Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World — History, Culture, Practice, and Theology

Synopsis: "From a mission field to a missions sender." These words capture the story of the Brazilian evangelical church, which has gone from receiving missionaries in the nineteenth and twentieth centuries to becoming a movement that presently sends out more global laborers than the churches of England or Canada do. After narrating Brazil's missional shift, in this volume Smither addresses one fascinating element of the story--Brazilian evangelical efforts in the Arab world. How have Brazilians adapted culturally among Arabs, how have they approached ministry, and how have they cultivated a theology of mission in the process? Brazilian Evangelical Missions in the Arab World gives the reader insights from one emerging missions movement with an eye toward a more comprehensive view of the global church. Endorsements: "Once a mission field, Brazil has become a mission force. Once a mission force, the Arab world has become a mission field. In this book, Smither narrates this compelling story of Brazilian missions in the Arab world based on well-documented facts, extensive research, and first-hand experience." --Luis Bush, International Facilitator of Transform World Connections "I do not know of any other work which has simultaneously portrayed the Brazilian ecclesiastical and missional context so well, emphasizing our positive and negative points. If one wants to understand what the Brazilian mission movement is all about, one should read this book." --Silas Tostes, Director of Miss o Antioquia "The present study is of immense importance to missionary work among Arab Muslims. Its unique contribution derives from the fact that it is original, up-to-date, and thorough in its analysis of historical data and field research. The result of Smither's work should be carefully understood and applied by mission leaders--both from Brazil and from other parts of the world--as strategies to impact the Arab-Muslim world." --Robson Ramos, Brazilian missiologist "Smither is distinctly qualified to address the issue of Brazilian missionaries working in the Arab world. In addition to having worked for fourteen years among Arabs, he is a gifted and accomplished missiologist and researcher with a passion for Brazil . . . [This] is required reading for anyone who is concerned about seeing the name of Christ declared among all nations." --Jo o Mordomo, Director of CCI-Brasil "This book has surprised me for its historical accuracy and its well-done research among Brazilians in the Arab context. This book comes at a time when Brazilians are becoming a key part of the evangelization of the world, in particular the Arab world." --Odijon Ribeiro, former Brazilian missionary in the Arab world Author Biography: Edward Smither is Associate Professor of Intercultural Studies and Church History at Liberty University. He is the author of Augustine as Mentor (2008).