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OnMission Readers Respond
We asked our readers if theyre planning to
participate in a volunteer mission project this
year. Heres how they responded.
Its exciting to hear that so many of you are
answering Gods call to go and tell the world
about the good news of Christ. Wed love to hear
about your mission experience, so email us at
onmission_at_namb.net and tell us how God used you
to further His kingdom.
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Reach out and touch someone
According to a recent study by the American
Sociological Review, Americans are lonelier and
more isolated than similar studies reported two
decades ago. In 1985 the average American had
three people in whom they could confide matters
important to them. By 2004, that number had
dropped to two, and 25 of those surveyed had no
close confidants at all. The percentage of people
who confide only in family climbed from 57 in
1985 to 80 in 2004. Source USA Today, June
23, 2006
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Searching for guidance
Despite spending hours on cell phones and in chat
rooms, many twentysomethings find that their
friends dont have useful insights into
relationships, money, careers and other matters.
So theyre seeking advice from the Elder Wisdom
Circle website, managed by 600 senior citizens
from around the country. They offer free advice,
much of it drawing on the life experiences of its
members. The Circle has answered more than 60,000
emails. If young adults are seeking advice in
these areas theyre surely searching for guidance
regarding spiritual matters as well. Consider
pairing young adults with senior mentors in your
church. Help navigating the uncharted waters of
adulthood may be much appreciated. Source The
Week, September 22, 2006
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By the numbers
52 Percentage of students who regularly attend
religious services before going to college 29
Percentage of college juniors who regularly
attend religious services 60 Percentage of
college freshmen who report questioning their
religious beliefs Source Outreach,
January/February 2007
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How many Americans are unchurched?
The percentage of Americans who dont attend
church hasnt changed much in the last 25
years--the number hovering in the 40 range. A
recent Gallup Poll put the percentage at 43 down
from the high of 47 in 2001. Men are more likely
to be unchurched than women--about half of men
(49) fall into this category as opposed to 38
of women. Americans 65 and older are far less
likely to be unchurched than those under 65. The
likelihood of being unchurched doesnt vary by
race, income level or by Protestant versus
Catholic religious affiliation. Source Gallup
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This that
This that
Religious persecution on the rise 17 of U.S.
hate crimes committed in 2005 targeted victims
for their religious beliefs while 14.2 of
victims were targeted for their sexual
orientation. Source Christianity Today, January
2007 and Associated Press
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This that
This that
Jesus has risen It may surprise many, but 75 of
Americans who say they are not born again
Christians still believe the biblical account of
Jesus literally coming back to life in his
physical body, according to recent research by
the North American Mission Boards Center for
Missional Research.
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This that
This that
Under pressure The pressure of schoolwork,
homework, extracurricular activities and strife
at home are all taking a toll on kids. According
to a study by Kids-Health more than four in 10
kids say they feel stressed most of the time or
always. Lets make sure our churches are places
of peace where kids are loved and accepted.
Source The Tennessean, July 17, 2006, Help
Kids Avoid Schedule Overload by Virginia
Anderson, Homelife January 2007
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