Gospel for Asia: Revolution in World Missions

I so admire the work of the Gospel for Asia ministry! It was almost three years ago that I first read my copy of Revolution in World Missions by K.P Yohannen. From the moment I opened that dusty cover (okay it really wasn't that dusty, but it was sitting on my shelf untouched for quite some time) I was completely drawn in. Throughout the book he talks about reasons why it is more practical to employ the service of native missionaries to share the good news. In a nutshell, the ministry of Gospel for Asia uses various methods to train up native missionaries to be mature believers who can then bring the gospel of Jesus to their fellow countrymen. The cost of supporting a native missionary vs. a non-native one is so small. The native missionaries are used to living in the country directly alongside the people. The living conditions are likely something they have grown up with and they therefore bypass the 'getting-used-to' attitude that we as spoiled westerners tend to have. Another advantage is that they already speak the local language, which erradicates alot of  potential barriers.
That is not to say that I think international are bad. I would be misguided to judge what the Lord has called someone to do! Rather I am considering the validity of the reasons, and concluding that from a logistical standpoint that the reasons FOR native missionaries are overwhelming. The Lord is doing a mighty work through the Gospel for Asia ministry, and it is so inspiring to hear of the lives changed. Here is a quick 2008 review of what God accomplished throughout Asia as a direct result of the work of GFA:

• Number of new believers added to the church: 572, 339
• Number of new fellowships: 6, 349
• Number of new church buildings constructed throughout Asia: 1, 230
• Pieces of Gospel literature produced and distributed: 33 million
• Enrollment of children in Bridge of Hope: More than 53, 000

The stories I have read in the GFA SEND magazine have touched my heart in ways I never could have imagined. It is quite the feeling to know that you are a part of something much bigger! God is working in Asia so mightily that I can't help but worry about our own society. We have become so complacent, and lukewarm, as a westernized body of Christ that it makes our churches look lifeless in many ways. I know there are both individuals and local congregations that don't fit this description, but they are the exception (IMO) and not the rule. God is still performing miracles, even if they don't seem to be happening at the same rate that we are seeing in Asia. So this is my prayer for today:
Father God, you have placed me right where I am and I thank you. Please have mercy on me and my weaknesses. Continue to sanctify me and ever mold me into the person you want me to be. Thank you so much for the work that you are doing through Gospel for Asia and other like-minded ministries. Oh that you would be glorified in our lives. Create in me a clean heart and renew a right spirit within me Lord that I might live in a way that is altogether pleasing to you. That I might live in a way that others might see the hope I have in you. That I might live my life, planted where I am, with an eternal focus. Thank you Jesus for saving me and for your finishing work on the cross. Thank you for the grace you so freely give. Help me to live in a way that is worthy of the calling Lord. Amen.