational Mission Board Expansionism. Every foreign missionary agency is doing its own thing, often ruthlessly competing with indigenous Christian witness in poorer countries. Ambitious to expand their territory, mission executives go overseas and hire away the workers of indigenous ministries. Excellent works of God are virtually wiped out by this carnal practice. Hundreds of indigenous Bible institutes and other schools operated by native missions have been damaged or destroyed by "rich foreigners" coming along and setting up competing schools nearby, then hiring away teachers and luring away students from schools operated by local Christians. Small indigenous churches in pioneer areas are often split and demoralized by zealous foreigners who move into their neighborhoods and start competing ministries, usually with a peculiarity of doctrine or the use of material bait to attract members from the struggling churches that were already there.

As I will explain later, many other aspects of foreign missions need reformation, in addition to these few samples briefly mentioned here. Change must come if we expect to know God's will and receive His blessings. But as a student of history I am well aware that church people tend to resist change because we are more comfortable with our past traditions. Opposition is sure to be strong, but I believe that those who are willing to pay the price and speak out for reform will be the ones who contribute the most toward the fulfillment of our Lord's eternal purpose.