From My Heart
Our Mission and Mooring
November 2008
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A longtime MTC supporter recently wrote and asked an important question about our teaching of character and values in schools and other public, non-Christian settings: “It disturbs me that you are teaching values without teaching Christ. I know this has given you opportunities to present Christ, but . . . how does it advance the cause of Christ?”
I appreciate the attentiveness and concern that prompted this person to ask if MTC is maintaining its evangelical mooring while teaching character to unbelievers. The brief answer is this: We teach values and character because such teaching gives us opportunities to present Christ. It is part of the process in advancing the cause of Christ.
In Romania last year, for example, we presented CSI training to a group of public educators who taught in a school for orphans and children with special needs. We asked if they also would like us to explain the connection between wisdom (one of our ten key character qualities) and the Bible; they said, “Yes!” We did, including a clear, unprecedented presentation of the Gospel.
In India this year, during our training of about 1,250 pastors and other ministry leaders, one pastor pulled me aside during a break. He was overjoyed about Character Solutions. Why? Part of his ministry involves a prison with 600 inmates. The prison restricts overtly religious teaching, so he cannot preach there except at Christmas and Easter. However, a Hindu priest builds relationships and speaks often with the inmates as a teacher of (Hindu) philosophy.
…He [God] looked down from the height of His sanctuary; from heaven the Lord viewed the earth, to hear the groaning of the prisoner, to release those appointed to death, to declare the name of the Lord . . . (Psalm 102:19-21).
In the face of this dilemma the pastor and his wife begged God to show them how he could meet with inmates. Then God brought him to our Character Solutions seminar. He now has the materials and training to enter the prison as a teacher of (Christlike) character. Romans 10:13-14 says: “For ‘whoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved.’ How then shall they call on Him in whom they have not believed? And how shall they believe in Him of whom they have not heard? And how shall they hear without a preacher?” Soon those prisoners will have a preacher.
For those who are followers of Jesus, our Bible Teacher’s Guide, entitled “Christlikeness,” presents character using the Scriptures and stories of men and women in the Bible. It is designed for parents in Christian homes and adults in Bible study groups.
MTC is firmly committed to remaining anchored to God, teaching His Word, and walking in a manner worthy of His calling. Our mission is to care for and cultivate Christlike character in children—especially those at risk. We keep looking up and reaching out—to followers of Jesus and to those who are not yet His followers. Thank you for serving Him with us.
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