Month: February 2006

Here some strange things Christians told me over the years about missions or missionaries. Some hurt, some are just funny. Other have some truth within them.

1. If you go on the mission field you will miss the coming revival in Switzerland
After being oversees for seven years, they are still waiting. Perhaps I will be back in time for the big one.

2. Missionaries steal the resources of the local church.
One of my favorites. What shall I say. Whose resources are they anyway?

3. When you will go back to Switzerland, you will be on social welfare
This one is for missionaries living on personal suppport (living by faith) "Seek first the     Kingdom…consider the lilies…" There was some genuine concern behind that one. I trust for God’s provisions wherever I will be. Not always easy, but extremely good for faith building.

4. Missionaries destroy the local cultures
(unfortunately true in some cases) I think the real problem lies in exploitation of the rich and powerful over the poor. It lies in the motivation, the strategy and ethics of  the missionaries going about their calling. I think globalisation, tourism and quick money are more dangerous to local cultures. Everybody rather uses the motorbike then going by foot. The accousation mostly comes from tourists/travelors to those cultures bringing their strange customs, money and ideas as examples. They also want to go to places where there are no tourist (to the "untouched" hilltribe village)

5. Missionaries are to expensive...
…let the nationals do it themselves they are cheaper. Again there is some truth behind this one. As if God has a resource problem. I never knew that money was an issue with God.

6. You are throwing away your gifts and talents
True. What if I would have stayed? I could be more efficient. Then is it really about my gifts, talents and efficiency or about serving the King?  I’m in His service. If He wants to use me with my gifts or just to wash someones feet is a question of do I serve Him or myself.

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On Monday I went up to the mountains again after my break. (I was in bed with severe food poisoning) I took me quite a while to get my strength back. The first time I went to the Gym, it felt like I haven’t done any sports for a decade. But now I feel well again. Monday morning I was on my way to the mountains again. I listened to a sermon I downloaded from the Internet and reflected on the last month. Our work was very stress full and difficult. Sometimes I really wonder why I’m doing this. There is no fame, no pay and no end to the work. Anyway, to be honest I like the adventure out of the normal, the challenge and the idea that I do something that counts on my ongoing journey. I had two very good days with Enoch and Mida. Both have been friends of mine for many years now and I enjoyed the meals and the talks we had. We have changed as a team, growing older, trusting each other a bit more. I say this because in a cross-cultural setting this means something. I am not their boss, telling them what ministry they should do. It is walking together, finding out what works God has prepared for us to do.
We talked about Hui Kau laam and the families struggling in poverty and social problems. We talked about the ones who are entrusting their lives to Jesus and want to get baptized. The little victories and the sad defeats. Mida told me that last week when she was in a meeting, that she felt God healing her from stomach problems while someone was preaching. Enoch told me his desire to go into Burma to support pastors. We talked deep into the night. Sharing about life and our stories with Jesus. Even through cultural and language barriers we are connected through the Holy Spirit who lives in us.

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