TO GOD BE THE GLORY
The World-Wide MISSIONARY CRUSADER, Inc., was founded by Homer Duncan in September
1943 for the purpose of stimulating interest in foreign missions. This was primarily
accomplished through the publication of a four-page monthly paper. In time this
publication grew into a monthly magazine. For forty-three years the Missionary Crusader
was published every month, without missing a single issue. The magazine was the backbone
of the ministry and a vital link with our constituency.
In 1951, the Crusader began printing primers, song books and Gospel portions for the
Wycliffe Bible Translators. This developed into the printing of the Crusader's own
publications, which consisted mostly of small booklets authored by Homer Duncan on various
aspects of the Christian life. The small booklet format was chosen because it afforded
more space than a gospel tract, yet was still economically feasible to produce in large
quantities. At first a few booklets in English were sent to people who wrote for them.
Soon hundreds of orders were being filled each week. People in overseas areas then began
to request literature in foreign languages. The printing of foreign language literature
grew through the years to the point that now the Crusader has published materials in over
100 languages.
A few years ago, limited funds prompted some hard decisions to be made. The Crusader
magazine was a blessing to many over the years; however, increased printing and postage
costs made it quite expensive to produce and distribute. Therefore, after much prayer, it
was decided to stop sending out the Missionary Crusader magazine on a monthly basis. The
financial pressures caused a review of the entire ministry and focused on the fact that
through the years a gradual shift in ministry had occurred. The first objective of
stimulating missionary interest evolved into a more active evangelistic outreach through
the publishing of Gospel literature in foreign languages. Even though both objectives were
worthy, it was concluded that the printing and distribution of foreign language literature
had to take priority. The magazine went to born again believers while the other literature
was principally directed toward those who had never heard the Good News and to new
converts who did not have access to materials to help them grow in their spiritual life.
The obvious choice was to concentrate on providing literature for world evangelism and the
resulting new converts. The urgency of the hour and good stewardship dictated this course
of action.
Other changes have also taken place. Through the years literally tons of literature were
shipped from our headquarters in Lubbock to all parts of the free world. At the beginning
it was practical to send several small booklets out to individuals one packet at a time.
However, as postage rates skyrocketed along with increased worker's wages, this method of
distribution was no longer feasible. Thus, the literature now sent out from Lubbock is
largely restricted to bundles of booklets mailed to key overseas distributors. However,
the bulk of the literature now being utilized is produced in the countries where it is
distributed.
It is God's desire for every Christian to be actively engaged in the great task of world
evangelism. The literature work of the MISSIONARY CRUSADER provides you the opportunity of
having a direct and vital part in a Christ-honoring, doctrinally-sound, proven ministry of
world outreach.
You are encouraged to ask the Lord what part He would have you to have in this work. If
you desire additional information, please write to us.
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