From the Publisher
“Persecution was used by God to forge the early church, and it continues as an ever—present reality in much of the world today. Rhodes is ideally equipped to handle this subject. His missionary credentials are impeccable, his love for the church is evident to all who know him, and he fearlessly calls out poor theology that manifests in missiology. May this work edify the church and encourage those pilgrims who walk on, longing for their true homeland.”
—Brooks Buser, President, Radius International
“Some books highlight the challenges of suffering and persecution, but few apply it to the missionary life. With the mind of a theologian, the heart of a pastor, and the experience of a missionary, Matt Rhodes thoughtfully addresses the opposition and hardship that so many missionaries face. While many are initially naive to the hazards of Great Commission service, this book will help missionaries and those who send them to think biblically and prepare wisely for persecution in the task of missions. This book is much needed for any missions training.”
—E. D. Burns, missionary in Southeast Asia; Professor, Asia Biblical Theological Seminary; Executive Director of Training and Development, ABWE
“If you’re looking for a book that valorizes missions and romanticizes suffering, this isn’t it. Instead, Matt Rhodes provides a realistic perspective on persecution that’s both joyful and sobering. Yes, the Bible teaches that persecution is a path to reward. But it’s also an evil to be avoided. And these twin truths have plenty of practical implications for missionaries and those they serve.”
—Elliot Clark, author, Evangelism as Exiles and Mission Affirmed
“In Persecution in Missions, Matt Rhodes has proven yet again that he possesses both biblical wisdom and practical application for missionaries and churches as they navigate the modern missions world. Each chapter is packed with helpful insights. If you were helped by Rhodes’s No Shortcut to Success and its call for missionary preparation, I know that you’ll be encouraged by this fantastic new resource.”
—Ryan Robertson, President, Reaching & Teaching International Ministries
“For many in the Western world, persecution is a faraway concept. For many of our brothers and sisters in the majority world, however, persecution is a daily possibility. And in the places most in need of the gospel, persecution is an almost inevitable experience for a new convert. In this book, Matt Rhodes offers us a thorough, biblical, compassionate, and challenging perspective on persecution for the gospel. His work highlights what Scripture says about persecution and gives practical implications for how it should shape our discipleship, our missions, and our prayer to be more biblically attuned.”
—Matt Bennett, Associate Professor of Missions and Theology, Cedarville University; Director of Long Term Ministries, Reaching & Teaching International Ministries
