November 01, 2000 by

Same Old Boring Statistics

Your June 2000 issue was certainly full of statistics. Everyone knows statistics are dry and boring. The statistics in the "Where Are We Now" article went on and on. It was some of the most exciting reading I have seen in a long time. Wow! I appreciate the people who are taking the time to find out where we are now.

Nick G.
Forsyth, MT

Unreached Outside the 10/40

Thanks for the September issue on Native Americans. Indeed, not all frontiers are geographical; for one, I appreciate the focus on the "unreached" outside the 10/40 Window.

I work among Quechua-speakers in the Department of Cusco, Peru, in leadership training. The Christians here manage their own evangelism effectively. What proves to be more difficult is the development of sustainable, indigenous church structures. In addition to native beliefs, folks here deal with an aggregate made up of history, dominant (repressive) culture, imported U.S. influences and syncretistic religion. The obstacles are many. As one church leader admitted to me just today, "I've never experienced positive authority." He went on to relate how that had colored everything from his view of God to workable church structures.

Into this murk, the clear light of Biblical principles shine, empowering the believers to throw off the chains and find their way. I consider it a great joy to be the facilitator of some of these times in the Word, watching my brothers enjoy each new discovery.

Keep up the good work and thanks for the examining tough issues.

Stephen W.
Mission Rep. EMM Perú

Greetings! It is great to find your site and see all the articles in the September issue focusing on First Nations people. I was referred by Richard Twiss. He was right, I do like this!! Keep up the great work and let us know how we can serve you!

Jeny C.
Columbia Falls, MT
http://www.firstnationsmonday.com

Differing Opinions on Ministry to Native America

While you are trying to help, I believe that pushing one perspective is wrong when it comes to Native America. As a proponent of contextualization I believe it is important to have people that are fully aware of the culture. If you were to truly seek the truth about drums and ceremonies you would realize that they are used in connection with calling upon spirits. ... I have asked repeatedly where in Scripture there is a redemption of sacred items. I know that you have sent my people this way in the past and would hope that our relationship would continue, but I believe you are doing a disservice to your readers. I would hope that you would develop a stronger role as far as fairness. Living in a Native community like Pine Ridge allows me the resource of people that lived a traditional life. You have people that have been interested in culture since Dances With Wolves. I do not believe that all aspects of the culture are evil, but I do believe that we have to be cautious when we move in Native America. I have stated before that the cultural methodology has been tried. It is a reverse of methods that took place here in Lakota Country. I believe it is a heart matter and not an exterior method that we need to focus on. People like Mr. Twiss have chosen to promote regalia and dance as a means of freedom. At first glimpse we could accept this as true and good but the first missionaries tried this as well. They did not search the heart. ... Well, I hope that you can figure out what you are doing in regards to American Indian Christianity. Also, I am glad that you have decided to cover this.

Leon M.
Oglala Lakota Pastor
Pine Ridge, SD

I thank you for your willingness to include articles about the new approach to Native Missions. I know that it is controversial, and I applaud you for taking the risk of including articles from people like Richard, Adrian and Randy. They have a heart for winning people to God's Kingdom, and they need support from people like you! Thanks for doing that for our Native brothers and sisters!

Patti C.
Hampton, IA

We are semi-retired missionaries from South America, and in our early years we worked with a semi-civilized tribal group. I believe this last issue was one of the most exciting, innovative, pioneer, ground-breaking issue you have ever published! Thank you.

Mrs. S. Hemmons
Kirkland, WA

Thanks for MF

Enclosed is a check for your expenses. Our family recently started meeting as a house church and this check is the first one we wrote as part of Sunday worship. My sons wrote the check and prayed for your ministry.

Bruce G.
MF reader since '82

I would like you to know that we have found MF extremely useful--both inspiring and educational. On behalf of the Anglican Church leadership in Singapore, I want to thank you for this great magazine. In fact, I should also thank you on behalf of the other Anglican dioceses in Southeast Asia as I distribute your magazine to them as well.

Rev. Kuan Kim Seng
Chairman, Missions Board
Diocese of Singapore

$15 is no problem for such a publication as yours. I fondly recall the presentation Dr. Winter gave us at ORU when I was there from 83-86. His information was a real refreshing breath of air from all the "stuff" that was flying around in Tulsa. I am glad to see that he is still as inspiring as ever.

Jay M.
Candia, NH

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