Missions by the Spirit
Ron Stansell has written a readable and much-needed text, filling   a gap in mission history and theory by providing the stories of four   twentieth-century Quaker (Friends) missionaries. The Wesleyan   Holiness revivals of the nineteenth century sparked a passion for mission   among the well-established Quakers, a new departure for them, but   one they were prepared for both in terms of their holistic theology   of salvation and the kingdom of God, and their understanding of the   work of the Holy Spirit in discipling, giving gifts, and sanctifying   missionaries for work among people who themselves were prepared   to receive Christ through the foundational work of the Spirit.    Stansell does not shy from recounting cases of ethnocentricism,   imperialism, and paternalism, nor does he leave out the conflict among missionaries on the field. These are human beings, children of their time, who struggled to be transformed to a kingdom paradigm. These are the stories of how God is able to work through disciples who though not perfect are dedicated, open to the Spirit, and willing to question their own cultural perspective. I am particularly pleased by the importance the author attaches to engaging the social sciences as well as the Bible in working out a wholistic and transformative mission. --Michael A. Rynkiewich, professor of anthropology at E. Stanley Jones School of World Mission and Evangelism, Asbury Theological Seminary / chair of the ASM Scholarly Monograph Series committeeRon Stansell s work stands out in the field of mission theology today.   It is a timely book especially for twenty-first-century mission strategizing and exposes how we can learn from history. Most intriguing are this   volume s clarity and integrity; Stansell does not color stories to hide the characters personal deficiencies, and stresses the importance of   understanding cross-cultural communications in mission practice.   From Africa to Latin America to Asia, cross-cultural mission presents similar challenges.     One thing is evident in this volume: The four missionaries, while   approaching ministry differently, did not lose focus on the call   to Christian living, a life controlled by the Holy Spirit, blossoming   in holiness.     One final important take-home lesson from this book pertains to the   role of women in mission practice. The Quakers got it right the first time   while others are still struggling! Ron s work is an invaluable addition to missiological practices today. --James B. Kantiok, president, BEGE Ministries International / professor and missionary trainer, Azusa Pacific UniversityThe courage of Arthur Chilson, the leadership of R. Esther Smith, the diplomacy of Everett Cattell and the creativity of Jack Willcutts all told by Ron Stansell with engaging insights inMissions by the Spirit. The book is jam-packed with solid missionary strategies and sensitive cultural insights. --Chuck Mylander, director, Evangelical Friends Mission