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American Christians trained in Enlightenment reductionism can learn about spiritual warfare firsthand on mission trips to South America. We can learn about suffering from the church in China, about passionate evangelism from Africa, and about intercessory prayer from Korea. Just as nothing threatens my faith like a visit to the agnostic portions of Europe, nothing invigorates my faith more than a visit to churches in non-Western countries.

Perhaps we have not heard the last from the church in Europe either. I met with Paul Nouwen, Henri's younger brother. Paul told of sitting at Henri's funeral, after his unexpected death at 64 in 1996, and hearing people from many countries speak of Henri's influence.

"I realized that, compared to Henri, I have nothing," he said. "And as I sat there listening, the difference became clear—Henri had God. That made all the difference." In a humble spirit, Paul Nouwen proceeded to tell of the changes he was making to better prepare for his own death and to restore a relationship with the God whom his brother knew so well. As his brother testified, Henri, who had lived as a missionary in North and South America, ended up as a missionary back in his heartsick homeland.

Copyright © 2002 Christianity Today. Click for reprint information.

Previous Yancey columns for Christianity Today include:

SheepishFeeling autonomous and proud? Then ponder the lives of sheep. (July 2, 2002)

Servant in ChiefJimmy Carter's journey from the White House to building houses.(May 28, 2002)

Why Do They Hate Us?How to turn the Baywatch syndrome into the Jesus syndrome. (March 27, 2002)

Honest Church MarketingWe enhance our 'image' by offering the world a realistic picture of faith. (October 24, 2001)

Compassion ConfusionWe should serve the needy even when it has bad political consequences. (August 28, 2001)

Fixing Our Weakest LinkEvangelicals should be more "needful of the minds of others." (July 13, 2001)

Replenishing the Inner PastorChurches should take greater interest in their shepherds' spiritual health. (May 14, 2001)

Beyond Flesh and BloodI used to disdain biblical talk of "invisible spirits." No more. (Mar. 27, 2001)

God at LargeA look around the globe reveals a God as big as we want him to be. (Jan. 31, 2001)

Humility's Many FacesEveryone I've looked up to has shared one trait. (Dec. 4, 2000)

Getting a LifeThe most fully alive persons are those who give their lives away. (Oct. 16, 2000)

Yancey's Where is God When it Hurts, Special Edition and Soul Survivor: How My Faith Survived the Church are available on Christianbook.com.

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September 9 2002, Vol. 46, No. 10