Robert V. Finley
Missions Reformer
A Call For Change
Robert V. Finley (1922-2019) was the 1944 intercollegiate boxing champion at the University of Virginia. As a Christian athlete, he soon became an evangelist with Youth for Christ and InterVarsity Christian Fellowship. He represented these two organizations in China in 1948. When Communists forced missionaries to leave China, he went on to Korea, but there also, in 1950, the Communists caused missionaries to evacuate. Finley went on to Japan, Taiwan, Hong Kong, the Philippines and India where he observed in each country that “native missionaries were ten to one more effective in reaching their people than were missionaries from foreign countries.” He is recognized for calling for a reformation in the way missionary work is done by following the New Testament patterns of evangelizing foreign visitors for Christ while they are away from home and strengthening indigenous missions overseas. He advanced this biblical pattern globally by founding International Students, Inc. (ISI) in 1953 and Christian Aid Mission in 1970. Robert Finley wrote hundreds of articles and four additional books, including Reformation in Foreign Missions.
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THE BIBLICAL PATTERN
After His resurrection, our Lord met with His disciples only a few times in Jerusalem. He, as well as some angels which appeared, told them to go to a mountain which He had appointed in Galilee. There He came and met with them, “speaking of things pertaining to the kingdom of God.” His words are summarized in what we call the great commission, "All authority is given unto me in the heavens and on earth. Go ye, therefore, and teach all nations…” Read more
CHURCH GROWTH IN CLOSED LANDS
One of the big arguments used by traditional missions to perpetuate their existence as "sending" agencies has to do with "unreached people groups." Over and over I have heard or read statements coming from executives of traditional missions to the effect that the so called "nationals" in "mission field" countries have no concern for reaching the unevangelized tribes... Read more
HOW THEN SHALL WE MOTIVATE OUR YOUNG PEOPLE?
Soon after I had returned from service in Asia I was invited to be one of the speakers at a large summer Bible conference. About two hundred high school and college age young people were among those in total attendance. Since other speakers were urging young people to volunteer to be foreign missionaries... Read more
WAKE-UP CALL IN CHINA
So, then, who am I to call for change in Christian missions? Many times I have felt unworthy to wipe the dust from the feet of traditional missionaries whom I have known. I have not suffered or sacrificed nearly as much for the cause of Christ as have some of them. Generally, foreign missionaries have been the most committed Christians that American churches have produced. Most of us, therefore, feel hopelessly inadequate to say one word... Read more
The Bob Finley Legacy Project was created to carry forward the priority of reaching the nations with the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.
– The Legacy Team
Photo by Sarah Hazlegrove Photography
Meet the R.V.F. Legacy Team
Founder
Cynthia
Cynthia is the widow of Robert Finley. She joined him in the ministry in 1970. It was her vision and determination not to let the unfinished manuscript of PREM remain unfinished and unpublished. Her life’s work with indigenous missionaries has continuously been an inspiration to the entire team.
Editor
Ellen Gray
Ellen Gray has immensely enjoyed the privilege of helping Cynthia Finley compile and edit Robert V. Finley’s PREM. It’s her hope that upon reading this once-in-a-generation true story, more Christians will assist indigenous mission ministries working to penetrate the frontlines of the Great Commission with the love of Christ.
Media relations
Jeanette
From banking over a dozen themed emails to writing blog posts, Jeanette is all things Book Launch. After serving in ministry for a decade in South Asia, Jeanette is thrilled to work with a team that makes the Gospel a priority.
Archivist
Melynda
Always a sleuth, Mindy has uncovered and pieced together the history of the life of Robert Finley. From the ancestry of the Finleys in America to the trove of letters between Bob and the prominent Christian leaders of his time, Mindy ascends frequently from her basement digs with the archeological finds of the day.
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