In February I went to the northern tip of Indonesia, the epicenter of the Dec. 26 tsunami. I work in the production department here at Thomas Nelson and the day before I left one of my co-workers gave me a copy of The Barbarian Way by Erwin McManus. I was limited in what I could take with me, but I packed the book in my already cramped carry-on bag.

The time I spent in Indonesia was life-changing: I was moved by the survivors of the tsunami. Every day after delivering rice, clothing, school supplies and hygiene products to the surviving villagers, I would return to camp and read a few pages of The Barbarian Way.

While sitting on the “back porch” of the camp I looked over the devastated land and read:

“Because Jesus did not suffer and die so that we could build for ourselves havens, but so that we might expand the kingdoms of his love. Because invisible kingdoms are at war for the hearts and lives of every human being who walks on the face of this earth. And times of war require barbarians who are willing to risk life itself for the freedom of others,” (McManus, 16).

As the most populous Muslim nation in the world, Indonesia is a war zone both spiritually and physically. The physical war could be seen in 2002 when two car bombs were set off close to a Bali nightclub, killing more than 150 people. It could be seen again last September when another car bomb was set off near the Australian embassy in Jakarta, killing 11 people and injuring many more. The spiritual war takes a little more effort to see, but it can be seen in the eyes of a nation searching for hope and truth.

God has called me to be a barbarian, to fight in this war for the “hearts and lives of every human being.” It is because of this calling that I am moving to Indonesia in August to teach at a Christian school in Jakarta. (The school is in partnership with my high school, Franklin Classical School.) God is using this unique school to raise up the next generation of Indonesian Christians.

God used The Barbarian Way to inspire me and to call me to live a life that is unsafe in the eyes of the world.

Thank you for publishing books that go against what is popular and “inspire the world.” It has been a blessing to be a part of it.

Truth–meaning–God’s message.

I think the line about star performers acknowledges that while there might be employees that get more recognition than others, the company and vision depend on all employees. Each employee is responsible for their attitude towards their job in the company.

Reminds me of “The Incredibles”. Mom says, “Dash, everyone is special.” Dash replies, “That means nobody is special.” I think it’s okay to say that some people perform better than others, it doesn’t mean God loves them more. Everyone is not equal in ability, but God still sent His Son for everyone.

A bit of a tangent, but an explanation of my opinion.

Your blogs are interesting and inspiring. Commendable that you open them to comments.
Thanks for your time.

I love your purpose statement and I am comfortable using the “L” word because you are talking about the lives of people—and that is love worthy. The one comment I had pertains to the further explanation of the “we.” I would wonder if by the line “It takes more than a handful of star performers,” you might create a divide of those who think they are star performers and those who think they are not (maybe a lack of confidence). I know that is not your intent. Is your statement just as effective if you leave that line out? I am sure you want your editors to be star performing editors, your entry level publicist to be star performers, and even your janitorial staff to be star performers at what they do. Just a thought!

Thank you again for giving us a glimpse of your journey – you are INSPIRING me!