Praise 
 
Thank You, Father, that You so loved the world that You gave Your one and only Son, our Lord Jesus Christ...that when the time had fully come, He wrapped Himself in human form, being born as a helpless baby in a poor family. Thank You that He walked here on earth, radiating the brightness of Your glory and flawlessly expressing Your nature...and so, through Him, people saw You in action, involved with them, available to meet their needs. Thank You that He focused Your almighty power into the lives of common people with deep needs, just like me...that He preached the gospel to the poor, proclaimed freedom to prisoners of sin and recovery of sight to the blind, and set free the oppressed victims of sin and Satan--the downtrodden, the lost, the hurting, the broken. Thank You for the way He rebuked the arrogant and looked with favor on the humble-minded, opening wide the door of His kingdom to those who were destitute and helpless in spirit. I delight in Your tender mercies, O my God, by which the Sunrise from on high has come to us!

Thank You that through the Gospels I can watch this beloved One walk among ordinary people. I can hear the gracious words that came from His lips. I can see His compassion and tenderness toward needy people, His anger at hypocrisy, His faithfulness, His intense love for His followers.

Fairest Lord Jesus! You alone are my heart's desire...my chief delight...my soul's glory, joy, and crown. Every advantage life can offer is like rubbish, compared with the overwhelming gain of knowing You. You are worthy, Lord--worthy to be thanked and praised and worshipped and adored.

From "31 Days of Praise," by Ruth Myers.
Multnomah Books, 1994

Meet ISI's President 
 
Dr. Doug Shaw

Indian-born Dr. Doug Shaw, once an international student himself, leads ISI as President/CEO. Dr. Shaw brings a wealth of experience to ISI. His family heritage includes a great-grandfather who was a Muslim convert to Christianity and a grandfather who was a yogi in the Himalayas of India. He considers himself the product of missionary efforts in India through churches as widely varied as German Lutheran, United Methodist, Baptist and Assemblies of God.

After growing up and receiving his initial education in Calcutta, he came to the U.S. over 33 years ago and earned both an MA and a Ph.D. at California Graduate School of Theology in Glendale, CA. His continuing education includes an emphasis in evangelism and church growth as well as missions.

Dr. Shaw's professional experience is also varied. For seven years, he was President of a family corporation that owned three small businesses. He has served several churches in California in either interim/consultative roles or as senior pastor, having been ordained since 1974. He has been a consultant, producer and guest in various media endeavors, including television, radio and multi-media. He is the author of many articles and more than a dozen books and training manuals. In addition to these, Dr. Shaw has served several para-church ministries, including Living Bibles International, Christ for All Nations, the Joshua Project/Mission America, and Every Home for Christ. He has a heart for and extensive experience in missions. His ministry has been enriched by experience in the U.S., Europe, Asia and the Far East, including several communist countries.

Also active as a layman, Dr. Shaw has served numerous community groups as an advisor, Bible study leader and Board member.

Doug Shaw is married to Susan, and they have three children, Cilicia, Kassania, and Rajeev.