This issue of Missiology contains two sets of articles. First are two articles invited and guest-edited by Evelyn Hibbert. In the call for papers in April 2021, Evelyn wrote, “We are exploring women’s perspectives on how movements have a transforming effect on their context, as well as how movements themselves are transformed” (p. 222). In response to that call, the first two papers in this issue address the topic of movements. First, Moyra Dale examines a movement among Muslim women to read and study the Qur’an, showing how their diligence disrupts gendered stereotypes of women as “lacking in piety and intelligence.” Instead their scholarship points to a need for mission scholars and practitioners to pay closer attention to women. Next, Xiaoli Yang presents a careful investigation into the missiological significance of songs written by Chinese hymnwriter Lü Xiaomin. These songs have become widespread and influential in the Chinese church, contributing to an indigenous mission movement.
Moving into the general articles in this issue, but remaining in China, Jamie Sanchez discusses the missiological implications brought about by ongoing migration to the cities from rural areas. In particular she focuses on barriers to belonging that may resonate with readers beyond the borders of China. Migration is one kind of unrest, while war and invasion are others. As new unrest rocks the West and Ukraine joins the long list of countries going through upheaval, Susan Gary Walters’ study of missionary trauma is clearly timely. Nevertheless, despite wars, divisions, and unrest, the gospel is still powerful and the call to disciple is not only strong, but necessary. Christine Bird calls readers to understand the practice of discipleship in cultures valuing traditional learning and teaching practices. Finally, as societies continue to grapple with issues of inclusion while becoming increasingly divided, Rochelle Scheuermann’s call to a whole church and a whole gospel is timely.
Personally, it is an honor and a privilege to have been selected as the eighth Editor for Missiology: An International Review. I am delighted to accept the post and to continue building on the excellent work of the editors who preceded me. Soojin Chung is joining the editorial team as Associate Editor and Book Review Editor. Together with the reviewers, we hope you will find this collection of articles inspiring and thought-provoking.
Leanne M. Dzubinski
Editor-in-Chief
