BULLETIN FEBRUARY 2020 - Missions Interlink NZ
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BULLETIN
Vol 20 No. 02 FEBRUARY 2020
Plans go wrong for lack of advice;
many advisers bring success.
(Proverbs 15:22 NLT)
INSIDE
IDEA: GO: PRAY:
Listen, Then Lead 02 Movement By Media 08 Prayerlinks 14
EQUIP: With Sober Judgement 11 30 Days of Prayer 15
Being Bicultural 04 CARE: SPOTLIGHTS: 16
Help Get 2020 Focus 13
IDEA
EDITORIAL
LISTEN TO THE PEOPLE, THEN LEAD
By Dr Jay Matenga, Executive Officer, Missions Interlink.
Tena tātou katoa e te iwi mīhana...
T
his month’s whakataukī (proverb) is: “He aha te kai the proverb quoted. Ian Paul, in his critique, laments that
ō te rangatira? He kōrero, he kōrero, he kōrero” the BGEA did not seek invitations from UK church leaders,
[What is the food of the leader? It is well rounded as Billy Graham used to do, but instead followed their own
communication (conversation, consultancy, discussion, plan that now seems to be backfiring in places where they
etc)]. Māori have strong collectivist values when it comes are finding venues difficult to hire. For the events that do go
to decision making. The aim of a well respected rangatira ahead, people will still turn up, and they will no doubt be
(leader) or kaumatua (elder) is to make decisions based blessed by the ministry. But is there an unnecessary cost?
on their best discernment of the will of the people. A quick This is a vexing question in trans-boundary missions today.
process this does not make, but a strong community it does. We live in an era where imposing one's view of the world
We cannot underestimate the importance of genuine onto others is reprehensible. Do our beliefs give us the right
consultation when it comes to fostering unity in a group. to do it anyway? Do we really have a mandate to go into
Coming in with a preconceived agenda and holding a any nation we please, walk over their moral sensibilities and
consultation in a perfunctory manner is not what the proverb declare our way better than theirs?
above refers to. The knowledge-food/nourishment of the Attitude is everything. Christ's way is the way of humility and
leader is drawn from the discussion. The discussion adds service, of peace and generosity. Wherever we find ourselves
value to the leader as he or she listens. There, wisdom is in the world ('as we go'), we should respect the values
found. It strengthens them in their leadership because they and morals of the host culture, and wait for an invitation to
come to understand where their people want to go. The engage in conversations that lead to change. That doesn't
leader's job is then to help them get there. The leader is of mean we need to be passive, but it does mean we need to
course part of the conversation and should have some vision be patient. The food of the gospel-leader is conversation. We
for the future, but conversations should shape the forward talk, we learn, we consider, we contribute as invited.
movement and, to some degree, the intended destination. The
"But there's so much wrong with their culture..." they say.
ideal end result is collaboration engaged in by all because they
"Log. Eye." I say. The gospel seeded around the world
see wisdom in the decision, they've been (really) heard and can
has adapted to and transformed cultures in powerful ways
also see how they can contribute to the plan's success.
through the lives of those in whom the gospel has sprouted
This past week I have watched with interest how various new life. It will continue to do so.
parties have reacted to Franklin Graham's intention to
Big-crowd events can have a catalytic impact, but it's the
hold 'celebration events' in some major cities as part of
life on life discipling relationship that matures us. It is the
a worldwide campaign. Christian Today recently ran an
steadfast and true, through thick and thin, living counter
article exploring the rejection of Franklin's ministry by some
to the worst in society around us, that raises all the right
venues in the UK, and English minister and theologian,
questions and leads to lasting Kingdom impact.
Ian Paul shared some different views. In Christian Today,
David Robertson sees Franklin's rejection as something of I'm biased, but I like that the World Evangelical Alliance
a conspiracy against evangelism (in some ways, he's not has prioritised a "Decade of Holistic Discipleship". I don't
wrong) but it was Ian Paul's article that resonated with me think it's by accident that the World Council of Churches
and the proverb above. He laments the lack of consultation. is prioritising "Transforming Discipleship" and, from the
Vatican, the Pope is emphasising the need for "Missionary
Along with other local leaders, I received an invitation to
Discipleship". If the Spirit is saying anything to the Church
meet with an Aus/NZ spokesperson for the Billy Graham
today it is to deepen our understanding of being a disciple.
Evangelistic Association (BGEA) to discuss Franklin's
intention to visit in February 2021. It was a warm and In his John 17 prayer Jesus implies that the world needs to
respectful invitation but I was unavailable. I recommended see our faith worked out in the daily grind, with hope and joy,
they speak with the NZ Christian Network. I look forward to faith and love. In unity with one another in-Christ. Disciples
hearing how that conversation unfolds. It may be different in of Jesus replicating disciples of Jesus in all nations, cities,
NZ's case, but the testimony of others (in Australia and the towns and villages, not just in the big venues. As leaders in
UK), suggests it has potential to be one of those "we have an God's mission, let's keep talking, encouraging and listening,
agenda - are you on board" types of meetings. This would that we might be well nourished, as leaders Together: On
be a far cry from the nourishing conversation suggested by Mission.
02
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EQUIP
BEING BICULTURAL
CHANGE & CHALLENGE FOR AOTEAROA NZ
by Dave Mann, a creative communicator with a vision to see an understanding of the Christian faith
continuing, and also being valued, in the public square in Aotearoa-New Zealand. He has innovated
numerous conversational resources for churches, and coordinates the nationwide multimedia Easter
project (Hope Project) purposed to help open conversation between church and non-church people
about Christianity take place, including the specifically Christian origins of many of our nation’s most
treasured values. Married to Heather, they have four boys and reside in Tauranga, New Zealand.
This article is draw from Dave's Alltogether.com blog for Waitangi Day consideration.
T
he Church in Aotearoa New a few reasons. Firstly, our nation’s in this nation. Due to this bias, the
Zealand is changing. If it bicultural journey is a matter of justice. Christian dynamics within our
were suggested 5 years ago Christian efforts laid much of the bicultural and Treaty history are not
that Te Reo language courses path toward the Te Tiriti o Waitangi being told. The onus is therefore
be run in churches, in most (the Treaty or Waitangi). It certainly upon us to tell them. The wider-
churches people would have said influenced the generosity of the narrative explains the legitimacy
‘What would we do that for?’ agreement on the British side. Sadly of Christianity in Aotearoa New
Today, surprising numbers of missionaries were unable to stop the Zealand. It is not an imposition
believers will sign up. Treaty’s betrayal, and Pākehā churches of colonisation! Of note, most
This trend is almost national in scope, became complicit with that betrayal, efforts by Christians have focused on
and is one of the reasons I believe that with many of the settlers and British church audiences. The Hope Project,
the Kiwi Church (as a whole) crossed Armed Forces being church-goers. ‘Chronicles of Paki’ illustrated history
a tipping point regarding biculturalism It is good and right that we seek to series, Bible Society’s ’Tarore Story’ and
somewhere around 2017. This came understand and honour this agreement. the more recent ‘Tarore Gospel of Luke’
about following years of discussion It was effectively made in God’s are notable exceptions—being expressly
within church circles nationally from 2011 name due to trust in the Christian for non-churched audiences. More
on this topic. The gospel bicentenary missionaries. God will honour a people innovations are needed in this space.
in 2014 was the discussion trigger. I who honour their agreements! But wait—there’s more. In te Ao Māori
suggest that the weight of opinion in the However, this bicultural journey is (the Māori world) spirituality is intrinsic
Kiwi Church on this has now shifted. significant for a strategic reason or to life. As a result of biculturalism, those
WHY IS BICULTURALISM two also. who stand on Te Tiriti now have a
SIGNIFICANT? Many want this to be a religiously ‘permission card’ to bring the ‘spiritual’
‘secular’ nation. They therefore want into public places within Aotearoa New
This journey is significant to the
to delegitimise the place of Christianity Zealand. This understanding is found
Aotearoa New Zealand Church for
in the policies of social institutions.
04
BEING BICULTURAL cont...
to better understand what it is to group of independent nations. While I
be a bicultural nation. don’t believe this will as far as actually
While some readers may struggle becoming separate nations (due to
to digest these points, I believe sheer impracticability), my point is
these implications are significant that as the ‘mana whenua’ continues
enough to warrant serious to be restored in the hearts of Māori,
attention. give it 20 years, and I think we can be
sure they are going to have increasing
1. Māori influence is influence, strengthened by international
increasing—so we would legal backing.
be wise to befriend local Iwi
So, from a strategic vantage point,
(tribal groups).
it is not only right and good in a
Firstly, honouring the Treaty (the broad sense for churches to work at
‘Holistic care’ is the expectation—and it motivation behind biculturalism) cultural reconciliation; it is also wise to
includes issues of spirituality. This could is a matter of justice. For the Christian establish ongoing relationships with
give some basis for continued Christian Church this is about doing what is local Iwi because they are likely to have
expression in public places, so long as right. However, from a leadership influence that God can harness for the
we understand and are connected with perspective there is more to consider. good of the nation and the Church!
the bicultural ground we stand upon. The Christian faith, and Māori, hold
As I mentioned above, regarding
a number of things in common. This
But wait—there’s still more! The spirituality in the public square, Māori
could make us worthy allies—and with
bicultural journey of our nation has not have a holistic view of reality, which
some current cultural trends in view, we
reached its apex. It has much further to includes the spiritual realm, that is
might also be wise to be allies!
go because Māori integrate spirituality highly compatible with a Biblical view.
into the whole of life. A prayer in the Regarding influence—Iwi enjoy the In contrast, secularists in our nation
name of Ihu Karaiti (Jesus Christ) might same tax-free status as churches. desire to remove all religious references
be as easily heard on a marae as in a Iwi are investing their funds – which from the public square. Already it
church. The question is whether local are therefore multiplying. Project this is unacceptable to pray in a public
marae can come to a place of oneness forward a couple of decades, and meeting—but entirely acceptable
with local churches (or vice versa) and we can be assured that the ‘mana to have karakia (prayer in the Māori
therefore encourage public Christian whenua’ (the mana of the people language). We can all see the irony—
prayer and expression. At present an that is connected with the land) will but this dynamic makes Māori good
awkward ‘distance’ remains, leaving be significantly restored! They will no allies for coming public conversations.
some concern that Māori spiritual longer need to be ‘the beneficiaries of Māori could become powerful voices in
expression will focus back more toward Pākehā charity’. Instead, they will have public debates on matters like prayer
incompatible pre-Christianity beliefs. power to do a lot for their people— in Parliament, retaining our national
which some Iwi are already doing anthem, protection of the charitable
There are also financial and funding
brilliantly; in areas of employment, tax-free status for churches, and maybe
implications. There are language
education and healthcare. And they will one day even for Religious Instruction
implications. There will be ‘power’
have greater influence to also do things in schools, the preservation of Christ in
implications. Tipping points in thinking
for good that could affect all who live in Christmas and Easter, and more.
and culture will come. But all this
Aotearoa New Zealand!
makes our nation’s bicultural journey a And remember—‘truth’ in our society is
great opportunity because many things In addition to this, but without now defined by public opinion. To turn
change during times of... change! If the elaboration, our constitutional identity the cultural tide we must turn public
Christian voice is at the table, Christian as a ‘bicultural’ nation has various opinion, and for that we could use allies
faith could remain within the public implications that have not yet been among Māori who share the same
view with Christian Māori support. If tested and tried. In short, the idea of goals and values.
it is not, doors of opportunity can be Māori sovereignty is generally accepted
as being enshrined in the Te Tiriti. Due 2. The new generation of Māori
expected to close quickly.
to international Charters via the UN are identifying as Māori to an
THE CHALLENGE OF CHANGE that our government has signed, my increasing degree.
In a 2017 reflection, writing current understanding is that
predominantly to encourage a Pākehā the 1840 Tiriti o Waitangi
Christian audience, I highlighted three now comes under their
cultural changes I see taking place auspices also. As a result,
in relation to the biculturalism of our UN representatives may
nation. They fit well with the theme of occasionally visit New Zealand
this article at this time. to meet with the leaders of Iwi
The three changes will undoubtedly (plural)—who are recognised
have implications upon the future as the equivalent of ‘sovereign
values and policies of our nation, and nations’. I see no reason why
of local councils and communities— they might not one day be
which all serves to highlight the extended the possibility of
importance of sincerity in current efforts representation at the UN as a
04
BEING BICULTURAL cont...
This new generation of Māori coming In my experience, many Māori ‘biculturalism’ can end for many by
through are learning te reo (Māori Christians are waiting for the wider the time we’ve had the cup of tea
language) along with kaupapa and Church to become ready to respect that follows. This attitude leaves us
tikanga (principles and customs), and tikanga and kaupapa Māori (Māori vulnerable because we are in danger of
take pride in this. They value their customs and principles), rather than losing the vital Māori Christian leaders
culture. In contrast to many Māori of assuming that everything always needs that we need to guide us all.
50 years ago, they boldly identify as to be done the Pākehā way. Their These patterns of nominal engagement
Māori and want the freedom to relate patience might be wearing thin in some frustrate them, and this frustration is
as Maori—without an obligation to instances or contexts. even more-so for the new generation
‘become Pākehā all the time’. Some Māori are not likely to unite with who identify as ‘Maori’ to a greater
To make this cultural change clear: the wider Church until greater respect is degree. This frustration corrodes the
being ‘Maori’ is not a ‘secondary racial shown to cultural values, even though vision they serve, of a united Church
thing’ to them. It is at the core of who they may pray in Jesus’ name on the in-Christ within a constitutionally
they are. They are not ashamed of it, marae and at home at night, because bicultural nation.
and they want the freedom to discover this is about what is tika, what is right.
SUMMARY
what an authentic expression of that However, other Māori Christians
in the public square and church and Is this whole topic problematic? Of
fellowship in our churches ready for
workplace might be, because the course it is! Change is not easy, and
action. They are waiting... and waiting...
generation before them did not have the rectifying of serious wrongs in our
and… Could it be that God has gifted
the educational, social or economic nation’s history was always going to be
them to be bridge-builders for us all?
freedom to do the same. messy. We are a technically bicultural
I’m aware of God nation of superficial expressions that
personally leading is essentially still living mono-culturally.
some Māori to What is the solution?.
stay within the
It is human to fear what is ‘unknown’,
wider Church
but in this we need to be strong
instead of leaving
and courageous. I believe the
to join a whare
correct questions for Christians
karakia (Māori
to ask are: ‘What is the right thing
house church)
to do?’ (justice) and ‘What is God
somewhere—even
saying?’ (righteousness). Then obey
though they feel
(discipleship).
overlooked and
sometimes even Something is changing in the cultural
disrespected dynamics of our nation. For the
within these Church, the traffic lights are green right
congregations. now. We have an opportunity to move
They are there with forward, to learn, and to build strong
a sense of mission enduring relationships. So let’s do this,
Constitutionally, being fully Maori is and calling. Could it be that God really because everything has a season, and
something they have every right to be, is the one behind keeping them in if the lights turn red, we may miss this
and to express at a level and in a way these churches? opportunity and arrive late at the table.
that no other non-English-speaking In which case, there will be negative
Consider how Māori patiently provide
nationality has a right in this nation, consequences for the spiritual and
‘services’ like karakia/blessings and
at least not technically. For example, cultural wellbeing of our nation and the
pōwhiri when asked. Even though
except for another colonial invasion, our Church which dwells within it!
the the sincerity of this expression of
nation will not become Chinese or Hindi
speaking in the future—no matter how
many Chinese or Indians immigrate.
Our official languages are three: English,
Maori and sign language.
Based on their sovereign rights, it is
by their grace that Maori speak to us
in English—and while we might think it
wise for this practice to continue, it is
not actually our right to tell them what
to do.
Can you see how something has
changed here within our national
culture and values?
3. If we are to be truly sincere in
valuing biculturalism, we need to
engage sooner rather than later.
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GO
MOVEMENT BY MEDIA
CREATIVE CATALYSTS FOR CHRIST
by Calvin C. of Create International, a frontier mission communication ministry committed to
producing evangelistic audio visuals in the heart language and cultural style of the people group
they are created for. Their goal is to produce culturally specific evangelistic and mobilisation
communication materials on all of the least evangelized mega people groups of the world.
Special priority will be given to these 160 peoples with a population over one million. This article
was curated from Create's eNews December 2019.
O
ur Create International Create International was asked to
staff are encouraged by produce an indigenous gospel film for
the unfolding stories of this people group. Our team travelled
unreached peoples coming to to the outer villages of Hyderabad, gathered together singing and dancing.
Jesus as a result of seeing one India — found actors and cultural They had created temporary shelters
of our indigenous gospel films. advisers and crafted a script together made of bamboo and cardboard that
Over the past several years with the people. Filmed on location covered several acres of land. After
we have not only been made and field tested, the film entitled, exiting our taxi we were quickly rushed
aware of numerous fellowships “Transformation” was then handed over to the stage where we joined with
planted; but also multiplying to the local workers to be used in their others praying and anointing individuals
movements of churches sparked church planting work. with oil. The line was so long that it took
by indigenous workers using our After five years had passed Carol and I us three hours to pray for everyone
films to reach their people. One were invited back to India to celebrate – men, women, children and even
such unreached people group is what the Lord had done through the animals!
the Banjara of India. showing of the film. We were to join We met and took pictures with several
The Banjara is a Hindu group of nearly a gathering of people at the location of the actors and participants in the
60 million people scattered throughout where they were planning to build a film. While interviewing some of the
the country. More than 15 years ago Bible School. We travelled by taxi for church planters who also had roles in
miles on dusty dirt roads until the film, we were told that more than
coming upon a banner strung 10,000 Banjara people had already
across the top of a hill that come to Christ after watching the film.
read, “Welcome Conkeys”. When we asked the Banjara workers
This was completely how they used the film they told us,
unexpected, but the shock of “We show the film, people give their
this was nothing compared life to Jesus, and so we start a church
to what we saw next. As in that village. This is how we have
we drove over the dusty more than 500 new churches!” They
hill, there in the valley below continued telling us story after story
were 12,000 Banjara people of miracles and families being set
08
MOVEMENT BY MEDIA cont...
free by Jesus. Naturally, we were so produced for the Banjara people.
encouraged and spent several days “We have just finished an info-graph
rejoicing together with the Banjara illustrating the present status of the
believers. They brought their non- work, I will send it to you”. I then
believing friends and family to watch recounted the story of the 10,000
the film being shown at night. What Banjaras that had come to Christ
an incredible privilege to play a part in several years ago. His response was,
what God was doing to reach these kingdom. When he mentioned that the “Oh brother, it is not 10,000 believers,
precious people. name of the group was the Banjara it is 2 million!” Two million Banjaras had
But the story was not over yet. As has people, Carol and I nearly fell out of our now given their life to Christ, and they
happened several times in the past, seats. had trained 10,000 church planters and
these stories seem to have multiple Upon returning home I emailed our are now working in 23 states reaching
layers of revelation. Just three months missionary contact and Banjara out to 200 different unreached people
ago while researching how our films are workers in India to try and find out what groups. The largest nomadic people
being used on Youtube, one of our staff the Lord was doing. They very quickly group in India: Saved—transformed
discovered that an actor in the Banjara responded and excitedly thanked us and now nomadic missionaries
film uploaded it to his own personal once again for the film that we had throughout India.
Youtube account. The viewer count Praise the Lord for
verified that the film had been watched this unfolding Story.
by 750,000 Banjara speaking people! We pray many
Once again, something was happening more unreached
that was beyond our knowledge and people groups will
expectation. Confirmed when attending also recount Jesus
a Disciplemaking Movement (DMM) transforming their
strategy gathering, Dr. Bill Smith, a people! Joy to the
renown DMM strategist shared about world –the Lord has
his recent trip to India. He witnessed truly come to the
a significant movement of hundreds of Banjara people!
thousands of people coming into the
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021 0318 024
TOPIC How Not To Reach the
Nations. Lessons From the PALMERSTON NORTH
Book of Jonah TUESDAY 3RD MARCH 6:30PM
CONTACT PASTOR FREDERICK TANG WHERE BRYNDWR SUNDAY 15TH MARCH 10:00AM
09 837 8181 Christchurch Chinese Church
286 Greers Road WHERE WEST END
Central Baptist Church
LANGUAGE ENGLISH 190 Church Street
CHRISTCHURCH TOPIC A New Era in Chinese LANGUAGE MANDARIN
Mission
9:00AM- TOPIC How Not To Reach the
SATURDAY 29TH FEBRUARY CONTACT DANIEL GREEN Nations. Lessons From the
2:30PM
020 4032 8694 Book of Jonah
WHERE WIGRAM
MISSION CONFERENCE, FRIDAY 6TH MARCH 6:00PM CONTACT PASTOR AKANG KO
Abundant Life Church 021 0229 9101
182 The Runway WHERE LINCOLN
Lincoln Union Church
LANGUAGE MANDARIN 20a James Street CCSM was founded by Ross Paterson in
TOPIC Remarkable Lessons in 1986 to “serve, strengthen and support
LANGUAGE ENGLISH
Cross-Cultural Outreach from the church and people of China.”
Jonah TOPIC China 2020 - The Emerging
Situation in China Moving into 2020 The Churches in China
CONTACT PASTOR ELIJAH WONG are facing many new challenges, so this
021 901 359 (Please phone CONTACT PASTOR CHARLES YU
still remains a huge responsibility for the
Pastor Elijah if you plan to attend) 03 325 3238
Church in the West.USA MEXICO
WITH SOBER JUDGEMENT
DECENTRING CULTURAL COMPETENCY
by Ismael Ruiz-Millán, a United Methodist pastor and the Director of the Hispanic House of Studies,
Global Education & Intercultural Formation at Duke Divinity School. This article was curated from the
Sojourners blog, September 26, 2018.
I
was born in a border town in factors; rather, it is determined by your backgrounds, races, theological
Sonora, México. At the age of 3, immigration status. convictions, and ways of life. However,
my family and I moved to Mexico I also spent 12 years of my life in a city I confess that I have made many
City. Eventually, at the age of 12, I where it is easy to identify the damage mistakes. My attempt to be a
moved back to the border. After I of colonization and modernization. cultural bridge has been long,
finished college, I moved to North La Plaza de las Tres Culturas (Three painful, and humbling—and at
Carolina. During all these years Cultures Square) allows you to stand times humiliating.
and moves, I have experienced in a square from where you can see THE PRIDE OF CULTURAL
the messiness and beauty of Aztec’s edifications, a church building COMPETENCY
encountering different lands, from the Spanish Conquest, and a more
peoples, and cultures. In 2012, I was introduced to the
contemporary apartment complex.
cultural humility concept. When I
MY SPIRITUAL JOURNEY This image describes my paradox,
heard about it, it was during a time
my ongoing dilemma, which is to be
As I look back, I can now see how where I had achieved some significant
constantly asking myself what it means
these transitions had been significant accomplishments: ordination, a new
to descend from the violent encounter
in my caminata espiritual (spiritual walk) job in a prestigious institution, and
of Spanish and Indigenous people.
as well as in discerning my call to serve recognition as a cultural bridge in my
God and God’s people. These different I have now spent 15 years in the United denomination.
encounters with places, peoples, States, specifically in North Carolina.
Although I did not realize it at the time,
and cultures, have been crucial in My exposure to “American” culture has
I really felt very confident, competent,
my attempt to foster the conditions complicated things even more. I am
and really believed that I was a cultural
for visible signs of Jesus’ kingdom to not only a fronterizo (frontier person),
bridge and an ambassador of the
be a present reality and not only an chilango (urbanite), and Mexicano
ministry of reconciliation — how wrong
eschatological affair. (Mexican). I am now a Hispanic, a
I was. My encounter with the cultural
Latinx, and a Mexican-American;
Culture is a complex concept. humility concept is what has led me
some have even called me pocho
However, we often try to reduce it to realize that there is always room to
(Americanised Mexican). Yes, not only
to music, food, clothing. These are grow in our understanding of other
do I have to live with the fact that I have
elements of culture, but culture is cultures.
an accent when I speak in English, but
more than that. In the same way that The premise of cultural humility is
now my Spanish is also questioned!
we say eyes are the window to the described in the following statement
soul, culture is the window to the soul Undoubtedly, God has used culture
by Melanie Tervalon and Jann Murray-
of society. For instance, spending 15 to speak to me. My encounter with
Garcia in their article Cultural Humility
years of my life in la frontera (border) different cultures is what led me
Versus Cultural Competence:
taught me that borderlands culture is to discern a call for the ministry—
Cultural humility incorporates
quite different from the rest of Mexico another culture in itself. Since my first
a lifelong commitment to self-
and the United States. pastoral tenure in a Spanish-speaking
evaluation and critique, to
congregation and eventually in two
There is something bizarre about a redressing the power imbalances
English-speaking congregations, I have
fence, a 24/7 checkpoint, and an in the physician-patient dynamic,
found myself being a cultural bridge.
implicit conviction that the people of and to developing mutually
el otro lado con papeles (on the other For the last seven years, I have beneficial and non-paternalistic
side with papers) are better. In other encountered many more cultures by partnerships with communities on
words, the sentiment of inferiority goes my interaction with seminarians and behalf of individuals and defined
beyond race or other socio-economic pastors from different denominations, populations. 11WITH SOBER JUDGEMENT cont...
Tervalon and Murray-Garcia started Philippians 2:1-11. I believe that Jesus use to engage in social change,
developing this concept as they noticed embodies what cultural humility means; mission, evangelism, multicultural,
how nurses and other professionals in his kenosis should be a reminder that and intercultural ministry. Also, it can
the medical field reacted after receiving the "emptying of one self" should contribute to conversations regarding
cultural competency training. They be at the centre of any effort toward race, racism, anti-racism, power
started to show arrogant gestures and becoming culturally competent. dynamics, and other controversial
make assumptions about their patients The cultural humility principles can be topics.
based on their training. In short, these especially helpful for leaders, activists, Cultural humility has been a means
researchers noticed how cultural and allies who come from privileged of grace for my life. My exposure to
competency was becoming more backgrounds. I am convinced that different cultures has expanded my
of a "check list.” Once someone the Church and theological education imagination about who God is, what
fulfilled it, they could feel as though institutions should be active and the Christian life is about, and how I
needed no more growth and could leading participants in developing this can become a visible sign of Jesus’
relate with all cultures without a concept from a biblical perspective. kingdom on earth. More significantly, it
problem. has affirmed my own identity because
The cultural humility principle aligns
My encounter with the concept with the need to grow in our love as I learn from other cultures, I also
of cultural humility helped me for God and neighbour. Specifically, learn something new about how I can
realize why I automatically felt fully cultural humility is in alignment with better serve others.
culturally competent considering my the notion of Christian holiness that
background. Having this false notion calls all Christians to an ongoing self-
led me to hurt many people in my examination and critique. It also aligns For by the grace given me I say
interactions with other cultures. with seeking justice that reflects God’s to every one of you: Do not think
The current work about cultural encompassing love for all. All people of yourself more highly than
humility is mainly from the medical are created after God’s image and you ought, but rather think of
and psychological field, so what I have no one has the right to dehumanize yourself with sober judgment, in
striven to do is to incorporate a biblical anyone based on earthly titles or accordance with the measure of
and theological frame. For instance, credentials. faith God has given you.
one of the foundational Scriptures Ultimately, I am convinced that (Romans 12:3 NIV)
I often use to connect the cultural cultural humility can help change
humility term with biblical language is the paradigms Christian leadersCARE
PICK A VALUABLE WORD
A HINT FOR 2020 FOCUS
by Christina Baird PhD. a psychologist who is passionate about helping people grow and thrive,
with a particular interest in the role of reflective learning for increasing wellbeing, confidence,
creativity and resilience. This article is curated from Christina's Bread & Pomegranates blog.
A
re you and how it may impact goals and help us gain a sense of achievement
the sort motivation for the year ahead, but I that is so important for our wellbeing.
of person suspect that most of the words that The theme words, once set, can lead
to make a New Year's Resolution? are chosen for this purpose represent us toward some well-crafted goals that
For a change have you ever values. I think it is an exercise in align with our values.
thought about choosing a word to identifying how we want to live and These may be longer-term goals, but
describe your focus-theme for the perhaps it also helps us identify they need to broken down into shorter-
year to come. We're over a month ways of being that are important to term achievable steps that ultimately
into the new year already but it's us but have been lacking in our life. lead you to achievement. Steps toward
never too late to focus! A value or theme word helps us know achievement of goals need to have
Choosing a single word or phrase who we want to be, and how we want a positive focus and stem from the
seems to be growing in popularity (and to act throughout the coming year. intrinsic motivations that are captured
I enjoy it), but I was curious to know if it Taking the time to identify your values by the theme word or value.
was more effective than making a New is a helpful exercise and the research If we continue with our example of
Years resolution—or is it just a fad? I clearly shows that values play an 'care for my body', we can derive
wondered, if it is more effective why important part in motivation. longer-term objectives (lose weight,
would that be so and how can we gain Putting a value-marker in the centre lower blood pressure, be able to
the most from this reflective practice? of your year provides a "why" for walk as fast as my son) and shorter-
The media certainly suggests your "what"—what you are doing. It term goals (replace every piece of
that people don't keep new years provides an internal reason that moves chocolate with a piece of fruit this
resolutions. It's my guess that there you towards something, rather than week, 5 minutes controlled breathing
are a number of factors at work there. restricting you from doing things you and reduced salt intake, park one
Often resolutions are made without think you might want to, but don't think street further away from work so I walk
much prior thought or reflection and you should do. every day). Now when I go to eat that
are spur of the moment thoughts. Using the example of a New Year's orange instead of the TimTam I have
Well used resolutions return to us year resolution to ‘get fit’; if we changed that a reason—I am caring for my body. I
after year. You know the sort: get fit, to a core value, we may say something have a longer-term goal —I want to be
drink less coffee/alcohol, stop smoking, more proactive and reinforcing, like, able to walk as fast as my son. I have
etc. They are about the things that we ‘care for my body’. It immediately has some motivation that will keep me
think we ‘ought’ to do, not really the a less punishing and more nurturing moving towards my ultimate objective.
things that we want to do. focus, and it is more firmly and Putting these two practices together,
Setting a resolution in the style of New intrinsically located (my body). of a focus word or phrase, rooted in
Year traditions doesn’t follow most Choosing a word or short value-able what we value, and some shorter-
theorizing and research on effective phrase can centre us on what is term commitments to help us in that
goal setting. There is much more to important but it doesn’t actually help us direction, could be what moves you
defining and achieving goals than to finish those projects and gain some forward this year in whatever it is that
simply saying, "this year I will get fit". accomplishments in our year. God has called you to do and be for
the sake of God's glory in all the earth.
I could not find any verifiable research That is where focused goals (rather
on the idea of choosing a word than resolutions) come in to play, to
13
22PRAY
PRAYERLINKS
PRAYER FUEL FOR MISSIONS
BIBLE LEAGUE NZ into the discomfort and make us Some church leaders have caught
Praise God for the Holy Spirit’s grow as individuals as well as a the vision and are frustrated with
empowerment of Church Planter community. Pray for grace and colleagues who haven’t. Our
Training graduates in Ghana as peace for the year ahead. mobilisers and associate members
they begin new ministries. Pray that in Pacific nations continue to work
MISSIONS INTERLINK (MI)
Ghana’s youth and children would with church leaders to inform and
The year kicked off with encourage. Pray for invitations to
be transformed and know the Good
opportunities to support the share in many fellowships. Pray for
News through Project Philip Bible
promotion of missions from and several of our missionary units who
studies in orphanages and high
within Aotearoa NZ. Praise God for are on home leave in their Pacific
schools.
all that God is doing for the nations nations. Pray that they can use
FEBC NZ from our nation. Jay has shared every opportunity to share God’s
Please pray for our listeners and in a number of contexts, including perspective on world mission.
stations around the globe. May a webinar on mobilisation for a
US conference and greeting the WYCLIFFE BIBLE TRANSLATORS
the Spirit of God lead people to
our programmes and prepare them Pacific Wa'a leaders with a 'mihi Praise God for the wonderful
to hear His message. Col 4:3 - 6. whakatau' (Māori welcome) and Pacific Wa'a meetings we hosted
"Your broadcasts seem to change sharing from his own life and love in South Auckland, January 29-3.
people's lives. Recently I ran into of the Scriptures. Pray for Jay as Leaders from YWAM, Wycliffe, SIL
an old work colleague. I didn't he heads to Germany Feb. 18-29 and Jesus Film as well as some
recognise him as he used to be a on World Evangelical Alliance other organisations gathered with
drunk. According to him a few years business. Pray for favour as he the aim of reducing Bible-poverty
ago he heard your broadcast and meets with potential funders and for in the South Pacific. Pray that the
was challenged about looking into good relationships to develop with renewed strategies developed
a spiritual mirror regularly. Well he fellow WEA leaders, most of whom at this meeting will further the
clearly saw that without faith in God he will be meeting for the first time. movement towards providing a
he was lost. Wow, what a spiritual OMF Bible for every language group in
check up can do!" (Serik, from the South Pacific.
We give thanks to God for a
Kyrgyzstan). sense of momentum heading into
INTERSERVE 2020, with some key events (EAT
Dominion Road, Bridge Mission to
We give praise to God for His
Asia) and key speakers (including
provision at the last minute before
our General Director Dr Patrick
the year finished. He is amazing!
Fung) lined up for the year ahead.
Please pray for this year to be
Our team has had a few changes,
one of growth in our community;
with some people leaving and
especially spiritual growth. We
some new faces arriving, but we
praise God for His abundant grace
are encouraged that it is all in God’s
and love as we are in a season
hands. We are still seeking a National
of change and pressing into new
Director; we would appreciate your
ways, paradigm shifts, and financial
ongoing prayers for that.
pressures which have potential to
develop relational tensions, doubts, WEC INTERNATIONAL
‘easy road options’ to divert us. Pray for Pacific churches that
Ask the Father earnestly to make are wrestling with the mandate
us steadfast in our faith, to push to be involved in world mission.24 April – 23 MAy 2020
1-9 copies $8.00 each
10-29 copies $6.50 each
30+ copies $5.00 each
Order from marn.org.nz
Photo © Nadia Ismail via Flickr CC BY-NC-SA
Praying Through Ramadan 2020
H ave you ever read comments on social media
from popular Christian organisations about
current events and cultural change? Sometimes
influenced Muslim cultures throughout history
and have spread and changed over the years. This
year’s prayer guide explores some of those ideas.
you could begin to wonder if the followers of Christ We hope you will learn a lot about the diversity
have anything in common! that exists among Muslim people in their
It is no different for Muslims. A shared faith is no expression of faith, their religious beliefs and their
barrier to conflicting views on the best way to ideologies as you read this year’s prayer guide, and
run a national economy, how to raise children, that it will inspire you to pray with fresh insight for
or which politicians to support. And don’t forget them.
the endless possible arguments over which 30 Days Editors - International
version of the sacred text is the most accurate
and which religious leader has the most accurate “By this all people will know that you are my
interpretation of those sacred texts! disciples, if you have love for one another.”
- Jesus (see John 13:35)
At 30 Days of Prayer for the Muslim World, one
of our goals is to help the global Church in its Please join us!
understanding of the Muslim world. It is easy to
To order 30 Days of Prayer for the
assume that all Muslims are just like the ones we
Muslim World prayer guides for
know where we live, or just like the ones we read Adults (in English or Chinese)
about or see on the news if we don’t know any or for Children (in English) visit:
personally. But, of course, this is not true - within
Islam there are many different ideas about what marn.org.nz
it means to be a Muslim. Different ideas haveSPOTLIGHTS PRAY FOR MUSLIMS THROUGH 2020
The 30th Anniversary edition of the 2020 Praying
for Muslims prayer guide is an easy way to pray
LEADING COMMUNITY ORG TRAINING for Muslims during the year. It is designed to be used
This LEAD development programme grows your on Fridays (the Islamic holy day) but it can be used at
skills, knowledge and confidence to manage your any time. It has a colourful, easy to use layout with 52
organisation and deliver results. Choose your level prayer topics - one for each week of the year. Now only
of learning from sector leaders with decades of NZ$5.00 incl. postage (within NZ).
experience in New Zealand's not for profit sector. Order your copies of via the MARN website:
$750+GST for the workshop. http://marn.org.nz/resources/ or email MARN for
Ferndale House more information: info@marn.org.nz.
830 New North Road, Mount Albert, AUCKLAND
9:30am Feb. 12 - 4:00pm Feb. 14, 2020 TSUTSEROV'S WITH OMS NZ IN MARCH
More info on the LEAD website here. Russians Sasha and Natasha Tsutserov will be
visiting New Zealand 16-30 March. Sasha was a
NZ TURKEY NETWORK CONFERENCE KGB agent who became a Christian. Natasha was
the daughter of a KGB officer. They have an amazing
Come and hear about how God's Church in New story. Sasha is now the director of an OMS-founded
Zealand can journey together with His Church seminary in Moscow who trains and sends many
in Turkey. Speakers will include those who have pastors and missionaries throughout Russia. They are
recently attended an historic conference in Turkey available for churches, small groups, business groups
led by local church leaders. Koha of $50 per person, etc. in the dates above. Natasha is great with women's
includes supper, morning/afternoon tea, and lunch. groups etc. They both have excellent English. For more
An offering will also be taken up. For more information information or to book please contact Owen Brown:
or to register, visit the event's web page. OBrown@oms.org.nz or phone: 07 856 8655.
Windsor Park Baptist Church
550 East Coast Road, AUCKLAND MISSION OF GOD'S PEOPLE COURSE
7:00pm Feb. 14 - 8:00pm Feb. 15, 2020
This introduction to mission course was
If you need to find out more, contact Sara by email: developed for Carey College by Dr George Wieland.
nztnetwork@gmail.com. It is a stimulating and highly relevant biblically-based
examination of many of the themes covered in Chris
NEW DIRECTOR FOR OM NZ Wright’s challenging best seller, “The Mission of
God’s People”. In 2020 the course is being offered at
Operation Mobilisation New Zealand are delighted to Carey in both Chinese (first semester on Thursday
welcome Joel Kumar as their new Director. Joel mornings) and in English (second semester on
was born and raised in India, and is fiercely passionate Monday evenings)—click here to see timetable.
about spurring on the church to sharing God’s love
with those who haven’t heard. Prior to arriving in NZ in Carey Baptist Theological College
November 2019, Joel and his family served with OM in 473 Great South Road, Penrose, AUCKLAND
Canada for several years with Joel working in various Semester 1: March 3 - June 22, 2020
leadership capacities. Joel and his family are based in For more information, contact the Carey College
Auckland and Joel can be contacted by email at: team by email: enquiries@carey.ac.nz or phone:
joel.kumar@om.org. 0800 773 776.
MISSIONARY SUPPORT OFFER PRISON CHAPLAIN VACANCIES
Ministry-nomad Ana is a full-time volunteer, offering Are you interested in journeying with and ministering to
herself to missionaries feeling the need for extra prisoners as they encounter the challenges of prison
support. Ana is a Kiwi now based in the UK. Whether life and separation from loved ones and whanau? We
due to an unexpected event, needing breathing space are looking for people with theological training, a deep
due to mounting ministry pressures, something extra faith, and pastoral experience who are comfortable
like a project start-up, or simply need of extra help for with, and has some knowledge of, te reo and tikanga
a time, there Ana is willing and waiting to hear the call. Māori. They would also need to provide group and
Feel free to save and share this information as Ana individual services, pastoral support, and lead and co-
hopes to be available this whole decade, as long as ordinate volunteers.
needs continue to arise. For more information visit the specific vacancy ads:
For more information about Ana (background, Rimutaka Prison | Waikeria Prison.
experience, references), visit Ana's website. You can
contact Ana by email: ana.in.action@gmail.com. 16SAVE MONEY & SUPPORT MISSIONS!
Our new mobile App is made possible by the Also in the App you can read the latest
members of Missions Interlink (MI) and it's BULLETIN (great for tablets, a bit small for some
free for anyone to download and use. You and phones). A complete MI member DIRECTORY
your friends and family can start saving right is available at the push of the D, and missions-
away with discounts immediately available via related EVENTS that we know about can
the MANAAKI icon. SPREAD THE WORD! be found via the E icon. If you are in need of
INSURANCE, we provide an introductory
For example, at Noel Leeming a recent purchase of
overview of what MI recommends and how to
a $50 laptop bag cost $34; and you can save over
access it. You can also access the Aotearoa
$155 on the purchase of Sony noise cancelling
NZ Missions Network FACEBOOK page and
headphones for those long-haul flights and open
push-NOTIFICATIONS from the bottom menu.
plan office spaces. Bunnings is a bit more hit/miss,
Notifications can be turned off but we reserve the
with most savings felt on building supplies but,
right to push missions prayer and news updates
every little saving counts!
from time to time. A KOHA link in the bottom
Point of sale discounts also freely available from menu allows users to reciprocate manaaki and
Auto Super Shoppes, Beaurepaires, Office Max, donate to Missions Interlink should they wish to
Pit Stop, Repco, and more. do so.
To make even more savings, the optional
MANAAKI+ coupons function requires an in-
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The cost of a manaaak+ subscription was
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In addition to dining options, deals include 2
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Manaaki+ works in a similar way to the coupon
books used for fundraising—with two major
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2) you can use the coupons as often as you like.
The team behind Manaaki+ (also sold as Perks+)
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GET THE APP HERE...
or search for "manaaki4missions" in your app storeYou can also read
