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CROSS CULTURAL MISSIONS

CROSS CULTURAL MISSIONS. Fantasy or Reality???. Cross-cultural missionary??. Understanding…definition a person intentionally sent or going to a country or culture other than his/her own, to work among a people group that is not the same as that of the worker. To be part of God’s mission

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CROSS CULTURAL MISSIONS

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  1. CROSS CULTURAL MISSIONS Fantasy or Reality???

  2. Cross-cultural missionary?? • Understanding…definition • a person intentionally sent or going to a country or culture other than his/her own, to work among a people group that is not the same as that of the worker. • To be part of God’s mission • Missions? • The expression of everything that God wants to say and do towards humankind. • “from supporting armed guerillas in South Africa to protecting hairy gorillas in Zaire”

  3. The act of proclaiming Christ through word and deed, resulting in the establishment of the church among a people of another language and/or culture, in the power of the Holy Spirit.

  4. ?only remote tribal areas • Rural or urban

  5. Common questions… Is it for all Christian doctors? • God’s calling unique for each child- Noah vs Abraham • Medicine as a calling and not a career- Kingdom perspective • Sense God’s call and be obedient

  6. What steps can I take if I sense a burden? • Pray for clarity • Talk to people in missions and get more information • Plan visit to 2 or 3 varied settings – eg AP group/Sam • Prepare well • Give a one year commitment – Novin and then decide • Marriage partner with similar conviction if clarity

  7. Is it a life term commitment? • 1 or 2 years or even 5-overseas missionaries • Personally 12 • Some life term-Dr Tharian, KV etc • Calling can change- eg Moses • Ultimate goal is the transformation of the cross-cultural missionary!!

  8. Is it a sacrifice? • Sacrifice if our life is the focus-what am I missing etc • When we look at the less fortunate- only privilege and a responsibility • Mark 10:45 - not to be served unto but to serve….. • Luke 17:10

  9. Will I miss out on life? • Yes!  • Heavy traffic and congested roads, pollution, shopping malls, eating joints, high speed broad-band internet. • Life is much more than all these! • In comparison- nothing much- depends on perspective from which we assess • Personally gained more than missing out…children

  10. How can I contribute to the gospel? • Early missionaries were trained in theology and well prepared – 3-4 years • Balancing both not easy • Many personal opportunities with medical work • Team work • Partnering with other mission agencies- IEM, FMPB etc • Prepares ground for the gospel

  11. Why do some get disillusioned? • Youngsters- inadequate preparation • Romantic idea of missions • Idealistic expectations* • Good preparation and orientation avoids • Periodic breaks • Seniors- power equations, leadership issues etc

  12. Adjustment in new culture, language, people-always an “outsider”… • Leadership roles without adequate preparation • Cannot be a “specialist” – hand in everything- driving, delivery of cow, administration etc • Children’s education • Elderly parents • Finance- reasonable • Inter-personal issues- blown up because community • Loneliness and decision making

  13. The challenge of living “between two worlds” • Early missionaries- new life in new land; no hope of returning; loneliness, education, medical care • Today- mobile communication, video-skype, air-travel! • “Every foreign land is for them a homeland and every homeland is a foreign land.” The Letter to Diognetus about Christians -2nd century • Moving out of our comfort zones!!- call the shots • Eg of Jesus

  14. Meeting the needs of people who have no access • Being in the Lord’s will-deep fulfillment • Excitement of seeing God at work…totally dependent.. HE IS FAITHFUL - NEVER FAILS!! • Growth and maturity in different fields • Children get a wider perspective of life and living

  15. Preparations and Options • Short term visits as a student- mission trips • After graduation/PG do a scouting trip-pray for clarity • Life Partner key • Join an existing mission hospital in a needy area-EHA, GEMS, LEPROSY MISSION, CHURCH RUN….. • Take up a closing – closed down hospital • Pioneer as a team a new initiative- EMFI back-up • Teaching in another state- AIIMS, Pvt Colleges…. • Private practice… in a needy area • Overseas Missions- OM, Africa opening up

  16. God’s heart! • The Bible- a missionary God concerned with all humankind! • Abraham- all the nations will be blessed..Gen 12 • Exo 19:5 • God drawing near to and reaching out to humans. • Incarnation is the ultimate expression of this aspect of God's character • Wide perspective-openness and willingness

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