From 9 to noon we continued to work on our missions strategy. Several of us had hunted for more information on the internet, and found some helpful things.
The Wolof in Senegal are a chiefly Muslim people group that live primarily in remote villages, but also are present in major cities. It was discovered that while they practice the five pillars of Islam, they have mixed in a healthy dose of animism. They have daily habits and rituals intended to ward of evil spirits. It was noted that if a Wolof adult turns to Christianity, they are not only alienated from their family, but may be beaten or killed, and will likely have their children taken from them. Often Wolofs who are newly converted to Christ, escape to the city which tends to be less culturally restrictive. It was also discovered that the literacy rate among the Wolof people is only about 27% and that only about 30% of the Wolofs have access to clean water.As part of our simulated missionary team we decided that as a simple act of mercy and a cultural bridge to the Wolof people we would work on a water project and literacy as well as teaching the Bible chronologically starting in Genesis.during all of our planning couples were pulled out for two one hour interviews: A missions interview and a psychological interview. This disrupted the planning process, but as Curt Hansen mentioned there are regular disruptions on the missions field as couples return to the states or other needs arise.
By 2:30 our missions simulation team was ready with several PowerPoint presentations (including a slide show of the Wolof people), and presentations from our team. I thought the point was to see how realistic and reasonable of a plan we could develop. That wasn't really the main point. Curt got up and pointed said, "Yesterday, you didn't even know who the Wolof people were. Do you see how much can be accomplished in just a short time by a team?" It was quite remarkable. It had also given us a sense for the amount of little things that need to be planned.
Things if missed will become road blocks or show stoppers for a mission team.Here are some things that stood out to me:
Understand the impact of your work on the indigenous culture. A Wolof could be persecuted or killed for turning to Christianity. What should a missionary do to prepare for such an event? Do you just charge in full speed and if people are killed or displaced, Oh well? Or is there another way? One suggestion was to first set up a support system in the city, so that if needed a Wolof could find refuge there. The other suggestion was that by building bridges first through a water project and literacy training, the misisonaries would be able to gain some trust and acceptance. However, all that said, there may always be the risk of dangerous consequences for Wolof people who accept Jesus Christ as their Lord and Savior. They need to know that so that they can make their decision with their eyes open.
Americans are viewed with suspicion. Individuals from Arab, Asian and even Latin American countries are more easily able to integrate into Muslim dominated countries. Americans feeling called to such countries need to enter in a creative way or partner with others who will have an easier time entering.
I also saw how a team of focused, committed people will tend to drift into complimentary strength areas. When the focus is placed on the goal on not on whose in charge or who has control.
The Missions Interview was conducted by Curt Hansen along with Steve and Kay Abelman. Steve and Kay spent many years in church planting in the Philippines. They asked probing questions about our call, our health, any concerns about our children and our children's needs. It was quite practical. At the end of it, they made some suggestions for a possible field of service and approach to missions life.
What they suggested was along the following lines:Because of our age, health concerns and lack of cross cultural experience, we would be well served to first commit to a short term assignment that would allow us to minister in English and have access to support systems that we may need (i.e. medical, educational, etc.).Steve suggested that we consider serving at the mission's guest house in the Philippines. It's in a major metropolitan area which would have more medical and educational resources. Also we would be able to start out right away in English. We could make a one or two year commitment, get our feet wet and then go from there. We would run the guest house, and would also have opportunity to teach at the Bible school.That was the third person who suggested something like being a house parent or running a guest house. Another mission agency rep. suggested much the same thing. It was not what I was expecting, but I listened carefully just the same.
The psychological interview was revealing, but not shocking. No skeletons in our closet, but there are areas that the pressures of living in an unfamiliar culture could exacerbate. We both have parts of our selves to strengthen.
After the day came to a close we both felt a little emotional and tired, so after a nap we went to dinner. We discovered a little place called 318 The Mill. It was a little coffee house that just so happened to be featuring a jazz combo. It was a great change of pace.
Adam
No comments:
Post a Comment