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English Translation of Article 1-10
This is an English translation of those writings (#1-10) posted here in this board.
Since being translated by a member of short-term missionary team as an effort of mission study, it does not replace the original Korean writings.
Deep appreciation, however, should be given to the translator.
<I might send it as a file to you over a E Mail.>
• Necessity for Native American Mission
Native American (Indians) Mission:
Is there any need for a mission here in America, one of the wealthiest and strongest nations in the world?
The answer is yes.
Here in America, whether it is a well-populated city, or a deserted place, there is a need for mission in spite of America’s advancements. Let’s discuss the need for mission in the city later, but for now…,
Who are these Native Americans?
These are the people who originally settled in this land. Historical records show that the Native Americans were not allowed to own the land. However, their yielding did not end the way they expected. They were supposed to be assimilated by the new American policy, controlled predominantly by the whites. But what they encountered was closer to genocide.
For hundreds of years, due to the colonial policy, the population of the Native Americans reduced dramatically, from 20 -30 million to 2-3 million. They experienced racial, cultural, social, economical, and institutional discrimination.
The country’s founding principles of life, liberty and happiness for all sadly did not apply to Native Americans.
There are many politicians who claim to give consistent support, while blaming the failure of Native Americans’ progress upon themselves. But if we look deeper, we can see that Native Americans are the true victims. As a Korean, I remember how colonial policy of the Japanese deeply scarred Koreans for 36 years, and I can only imagine the prolonged years of such effect on Native Americans.
Let’s put aside the extrinsic problems. What about their spirituality?
White missionaries have ministered and worked hard for Native Americans for the last hundreds of years. They actually planted a number of churches (some are amazing). But instead of allowing the churches to grow organically (as it is many mission’s goal), they turned into a “Square Church.” (A “Square Church” refers to a one direction church setting in which congregations face the stage, as opposed to Native Americans who prefers circular direction where everyone can see other’s faces). In other word, Native Americans were forced to change their spiritual culture and adapt to missionaries’ spiritual culture.
Moreover, I will not deny that there have been devoted missionaries who lived to parent the Native Americans, but many others have acted as the informant, assisting the Native Americans to adapt to colonial policy. This caused the Native Americans to refuse, if not rebel against Christians and their ministries. This is why people concluded that Native American mission is a complete failure within the Christian community. This makes Korean Americans’ mission more possible and more urgent.
Just a side note; the missionaries here in Reservation see that there are only 0.5% -1.0% of Christians in each tribe. To this day, Native Americans form their community only within themselves, and are strongly influenced by the medicine man, who performs traditional tribal religious practices. These tribal religious practices are deeply rooted within their core values – that their traditional religion identifies their own tradition.
This is the reality and yet, many of the churches in this country consider mission to Native Americans as complete, if not trying to reduce the amount of support the Native Americans need.
All missions are in need, and many missionaries are ministering to meet such needs. We, who have shared the common ethnic ground - historically, socially, and even genetically - must realize the urgency of meeting these mission demands. And especially as Korean-American churches, we should be able to offer our hands willingly if there’s a call for help by the voice from the wilderness.
• Native American Mission Status of Korean-American
There have been approximately 15-20 years of Korean-American mission work toward Native Americans. There’s a conjecture of 20 or more missionaries along the state of Arizona and New Mexico, and short term mission teams have actively participated throughout the years. (Unfortunately, the record of Native American mission outside this area is non-existent).
The current missionaries (pastors) are placed in these parts of Arizona: Flagstaff, Tuba City, Leupp, Cameron, Kayenta, First Mesa, Second Mesa, Third Mesa, Winslow, etc. Their ministries exist in part with local Native Americans to support churches, education, or medical areas. Some of the missionaries depend on local support, and there are others who find additional occupations to make ends meet.
There are volunteers (lay ministers) who incorporate their occupations through hospitals, academic institutions, youth group centers and more to support the mission. Recently, the growth of short term mission teams from Korea and Korean-American churches is noticeable, thanks to the increase of interest and access to this country without visa. These mission teams have provided VBS, medical support, construction, beautifying, and other volunteer works.
I will explain the concerns and solutions of short term mission support, along with the prospect of mission work in the next article.
• Concerns and Solutions for Native American Mission (Establishing Relationship)
The greatest obstacle in Native American mission is establishing relationships with the Native Americans. Perhaps the word itself is describing the answer to the problem, because the relationship between “them” and “us” is already showing the mind of opposition; it does not substitute relationship. In other words, the relationship should be “we” as a whole, rather than “them and us.”
In a mission field, conflicts can arise due to leadership and ones who take the initiative. It all comes down to who is working with what kind of attitude.
Fortunately, not all conflicts are problematic. Professionals in specific fields with appropriate knowledge and skills must be addressed properly and respected. For example, people who are in the medical field, beauty, construction, or other profession areas must be utilized accordingly and respected. But still, the work must be performed with a shared mind.
There is a part where a shared mind is even more significant. It is the relationship not just with the Native Americans, but with the leaders. This relationship must be genuine, long-termed, continuing, and natural. If this succeeds, even after the teams’ departure, the work and trust can continue to a point where the Native Americans will be longing for their return.
Unfortunately, this type of relationship takes a long time to develop. No one-time activity or meeting of needs actually establishes a firm relationship. Only when the duration is long enough for Native Americans to open and share their lives can such relationships be established. Perhaps, such a relationship is not the starting point of the ministry, but the ending result.
Native Americans are people full of wounded heart. There have been many good people who came to share passion and care but at the end, they all have gone their ways and brought tears to the Native Americans. In worst cases, the Native Americans blame missionaries for satisfying their own needs, rather than the needs of the Native Americans.
Perhaps, it could be their inferior complex or they are just paranoid, but regrettably, their views are often true. This is why Native Americans often hold back and watch with care as to how outsiders react, and thus it takes an extremely long time for them to share their hearts. This is why waiting without any promises is the most challenging task for the missionary, although it is the best way to establish relationships.
The life of Native Americans will be affected tremendously upon the departure of the missionaries. Departure is not an easy choice for any missionaries to make, whether it is due to calling or by choice. But for those who commit their lives to be buried here in Native Americans’ land, although it may be the non-rewarding sacrifice, it is the best choice for the mission.
• Concerns and Solutions for Native American Mission (Ethnocentrism)
Let’s consider other concerns that arise when building relationships with the Native Americans. In reality, as stated earlier, ministry or the teams tend to approach the Native Americans with a mindset of doing it “for.”
What is the possible problem with this approach?
Ethnocentrism: It is a tendency to view other cultures from the perspective of self, or it is an attitude that one’s faith and life is superior to that of others. This is a serious problem.
To be effective and to sustain ministry, the ministry must be bilateral, mutual and cooperative. There must be no sign of pride or superiority. In the end, the things we can learn from them are greater, and as much as we give them, there are things we receive in return.
Apparently, the teams who come to serve come with every good intention. However, cultural superiority mindset comes hidden. And, unless one has this awareness, this cultural superiority roots itself deeply within, and shows eventually.
As an example, let me talk about the usual worship/service leading, which mission teams prepare.
Have they studied the praise of the Native Americans? Do the teams know what type of praise Native Americans prefer? Native Americans tend to enjoy praise that is similar to our old traditional praises. They usually sing in English, but depending on the location, they sing in their own language: Navajo or Hopi. Because they were translated from English hymnal, the melodies remain the same. Their most advanced praise is most similar to typical country songs. Thus, if the teams were to bring in modern songs or worship dance presentations, such acts give the impression of cultural superiority.
The old hymnal or modern hymnal has no measure of good and bad. In many occasions, traditional hymns that are based on solid theology and church doctrine are more preferable than the modern hymns that only appeal to our emotions. There are many teams that consist of great worship leaders, but it is also common that many come to impress rather than worship together with Native Americans.
In the past, I have seen a boy about an age of thirteen, who sang a special song during the combined Native Americans service. It was a simple country song, singing along with a simple keyboard accompanist, yet it inspired the entire crowd.
The mission has no distinction between recipient and donor. Rather, the giver usually receives more, and the recipient tends to give in return as well. Therefore, the donor must maintain humility along with wisdom.
• Concerns and Solutions for Native American Mission (Conspicuous Compilation)
The increase of interest and passion for mission around the local church is very encouraging. I have heard many sayings such as, “my church sent 50 mission team members”, “we’ve spent tens of thousand dollars on mission”, “my church has been sending several mission teams in the past decade to various places.” etc.
While the mission becomes active, these voices display some concerns. It displays a boastful attitude and excessive conspicuous compilation.
In mission, finance and labor are mandatory, thus the more the better. The mission field requires more financial resources, but the missionaries require just as much. Visitors may view the unfamiliar sights as a sightseeing element, but such environment is reality for missionaries and presents challenges to their means of living.
Moreover, because the mission work requires great resources, the donors must provide sufficient supplies. This does not mean more supplies enable the right mission work. Most of the time, it is a matter of one’s attitude.
One missionary who was training the mission team said the following; “when you present great things, the host church’s tasks become that much more difficult.”
We need to understand what this means.
It is not ideal to present big, expensive, and fancy mission work. Rather, this could hurt the host church, especially giving a negative impact on the missionary/minister of the church. Dependence is one of the reasons missionaries fail in self-help efforts. Eventually, this type of cycle prevents missionaries from bearing productive fruit from the ministry.
This is what a native medicine-man once said to a white missionary: “I do not fear or honor your God. There is no impact on my life because you bring one or two mission teams. Missionaries? Nothing changes because you eventually leave in a couple of years. What changes? On the other hand, we have been here for thousands of years and survived without your help. We are the winners here.”
The sustenance of missionaries as well as supplying resources is the biggest challenge.
We consider wisdom and integrity of missionaries as most important factors in mission. And the churches as well as donors must work together with missionaries to help them sustain proper living, and provide supplies continuously.
<Things to consider>
• Considering the local missionary is wise, honest and frugal, it is ideal to have sufficient cash fund.
• The local missionary will determine the time frame of mission work and proper location for the teams
• Mission teams must consist of a smaller size, preferably meeting the desired numbers from the local native church.
• If the church would like to host a larger group for short term mission work, rather than mission work, it would be ideal to shift the focus to a “vision trip” or “mission conference/retreat.” And if the church is willing, the local missionary would be able to lend some help to the churches with location, time, speakers, and alternative activities.
• There are too many VBSs (if ten churches visit per summer doing one each, that’s already ten VBSs). It is advisable to discuss with the local missionary to prepare the desired ministry. Perhaps that is how churches can best expand mission capabilities – by incorporating practical outreach in areas such as beautification, medicine, construction and even food/cooking.
• When doing short-term mission, try to take care of the local missionary’s needs and supplies. Unlike advance systems elsewhere, the Native American reservations are in short of all kinds of supplies.
• Usually, the mission teams visit during summer for a brief amount of time, but we desire to see more non-ministerial missionary who can commit to medium to long-term mission work. It is because the mission is like an on-going business work.
• Mission Is the People.
Mission is a work of sharing the gospel to other cultures. The center of the mission work is to share the love and the life of Jesus Christ. And this life requires another life.
The death, the life in the kingdom of God, and the life that lives after resurrection – this is the very life that must be shared. Thus, mission work is the working of life, and the working of people.
Many things are required in order to accomplish this work.
Sustaining the living conditions of missionaries is one of them. Meeting people and sharing life is also another part of work. In many occasions, the space, facility, or building can become a useful tool to accomplish such work. This is why resource demands are increasing for facility/building. But at the end, it all comes down to the “mission to the people” and anything that falls short of this becomes partial and momentary fruit.
People mission has no set time. If we must set a time frame, it would be until the return of Christ. However, most missionaries do not survive until then. Thus, we must make long-term goals and plans in order to fulfill mission needs. This is why we need devotion and strategy.
The obvious challenge as well as concern in the mission field is to prepare next generational missionaries. In case of the current missionary’s departure or death, the ministry can be sustained through the next generational missionary who will continue to accomplish the plans and goals. Although individual efforts can be contributed, the longevity of mission will be cut short if this does not occur.
Caucasians have left plenty of church buildings as a result of hundreds of years of mission. But once a ministry closes, the building is sold or used for completely different purposes. People may have the power to build or destroy villages and towns, but the ones who sustain history is none other than the people themselves.
However, the building is not the central part of the mission, because it can easily turn into a self-centered ministry. Perhaps it may look like a hospital or a health institution. But to sustain ministry and bear good fruit, “people business” (ministry) has to be central.
• Concerns and Solutions for Native American Mission (Type of Housing)
The Native Americans, especially Navajos, are scattered nomads.
Due to their lifestyle, which involves feeding livestock in barren land, they require roaming around the land. It is their way of life, but this prevents them from living a progressive lifestyle. We could simply respect and acknowledge their way of life, but this has become a problem due to the danger of a dramatic decrease in their life expectancies. Because Navajos are scattered, it becomes great obstacles in doing mission.
It also disrupts the way they educate themselves, and lack of proper transportation causes meeting in a common place make impossible. Even when a bus is used, it becomes a great hassle due to time and energy consumption. This problem apparently has been affecting their school curriculums and grades.
To do mission is much more difficult.
It is hard to make visitations from place to place, and it is much harder to bring Native Americans to a meeting place. Obviously, in a larger village, holding a meeting would not be too difficult. But it makes it difficult to meet for those who are scattered in the barren land.
Hopi Native Americans have their own set of difficulties despite their agricultural setting. They are gathered, but they are much more closed and excluded. The conversion into the gospel becomes difficult because they reject the outside influence.
The education institution run by federal government provides well-equipped facilities for middle to high school students, although these institutions have their own weaknesses.
On the contrary, the Jews have great strengths because they live close by for nurturing and education.
Because they are bound to their Torah (Laws to keep the Sabbath, etc), they have no choice but to live close proximity. And because they are so close to each other, they keep everything active and dynamic.
It takes a lot of work to do mission in this setting of Native Americans. We must find a way to bring them out.
Perhaps we must go to them, to a place where mission has not been reached. Sometimes we must find ways to bring them out. Short term, temporary, and long term camp education have to be renovated.
We must give our best efforts to include as much people as possible, and this might be the best way to do mission.
• Purpose of Mission and Method
The purpose, motive, and reason for doing mission are because it is Jesus’ Great Commission.
We must do our best in making disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, Son, and the Holy Spirit.
But handling this ministry is no easy matter.
It is suggested that different strategy and plans must be carried out by missionaries through different gifts, circumstance, and with consideration of the people being ministered to. A missionary does not handle God’s entire ministry all by himself. God’s kingdom must be carried out by those individuals who stand faithfully where he is placed, but His kingdom will be further extended by collective works of many individuals.
Based on Jesus’ ministry, the following are practical mission field activities:
• Ministry of gospel (spreading of God’s Word for salvation)
• Ministry of teaching (guidance of individuals and social groups by building characters based on the Word of God)
• Ministry of healing (helping people to use their healthy body to carry out God’s work)
There are additional things that are required for these ministries: funds, manpower, and facilities.
Important thing here is that those additions are just that; they cannot replace the essential ministries. Out of all the ministries, the most important one is the teaching of God’s word.
Missionaries establish relationships with the Native Americans in various ways. There are various activities and plans, but these are not foundational or long lasting. Therefore, even when relationships are established, there still will be separation and broken hearts.
There is no such thing as permanent relationships on earth. When people meet, they are bound to be separated one way or the other. But even in the face of separation, what must happen is to bear long lasting fruits that are not hindered by any means. That can be done by teaching the Word of God and anticipating on the growth , knowledge and understanding of life through building the relationship in God’s word. (This is an act of reminder and pledge)
This cannot be promised with mere knowledge of the methods. There are many differences between just knowing the method, practicing that method and enforcing it. Moreover, not all missionaries will accomplish their goals. However, it would be a great accomplishment if any mission work could assist in accomplishing the ultimate goal.
‘What I do now…what I am about to do…’
We must reflect on ourselves on how we can be used in the kingdom of God and to extend it.
• Exaggerated report of the Native Americans while sharing mission report.
I do not like what I am about to say, but I must make an important note here.
What the missionaries are doing in their area is important both functionally and in location.
There are many parts to mission work, so we must give proper status of the mission field in order to stir participation of volunteer works, as well as financial support. The great task is to actualize the increase in potential mission competency, and utilize that to accomplish the goals in mission.
This requires certain responsibilities.
First of all, the integrity of the missionaries is crucial both inside and outside the mission field.
In most situations, because of the isolation of the mission field, the outsiders often find it difficult to track what is really going on inside the mission field. Also it is still possible that the local missionaries have no clue how to communicate properly with the outside contact.
In such cases, the supporters from the outside must keep track of missionaries’ status, even though it actually is the responsibility of the local missionaries. The missionaries must be careful not to exaggerate or display partiality, nor the hint of self-interest while communicating with the outside supporters. It is because the outside supporters must be given the freedom to identify and determine the proper needs of the mission field.
The missionaries must understand that proper communication is a display of consideration. It is inevitable that the circumstances in local mission field are far worse than outside the mission field. It seems whether it is historically, economically, or in practicing faith, the mission field was bound to be a difficult situation. Perhaps this is why it is called the mission field.
Therefore, the living condition must be accurately reported to persuade the supporters to give and participate willingly. But this is the very reason why missionaries are tempted to overstress the mission condition and needs. (The usage of devastation, awful, and exaggerated pictures)
What is causing this evil of exaggerated reporting?
It is possible that the supporters are giving the impression of the cultural supremacy. In such case, it causes the recipient to feel sympathized inappropriately. Charity is required, but uncared sympathy harms mission purpose and also has negative side effects.
It is apparent that the mission field is usually poorer and weaker than the condition of the supporters.
However, rather than cheap-sympathy, mutual respect and humane love like that of a partnership should be shown. Despite the fact that the mission field is far outdated and far behind in many ways, its people are still the image of God, who must be served and restored back to the kingdom of God. This is not only the mindset of missionaries in the local field; it should be the mindset of any outside supporters (financial, manpower, etc).
Mission is not an institution or setting where ‘give and take’ occurs.
A healthy mission will only occur through the preaching and sharing news of God’s creation and powerful plan of salvation through Jesus Christ. The practical presentation and diligent application of these truths help accomplish the mission.
There is another reason for doing this. The mission is not a mere flow. In other words, the essence of missions is not only about the transaction between the giver (donor) and recipient. Mission work is interdependent. The donor receives while giving, and recipients give while receiving. Hence, before God, all are the recipients and beneficiaries.
All this sums up to one word: sharing. Because in the end, we are sharing what God has allowed us to have accordingly.
While donors give, there must be something that they receive, and while recipients receive, there must be something that they give back.
According to 2Corinthians 8:14, we see that the Gentiles gave financial support to the Jerusalem church, and the Jerusalem church acted as the spiritual supporter.
Moreover, Acts 20:35 tells us that the givers are the blessed ones.
This does not mean that because donors give, they must receive something greater blessings in return. This type of approach could trigger selfish motives. Instead the givers should also acknowledge that unless it is a humble giving, he shall not be rewarded.
• For Whom Are We Doing Mission Work?
For who is this mission for?
This question reminds us that Jesus has left us the Great Commission. Before we enjoy our own blessings in life, we have the responsibility and calling to this life of blessings to our neighbors.
Bearing this in mind…
Mission work is “still” for those who have yet to enjoy the life of blessings in Christ. Yet why do we seek a justification for such an obvious task? Because, even when the goals and approaches in mission are apparent, we need to be reminded: in other word, to stir up our heart and mind.
Yes, there are many things that may hinder doing this mission. Due to our inability or shortfall in meeting God’s will, we may neglect to truly understand the culture of the Native Americans. We may fail in embracing them. Even our self-centered lifestyle and actions could get in the way.
In planning and executing the mission, we must be completely focused on the people whom we are doing this mission for. We should not discount mission supporters’ heart or the outcome from their support – but our core focus should be on whom this mission is for.
How are we supposed to do mission work for Native Americans? First, we must understand their needs.
Then, we must carefully do our homework, bring an open heart to learn, and be ready to fully share our life with them. We must never boast in our ability to meet Native Americans’ needs.
It is strongly encouraged that supporters act as if they were not even present, while leaving definite footprint of productivity. Volunteers must go as if they were not even sent, just as the teaching of Jesus of how the right hand should know nothing about what the other hand has done…
The church should remain unbiased as much as possible, in sending and in giving report, in order to filter the good cause/motive of mission versus possible misconception.
This is not to say we must neglect the church members and their participation. But this approach can be replaced with great ideas and solutions. And such great ideas and solutions are still out there, we just have to be attentive to it. All this is to say, we want to minimize the act of disturbance to the Native Americans while maximizing the effectiveness of the mission.