Nomads: the Challenge of Reaching People on the Move

ISSUE 39:1 I JAN-FEB 2017 REACHING PEOPLE ON THE MOVE NOMADS: THE CHALLENGE OF

.ORG MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG A MAGAZINE OF FRONTIER VENTURES FRONTIER OF MAGAZINE A Re-subscribe today and get 2 years of Mission Frontiers for only $29.99

Name/Address/Email Order Information Name______Company______c U.S. ------(2 year $29.99) Address______c U.S. ------(1 year $24.99) City______State_____Zip ______Phone______c Canada/Mexico------(1 year $29.00 Email______Donate to Mission Frontiers------$______

Credit Card Information c MC c Visa c Disc. c AmEx. Exp.Date______

Card#______Signature of Cardholder:

______To subscribe online, please visit: missionfrontiers.org/promo You may pay by check (made payable to Frontier Ventures) or by credit card. MF can also be read online for free at: www.missionfrontiers.org To subscribe mail this form to: Frontier Ventures-Subscriptions, 1605 E. Elizabeth St. # 1048, Pasadena, CA 91104

SCRI B U B E S

TODAY ✓

Get a 1-year subscription to Mission Frontiers with a donation of only $24.

Since 1979, Mission Frontiers has been providing its readers with innovative insights from some of the most creative minds and well-known thought leaders in missiology. When you subscribe to Mission Frontiers you’ll not only be supporting the movement to reach the world’s 7000 unreached people groups, you’ll also be better equipped to influence the hearts and minds of the next generation’s mission-minded servant leaders.

To Subscribe Visit: www.missionfrontiers.org/subscribe/sub/newsub

Dollar amount listed is a recommended donation amount. Mission Frontiers subscriptions can be obtained for a lesser donation at the discretion of Mission Frontiers. Donations made via credit and debit card must be a minimum of $10 US. If you would like to subscribe to the magazine but are unable to afford it you may apply for a financial hardship waiver at www.missionfrontiers.org/subscribe/sub/fhr. MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

WHY FOCUS ON NOMADS TABLE OF CONTENTS Nomads: Helping From the Editor Them to Face the 06 Growing Challenge 04 30

Contextualizing the What is a Nomad? 12 34 True Shepherd

Here, There, or 15 Far Away 38 Boundless

Breaching an The Intangibles of 19 Invisible Boundary 40 Urgency and Grit

The Nomad Challenge Unknowns Create 23 46 Opportunities EXTRA When They Don't 26 Show Up

Mission Frontiers is published six times a year. Rick Wood, Editor Call (866) 406-9487 for address changes, Kristine Wood, Editorial Assistant subscriptions. Garrett Inouye, Graphic Design Editorial Office: [email protected] Contents © 2016 by Frontier Ventures Advertising: [email protected] Frontier Ventures is a member of Website: www.missionfrontiers.org MissioNexus and EPA Address: 1605 E. Elizabeth St. • Pasadena, CA 91104 (Evangelical Press Association). VOL.39, NO.1 | JAN/FEB 2017 ISSN 0889-9436 MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

NT RO IER F S N O I S

I M

9 7 9 REDISCOVERING THE BIBLICAL EST. 1 CHURCH THAT CAN REACH EVERY PEOPLE

do the same, not only in nomadic peoples? It will vary from one people peoples, but in people groups all over to another based on individual BY RICK WOOD the world, who likewise have unique needs and circumstances, but one EDITOR OF MF challenges to establishing movements thing is certain; it will not look like of discipleship among them. the church you go to, nor should The harsh reality of the difficulty of it. As Ralph Winter said, “Most of those yet to follow Christ will not fit HOW DO YOU GO about making reaching nomadic peoples forces us EDITORIAL to face the key challenge that the readily into the kinds of churches we disciples among a people who are now have.” regularly on the move and do not way we do church and mission must show up for meetings at regular change in order to have any hope So What Should a Biblical of reaching all people groups and times? What does a church look like Church-Planting Movement in making the gospel available to every and act like when a people is never Every People Look Like? in one place for very long? Nomadic person. The simple reality is that Every Church-Planting Movement peoples present the worldwide our typical Western way of doing that is established within each missionary enterprise with one of church will not work in reaching people should practice these biblical its greatest challenges as we seek to nomads and the many other types principles. The methods that are foster movements of discipleship and of unreached peoples. It is also clear developed in order to fulfill these church planting among them. These that the model of doing church that principles will vary depending on nomadic peoples live in some of the is so familiar to us in the West is not the people group that someone harshest areas of the world—from even effective in reaching our own is trying to reach and the specific baking deserts to frozen tundras. Western culture. In general, we are cultural context within which you Those who would seek to reach not equipping disciples to make more are working. But the foundational them have a daunting task ahead disciples generation after generation. biblical principles should not change. of them. Yet, we know the promise Our churches are not reproducing of Scripture says that there will be themselves either. We have inherited 1. Churches with healthy disciples people present before the throne of many traditional church practices, will spring up in all sorts God from every tribe, tongue, people started centuries ago, which are of places—homes, workplaces, and nation. This promise was made unbiblical and ineffective in making parks, perhaps even on the to Abraham, who was a nomad. God disciples who go on to make more backs of camels in the case of loves nomads like Abraham, Isaac, disciples and plant new churches. Nomads. You do not need a Jacob, Moses, Joshua, etc. Somehow This must change in order to reach specifically dedicated building. God managed to establish biblical the unreached peoples. Church planting is not about faith and worship within these So what would a biblical church how many people we can get nomadic people. We must learn to look like in the various unreached into a building for an event on

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

NT RO IER F S N O I S Sunday. It is about how many 6. Pastors should not be largely It was a scary thing for the church S

I disciple makers we can equip M “preachers of sermons” but and political leaders of Luther’s day and send out to make more equippers of willing believers. to think of putting the Holy Bible 9 7 disciples and start new churches. Pastors should not just teach and its interpretation into the hands . 19 EST 2. Disciple making must come people what to believe but to of average people. It meant a loss first as our highest priority. facilitate the discovery of truth of control over the people in the Healthy disciples will go on by each member. church. Yet, doing so has literally to form healthy churches. 7. As quickly as possible each changed the world and the lives of But if we go out to first start faithful and willing church millions of lost souls. a church or preaching point member should be given Today, we are faced with a similarly then healthy disciples will not responsibility to actively biblical but “scary” opportunity of necessarily develop. participate in the training of putting the ministry of the church 3. Every professed Jesus follower new disciples. into the hands of average believers. who is willing should be equipped, 8. Obedience to revealed truth It again means a loss of control for trained and apprenticed for the from the Bible must be the church leaders, but the potential work of ministry as a disciple foundation of all training. We blessings for the growth of the church maker and church planter. This is must be doers of the Word and in every tribe and tongue is wondrous based on the methods that Jesus not just hearers. Maturity comes to imagine. This kind of “reformation” modeled and the Apostle Paul by way of obedience to the truth. in the way we do church is already under way in around 150 peoples followed. This training should Is there a principle that you would add? include being able to share or places around the world. We call their testimony of faith and the If every church were to practice these them Church-Planting Movements gospel in an effective way for the basic principles in their ministry efforts or Disciple-Making Movements and context in which they are living. then we would likely see thousands of they really aren’t “scary.” They are a This is a deliberate, intentional Church-Planting Movements develop return to the model of ministry that and well-thought-out process of all over the world until every people Jesus gave us and Paul employed to equipping and training. group is reached. great effect until there was “no place left” for him to work. Churches and 4. Every church member should It’s the 500th Anniversary mission agencies around the world be able to train others in like of the Reformation. Is God are embracing this biblical means of manner to be disciple makers Birthing Another One? growing God’s kingdom. Movements who are capable of leading are becoming the new “yardstick” by others to discover truth from the Welcome to the new year of 2017. October 31st of this year will which the global church is measuring Bible and lead them to maturity progress in world evangelization. in Christ. officially mark the 500th anniversary of the start of the Protestant May we all embrace this latest 5. The “Great Commission”Reformation when Martin Luther “reformation” that God is bringing should be continually taught nailed his “95 Theses” to the door and work together to learn how to to every Jesus follower. Every of the Wittenberg Church in make disciples who disciple others believer should have their Germany. The process of bringing even within the toughest peoples to identity as people living on forth a biblical understanding of reach, like the nomads. mission with God as outlined Christ, Scripture, grace, faith and in Matt. 28:18-20. This should the glory of God was, unfortunately, be one of the first things taught a tumultuous and bloody affair. But to new believers. Every believer in the end, it brought forth many should also understand the blessings which all of us as believers CONTACT global implications of Matt. enjoy today. How precious it is that Rick Wood 28:18-20 in reaching the a majority of people in this world [email protected] unreached peoples. have the Bible in their own language.

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

WHY FOCUS ON NOMADS?

6 FEATURE ARTICLE [email protected] MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG CALEB ROME Caleb serves in leadership of the Nomadic Peoples Network. He has worked for 12 years in the Horn of Africa with Muslim nomadic in the Horn of Africa 12 years for He has worked Network. in leadership of the Nomadic Peoples Caleb serves opportunities in North Africa. ministry developing and is currently pastoralists BY NOMADS? WHY FOCUS ON ON FOCUS WHY MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

IN AFRICA’S SAHEL, 100 PEOPLE gathered to the context this question came from. With some listen to a well-known presenter on Disciple-Making confidence he asserted that the question was rooted Movements (DMM). After the teaching, one of the in the general poverty and great needs of the desert- Tamajeq (Tuareg) believers stood and asked, “How dwelling Tamajeq people. Then he presumptively can DMM be applied in my setting?” rephrased the question this way, “How can DMM The translator was befuddled by what appeared to succeed when so many Tamajeq people are hungry, be a very general question. “What was it about the needy and dying?” The presenter answered as one Tamajeq that they could not understand a simple might expect, advising that attention be paid to the concept like DMM?” he might have thought. needs of the suffering before doing DMM. As he began to translate, a rather bold fellow The Tamajeq man sat quietly but I squirmed in my interrupted him and attempted to explain to everyone seat. We settled people have a default that identifies nomads as suffering people who barely eke out a

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

Those who study nomadic peoples have learned that there is much more that defines them than the fact that they are on the move. Cultural and worldview similarities abound among nomadic groups all over the world.

living. We believe that nomads would succeed if they as free, proud and able to live in deserts, on tundra or at would only settle down. The fact is the Tamajeq are frightful altitudes. We are not the rest of the world. We great nomadic pastoralists of the desert. They range over are meant to see peoples from the perspective of Jesus, vast swaths of the Sahara Desert, living where most of their Messiah, and it is clear that He loves nomads. us would likely die. God’s great covenant was made with Abraham, a nomad. Neither the translator, the bold fellow, nor the presenter The people who sprang from Abraham remained understood that this man was struggling to apply the nomads for centuries. Then God chose Moses, who had principles of DMM in a nomadic society. Ideas and become a nomadic pastoralist while in exile. He had strategies like DMM are not imagined or purposed learned not to be threatened by the desert. God used for people who live as they do. How, for instance, was this to instill confidence in the people as they walked this man to convene weekly meetings with people who through the Red Sea. God has room in his kingdom are always moving in different directions? He and his for nomads. Tamajeq colleagues needed answers. We need specialized workers for nomads who are After minutes of hesitation I decided to stand to briefly networked in order to build excellence in ministry, and clarify the actual nomadic context of the Tamajeq people. here’s why. I explained that the original question was entirely valid 1. Nomads are different enough from settled peoples coming as it did from these great nomadic pastoralists. as to warrant separate missiological attention. I was stepping out on a limb but the Tamejeq believers nodded with approval. The presenter scratched his chin Those who study nomadic peoples have learned that and conceded that he had not thought about how to there is much more that defines them than the fact apply DMM in a nomadic setting. He had nothing to that they are on the move. Cultural and worldview offer them. similarities abound among nomadic groups all over the world. These distinctives even transcend religious It’s clear to many nomadic workers that something differences. As a result the challenges of doing mission needs to change. Nomads are not lost because they among them are abundantly common throughout the are nomads. They are lost because we don’t send many nomadic world. We believe that nomadic worldview workers to reach nomads with the good news, and distinctives are so sufficiently and significantly different when we do, they often get caught up trying to ‘help’ from settled peoples that they deserve separate treatment nomads settle through development schemes as if that by mission agencies, missionaries and missiologists. was required to be saved. Nomadic pastoralists are not a type of farmer, While the rest of the world looks askance at nomads as like ranchers are. They have a distinctly different unfortunate, poor and problematic, they see themselves

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

At this point we can confidently say that ten times more gospel workers are needed for nomadic ministry. We need trained workers willing to go to the harshest places where nomads live.

understanding of land, ownership, wealth, family, focus needs to be employed with them. I will never blessing, curses, etc. Those who minister to nomadic forget our clan leader’s words when we were forced pastoralists as though they are farmers will miss the heart to leave The Horn for health reasons and move to a of the people. This can lead to ineffective and perhaps different focus, developing opportunities elsewhere in even counterproductive work as Christ followers. Africa: “I will pray for you, but come back and tell me We worked for 12 years among other lowland camel how ‘the Light of Jesus Christ’ is moving among the herders in the Horn of Africa. In the beginning we camel herders over there.” hoped to work with established churches in that area 2. Nomadic ministries need advocacy, prayer and but found they were made up of migrant highland publicity. farmers who had no intention of reaching the nomads. It is estimated that 200-million people live as nomads They told us that they feared and hated the nomads. on this earth and that most of the nomadic pastoralists, They confessed their belief that God would never save who make up the bulk of nomads, are still unreached. any because none had ever responded to the gospel. From the nomads’ perspective, over 97% of the world’s They could not understand why their methods, which peoples are sedentary, that is, they base their lives and had worked so amazingly in the highlands, did not work livelihoods from a place they call home. All of the with these nomads. Their ethnocentric understanding popular missiologies circulating in the world today of church left them with only one conclusion: These are meant for this 97%. Hardly anything is written nomads were evil and doomed. specifically for ministry in a nomadic context. These dear people couldn’t appreciate that the nomads While there are hundreds of thousands of missionaries viewed them as intruders, because they worked across the world, there are only a few hundred at most on government development schemes, which now working amongst nomadic peoples. It is our sense that deprived the nomads of their best grazing land. They the percentage of unreached and unengaged nomadic didn’t realize that it was imperative for them to value groups is growing relative to the percentage of all nomadic life in order to have any chance of being heard. unreached and unengaged people groups. If this is true, They were guilty of the same pejorative approach that nomads will undoubtedly be the last to be reached. most sedentary peoples exercise over nomads and were We are currently collecting data that will empirically ineffective as a result. demonstrate whether this is true or not. Nomads view themselves as a global fraternity. This At this point we can confidently say that ten times should serve as a clue that a distinctive missiological more gospel workers are needed for nomadic ministry.

10 MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

We need trained workers willing to go to the harshest who are always on the move? If literacy is key places where nomads live and give their lives to these to biblicity, how can we build literacy amongst amazing but lost peoples. We need people and churches nomads who value orality? to pray for nomads and to send more workers. A network of nomadic practitioners can look deeply 3. Nomadic workers’ primary input needs to be into these issues, examine case studies and learn to informed by other’s successes and failures. value what nomads value without judging them for not Consider the unique questions that nomadic workers being like us. face. They describe the barriers and challenges of this If I tell a nomadic pastoralist that in order to follow ministry: Christ he must build a building and attend that Why do nomads see themselves as different? building every week at a prescribed time, he will look Why might they feel that settled people are their at me and conclude that I want him to give up being a enemies? If the Gospel comes to nomads from the nomad. Would he be wrong? settled world, i.e. from those outside the nomadic Today the concept of home church has propelled fraternity, how can it be made as sweet as honey? strategies like DMM, sometimes replacing the need Why do nomadic pastoralists count animals rather for any building at all. One might assume, like in the than cold, hard cash? Why do they react so badly story at the beginning of this article, that DMM should when governments and Christian development be the answer for nomads too. It turns out that even agencies try to better their lives through settlement DMM needs to be adapted for nomads. schemes or building of infrastructure, irrigation Workers need to grapple with the realities of discipleship and schools? Why is it that when we try to help and church amongst nomads and do it with their Bibles them in Jesus’ name they resist our overtures? in their hands. When workers compare experiences, How can we possibly live among them when they are iron sharpening iron for the sake of the they move all the time? What are the options? formation of the Church amongst nomads. Does one need to become a nomad to work We pray that the Lord will mobilize churches around with nomads? the world to learn about nomads, pray for nomads, What Scriptures might have strong impact among love nomads and send workers trained to effectively nomads? How can we best spread the stories minister to nomads. of Scripture among illiterate and oral nomads

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE WHAT IS A FEATURE ARTICLE

NOMAD?

BY JAMES MORRIS

James has been serving with OM in the Middle East for 17 years, mainly focused among Bedouin communities. James has a PhD in Bedouin life and culture. MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

I WAS TALKING TO A COLLEAGUE who works settled communities near where they settle for a season among a nomadic tribe in Sub-Saharan Africa recently. or longer. They may be horse-traders, artisans, copper- “This group are nomadic because they don’t have a smiths, or have a whole range of other skills and services. consistent water source. If we can solve that problem, Traveler communities in Europe are historically a good then they would not be nomadic, and if they are not example of these peripatetic nomads. nomadic, we will have so many more possibilities for But what makes some cattle herders nomads and others sharing the gospel with them”, he reasoned. not? Or some copper-smiths nomads and others not? This view raises so many questions at so many levels, but Or some fishermen and berry-pickers nomads, while the issue I want to address here, and which is perhaps others are not? less obvious, is our understanding of nomadism. We were sitting in a tent in a Middle Eastern desert. Fundamentally, what is a nomad, and why is that My friends had moved here recently because there significant? was better grazing for their sheep and goats. Some of It is important to understand that nomadism is not their tribe had settled in villages a couple of hundred simply defined by mobility—though mobility is a factor kilometers away; others moved between the village and as we shall see—but rather by worldview. This means tents, depending on the season. that not all who are on the move (migrant laborers and The sun had set, the animals had been watered, and refugees, for example) are nomads. It also means that we were drinking sweet tea as we talked. Bedouin are some settled peoples are, really nomads. known for their hospitality, and, as well as experiencing Seem like a contradiction? Here we briefly look at it, I wanted to deepen my understanding of it. “Do four key characteristics of a nomadic world-view. But you always extend hospitality?” I asked. “Are there any before that we will survey three types of nomadism in circumstances in which you wouldn’t extend it?” The our world. answer was clear: “If anyone comes to our tent they are our guest and we treat them as such. We are responsible TYPES OF NOMADISM for their protection and their well-being.” When we think of nomads we may think primarily of I probed further, “Say someone had killed your cousin, pastoralists: those that herd sheep, cattle, camels, yak, and then came to your tent? What would you do?” reindeer, or other animals. Bedouin in the Middle East, Again, there was no hesitation, “If someone had killed Kyrgyz in the High Pamirs, Sami in northern Sweden, our cousin, then they would not come to our tent. But or the Samburu in East Africa are good examples of if by mistake they did, the moment they enter they are pastoral nomads, people that live and move with their under our protection from anyone else, including other animals, and depend on them for their livelihood. The tribes, the police, and the authorities. We are Bedouin. hundreds of pastoralist nomadic groups in the world We are not like those farmers and city people.” represent the most common form of nomadism. “Even though he has killed your cousin?” I confirmed. A second type of nomadism is that exhibited by “Yes, that is right. After he has left our tent we will give hunter-gatherers. This is also the smallest nomadic him three days. Then we can track him down and kill grouping. Hunter-gatherers are those that keep on the him to avenge our cousin,” they replied. move and live off of hunting animals and gathering We sipped our tea and then one of the brothers said, berries, seeds and other plants. The numbers of “Actually, there is one situation in which we would not hunter-gatherers are declining, but they can be found. extend hospitality. If one of our tribe were in a position Sea-nomads, those that are on the move and living off of shame [by which he meant that someone’s daughter fish and plant-life found near the sea, are essentially a or sister had been accused of sexual impropriety and sub-set of hunter-gatherers. they had not ‘dealt with it’ by either killing them both The third type of nomadism is peripatetic , or “service or by coming to some settlement with the accused man’s nomadism”—that have a certain skill that traditionally family] and if he entered our tent, we would fill a coffee they would offer in a symbiotic relationship to the cup, as we do with all guests, and then pour it onto the

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

As long as we seek to make them fit our way of thinking and behaving in order to win them to the gospel, they will understand that the gospel is not for nomads, but for everyone else.

ground in front of him. And we would do that every vis the nation-state and other communities around time, until he has dealt with the shame and restored the which they live. This might bring tension with farming honor and reputation of our tribe.” communities for pastoralists, or with town communities This conversation illustrates the key aspects of for peripatetic nomads. Nomads often have very little nomadism. The details will vary for every nomadic loyalty to a nation-state. Indeed, because it is such a group. I am not suggesting that all nomads are like high value, some would argue that nomads choose a Bedouin or would want to be considered so, but all mobile lifestyle in order to maintain their autonomy, nomads share these features: rather than their autonomy arising from their mobility.

TRIBE DIFFERENT FROM EVERYONE ELSE Nomads belong to a clan or tribe; they do not stand as In the end, nomads see themselves as different from individuals. Their identity and security is tied to their non-nomads, even if on the surface they may appear clan, their allegiance to that clan, and the moral codes very similar. They don’t see themselves as part of a of that clan. The moral codes and the expected behavior settled system or hierarchy or class, nor part of a nation- will certainly vary greatly from tribe to tribe, but to be state. They see themselves as standing outside it, even a nomad is to belong to a tribe and not to stand as an when they may be living in the midst of it. individual. It is these four characteristics that make nomads, nomads: the tribe, mobility as an option, autonomy, and MOBILITY their view of themselves vis-à-vis other communities. A nomadic tribe or clan is presently or has recently been My colleague’s comment that if only nomads would in an environment that is insufficient to support them settle they would be easier to reach falls at many levels. and their chosen livelihoods over a period of years or The tribe he was referring to is nomadic, not simply seasons. The nature of economic activity means that because of their mobility, but because of the way they they need to be mobile, or at least that mobility needs see and interact with the rest of the world. That will to remain an option. Most nomads are not single- not change, whether or not they are settled. This is what resource nomads, and it may be that some members of we need to come to grips with. Our sedentary gospel a tribe are mobile and others are settled, which better strategies will not work amongst nomads. We need to serves the tribe overall. The key here is not whether re-think our approaches. We are the ones who need to they are mobile or not at present, but whether their change for the sake of the gospel. As long as we seek ancestors were and whether a mobile lifestyle remains to make them fit our way of thinking and behaving in an option. order to win them to the gospel, they will understand that the gospel is not for nomads. AUTONOMY Autonomy is a high value for nomadic tribes. They value their ability to make their own decisions vis-a-

FEATURE ARTICLE THERE MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

IT’S ALL ABOUT RELATIONSHIPS ABOUT ALL IT’S [email protected]

OR FAR AWAY HERE LISA L. LISA Lisa L. and her husband lived for 16 years in West Africa and pursued several different types of ministry among the Fulbe (Fulani) types of ministry different and pursued several Africa in West 16 years for Lisa L. and her husband lived with their friends. mint tea drinking sweet miss and often based in California, now are They people. BY MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

ONE AFTERNOON AS WE WERE walking new ministry in a medium-sized city. The city where home from the market, we passed an elderly man on we lived was in Mauritania, outside of the Fulbe the road and stopped to exchange the normal series homeland area, but many had migrated there to work of greetings. He was surprised to find that foreigners in service-sector jobs, and, in some cases, to provide like us were able to speak his language, as well as wear better education for their children. Having learned typical Fulbe clothing. Gesturing to a nearby house, about traditional Fulbe life in the rural area where he invited us to come and share dinner with his we started out, we were interested to find that much family that evening, and we happily accepted. When of their nomadic worldview came along with them we showed up at his home later, he seemed a little when they moved to the city and began adapting to a surprised, but with a big smile he showed us into the “modern” lifestyle. house and we sat down on floor cushions. Looking After moving to the city, I found ways to build around the room, we realized that 8 or 9 other guests relationships with women in the neighborhood. were already there, sharing traditional mint tea and As I got invited to weddings and baby-naming conversation. Some of them were people we knew, celebrations, I began to notice how these community men we had met in the neighborhood or as students events were planned and organized by women’s in our English classes. We greeted one another, and groups. These groups were defined by age and by our host made this memorable comment: “Until clan just as they had been in the village, or by the now you have been meeting the children. Today you home area where the families’ cattle and sheep were have met the father.” Without being aware of it, we herded. I found that every Fulbe woman I got to had been building relationships with members of the know belonged to one of these groups. Wedding same clan, and had now met their leader. planning would be done by the group to which the From 1996 to 2011 we lived and worked among the bride’s mother belonged; they would all contribute Fulbe people, also known as Fulani. We started out money to purchase food for the feast, and organize the in a small settlement in the Sahel of western Mali, cooking and serving. When a woman gave birth, her then moved to a larger town, and finally pursued a group would pitch in to plan the naming ceremony

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

and feast, and help with festive new clothes for the conversation and relationship-building. We were new mother. I remember watching with amazement invited to stay for dinner, and we accepted. Before as one of the women recorded in a notebook the small long, we noticed that young men were arriving and financial contribution each woman had made on a more mint tea was making the rounds. By the time line next to her name; they kept track of every detail. dinner was served, there were 5 or 6 single men seated Some of the women’s groups used this system around the plates, as well as our friends and their four to manage a revolving loan fund. The money sons, and the two of us. After the meal as we were accumulated through monthly contributions could saying good-bye, I ducked into the kitchen to thank be taken out as a small-business loan by one of the our hostess, Jeynaba, for the meal, and I remarked on members, to be paid back later so that another woman how she had had to cook a very large quantity of food. could borrow. This system seemed to work because She told me that she never knew how many people the women knew each other well, and their families would arrive for dinner. She went on to explain that, were linked by clan relationships. The “collateral” was because her husband had a steady government job their social standing in the community. and they were established in the city, they were a “host family” for any men from their clan who migrated IT’S ALL ABOUT WHO YOU KNOW to the city looking for work. They were expected to provide a safety net of lodging, food, and contacts for David J. Phillips, in his book Peoples On the Move, new arrivals until they could provide for themselves. explores this dynamic of nomadic life in a chapter Eventually we got to know several families who played titled “Who You Know, not What You Own.” He this kind of role, anchoring their traditional network writes: “Nomads…emphasize relationships with their in a new urban setting. We’ve heard anecdotally that own kind—especially their close relatives. Their this practice continues where Fulbe emigrate abroad, identity and security is in who and what they can take in cities in France and the United States. with them and in their relationships with others on the route. This identity depends on belonging to a While they had moved to the city and worked in mobile society with its social relationships, customs blue-collar, government, or service sector jobs, our and even concealed rites and terminology.” (p.31, Fulbe friends continued to hold perspectives on life William Carey Library, 2001) and cultural norms that echoed their rural, nomadic roots. One of the most significant of these was how We saw another example of this one afternoon when they answer the question, “What gives you security in we stopped by to visit at the home of a Fulbe family life?” For those with a nomadic worldview, security that we had met, and spent an hour or so drinking the is found in relationships, in that network of family traditional three cups of strong mint tea that facilitate

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

We asked ourselves, “Can we bring the Good News into whole families, so that Jesus’ grace draws them together instead of separating them?” And we tried to focus our storytelling and prayer ministry on gathered families, rather than individuals.

and clan ties that stretches across geography and house-churches would be much stronger, if natural transcends what we consider modern culture. In this relationship networks were used. Can we model view, a person will always be provided for as long as sharing the good news in a way that motivates people those ties are maintained. to share it themselves within their own families, age- group circles, and clans? NOT ALONE, BUT TOGETHER We also met Fulbe believers who had chosen to follow The significance of relationships as the basis for security Jesus as individuals, and then been thrown out or cut gave us much food for thought as we considered how off from their families. These lonely people suffered to best share the good news with our Fulbe friends the loss of the relationships that form their security and neighbors. In searching the scriptures, we net. Although this is sometimes the “cross to be realized that much of Jesus’ ministry, including many borne” by new believers, it isn’t always necessary, and of his miracles, had to do with restoring people’s can be counter-productive to the spread of the good relationships and social connections. The lepers, news throughout the family. We asked ourselves, the demoniacs, and the woman suffering from a 12- “Can we bring the good news into whole families, year hemorrhage received not just physical healing so that Jesus’ grace draws them together instead of but restoration into their normal family and clan separating them?” And we tried to focus our story- networks and the security that provided. We asked telling and prayer ministry on gathered families, ourselves, “Can we share the good news in such a way rather than individuals. that it brings not only salvation from sin but also the restoration of relationships and community?” Among the Fulbe, as in most nomadic-background ethnic groups, it’s all about who you know, not As we observed places where Fulbe had become what you own. In this way, their worldview echoes believers in Jesus, we noticed that bringing them the perspective of the God of the Bible, who is together in groups as house-churches was challenging, inherently relational and made the ultimate sacrifice and often those groups didn’t last or grow. We realized to adopt us into His own family. The more we value that often this was because the individuals were from and consciously honor this aspect of the nomadic different clans or home regions, and thus didn’t have worldview, the more we will see God's kingdom natural ties or trust each other. It became clear that the become a reality among them. good news would spread much faster, and resulting

FEATURE ARTICLE MOBILIZING PEOPLE PEOPLE MOBILIZING OWN THEIR REACH TO NOMADS SOCIETY'S

that I was to learn in moving from ministry from in athat I was to learn in moving built onsedentary to an Asian culture Latin culture priceless and exciting. to prove were nomadic values Africa, the Americas, and much of AsiaThroughout and mobile people groups between the relationship sedentary ones is at best tense, often antagonistic, between Differences violent. even sometimes and humanly produce resources utilize groups the how When they them. conflicts between irreconcilable financially come into contact, usually the more sedentary organized better will groups powerful, MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG [email protected] fieldwork in Latinfieldwork

BOUNDARY BOUNDARY IN MY FIRST 15 YEARS OF OF YEARS 15 FIRST MY IN

America, I came to understand that the ultimateAmerica, I came to understand that on the shoulders is best carried out of missions task familymy When Christians. local discipled well of in the late nineties, Mongolia in Outer and I arrived without any adjutant team members. This went we design, as I was determined to connect andwas by purposes to see God’s closely with local believers work big changes in for some were My family and I fulfilled. in our newwere changes alone home. The cultural the sociological and missiological lessons huge. But BREACHING BREACHING S. CLEMENT AN INVISIBLE INVISIBLE AN S. Clement and his wife have spent nearly 30 years in ministry, 25 of these in foreign missions work. Of those 25, 15 were spent in Of those 25, 15 were work. missions 25 of these in foreign in ministry, spent nearly 30 years have S. Clement and his wife what establish to Mongol fellowship with a national Mongolia, working of Outer spent on the steppes and 10 were Mexico eastern 2008,resided in the US since having Now, country. in the fully nomadic local church been the first have looks to all accounts by inteaching ministry discipleship and to begin a new again, looking field once setting their sights on the foreign the Clements are Mexico. northwest BY MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

decide that they want to control the resources that sedentary groups consider “the norm.” Central Asian mobile people use. Land and water of traditional cultures generally find identity and solidarity in their grazing grounds become important to the sedentary nomadic heritage. group as it grows. The mobility of the nomads and Arriving in Outer Mongolia, it was clear that the the freedom that this affords is perceived as a threat work of the gospel had prospered much in the urban to the stability and security of the sedentary group. centers. In spite of much accompanying preliminary Nomadic communities are commonly marginalized, evangelization in the countryside by the missionaries too often corralled into enclaves built by people and urban churches, we could find no instances of who neither understand nor care about their history, strategically focused long-term discipleship work that culture, values and way of life. The effect of this would lead to establishing a fully nomadic church. I practice on nomadic groups is brutal. began to develop a strategy for accomplishing this. As The walls that these tensions erect and the conflicts new residents of Mongolia, we had joined an existing that they precipitate present special challenges to the urban church. Eventually, what was possibly the first work of missions where nomadic people live. Many fully nomadic church to be established in Mongolia see these conflicts as an insurmountable obstacle. I was done on the shoulders of this indigenous church see them as an opportunity to teach and practice the that was comprised of sedentary urban denizens of a ministry of reconciliation. Central Asia presents an major metropolitan center. especially fruitful place do this, but the principles are As our strategy developed, it became clear that one applicable nearly universally with proper tutelage. of the greatest challenges in employing the urban A WAY FORWARD church was convincing them that this was a cross- cultural outreach. A long-time expat Christian Most of the Central Asian republics are built on a worker shared his view that the cross cultural jump history of nomadism. In most other regions of the was going to be easier for foreigners than for urban world where nomadic groups live, they are seen as Mongol believers because the Mongols were crossing

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

an invisible boundary, one of which they themselves Initially, an older widowed man who had lived most of were unaware, the existence of which they might have his life as a herder was instrumental in helping to meet a difficult time believing or even acknowledging. families, develop relationships and school us outsiders Even though they were to be ministering to fellow in the essentials of nomadic etiquette and culture. Mongols who spoke the same language, shared the As the nomadic outreach developed, urban believers same history and heritage, they really were going to were involved at every step. The urban fellowship was be ministering in a cross-cultural context because of encouraged to take an interest in the lives of both the way their sedentary urban lives had altered much the individual nomadic believers and the corporate of their way of dealing with the world. church. We developed outreach opportunities. We took care to make sure that the nomadic work was A WORKING MODEL never perceived as a simple evangelistic project, or Cooperating with our urban home church, outreach even a “daughter” of the urban church, rather it was efforts began through connections with nomadic presented as a growing younger sister church. As both families in the countryside. The vision for reaching bodies of believers matured, the relationship between this nomadic community grew in the urban church. them broadened and deepened. As it took shape, the church’s leadership bought For me, the most difficult phase of the development into the idea. The church was closely engaged and of the nomadic church was the separation of outside carefully taught by deed and instruction. Members leadership from the believing nomads. In its initial of the urban fellowship who had a heart for ministry phases of growth, I had worked closely with an urban and willingness to humbly engage the nomadic church leader, serving together as co-pastors of the community came alongside. Instruction regarding work. We both loved (still love) everything about pertinent aspects of cross-cultural relationships and the work and our nomad brethren and neither of us ministry were discussed and these Mongol believers were willing to leave; however, at divinely prescribed began to understand that a true cross-cultural times both of us were removed from our positions opportunity to minister was before them. of influence within the body, forcing the leaders in

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

Because of the historical appeal of nomadism in Central Asian culture and history, helping sedentary urban believers on the Steppes reach their nomadic neighbors, while not without challenges and obstacles, has proven to be especially effective.

the nomadic community - with the support of the reconciliation has been entrusted to us, the church, urban church - to rise to the call of ministry. This as ambassadors of Christ, God making his appeal was a painful process as doors that we both wished to through us. remain open were closed to us, but the Lord directs The “us” referred to in this passage is as much the our steps. growing national church as it is the foreign workers. I endured a divinely imposed five year exile from Perhaps, in some ways, it even refers more to the Mongolia, receiving only occasional news in national church than to the expat workers as the work generalities about the status of the work and the of reconciliation is one that takes place in the deepest health of the believers. In 2014 I was finally able to places of the hearts of men and women. return to Mongolia and see our children in the faith. It is impossible to persuade another human regarding Sitting at a small cafe in Ulaanbaatar, I heard how the reconciliation with God without being willing to go nomadic church had grown and deepened its faith through the sometimes painful and humiliating effort roots. I heard how men and women whom I’d helped of seeking reconciliation with those with whom the disciple years before had grown into leadership and gospel must be shared. developed spiritual gifts. These wonderful testimonies of the work of the Spirit were shared with me by the Often there is a deep need for reconciliation between pastor of the urban church who had worked closely sedentary and nomadic groups in a region or a with the nomadic fellowship since its inception. country. Because of the historical appeal of nomadism in Central Asian culture and history, helping sedentary Now, over eight years after the departure of the last urban believers on the Steppes reach their nomadic non-nomadic workers who were directly involved neighbors, while not without challenges and obstacles, with this endeavor, both the urban and nomadic has proven to be especially effective. churches continue strong, growing in grace, effectiveness in ministry and numbers. They have In other places there are greater challenges to enabling a lovely and powerful ministry, have developed a groups of believers (where there have been perhaps mutually beneficial cooperation and have become, generations of bad blood) to reach out to nomadic together, effective ministers of reconciliation. people groups. However, if God has given us (all believers, missionaries as well as newly developing THE MINISTRY OF RECONCILIATION churches) the ministry of reconciliation, and if In 2 Corinthians 15, we see that first God reconciles knowing the fear of the Lord, we are compelled to man to Himself through Christ, then as those who persuade others across cultural and ethnic boundaries, have been reconciled to God come to know the fear through histories of hostility and distrust, then the of God and the love of Christ, we are constrained work of the Holy Spirit in the power of the gospel and compelled to persuade others. The message of will enable us (all of us) to carry out this ministry in Christ Jesus.

FEATURE ARTICLE

SAY YES TO NOMADS TO YES SAY Right now there are hundreds of nomadic people of nomadic hundreds are there Right now Africa West from the world, stretching around groups the globe. can be found across Nomads to Indonesia. 20% of the remaining that approximately believe Some the current nomadic. If are people groups unreached continues, they will be the last to be reached. trend and been overlooked many ways nomads have In and missionaries alike. They the church forgotten by to access, are hard difficult places and in remote, live in a be reached can’t among. Nomads let alone live missionarytypical fashion, and especially not from must go to We come to us. won’t compounds. Nomads intentional them, it will require to reach order them. In sacrifices of time, space and comfort. The missionary MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG [email protected] move; a people move; THE NOMAD CHALLENGE NOMAD THE ANDREW DAY ANDREW DAY IMAGINE A PEOPLE ON THE ON PEOPLE A IMAGINE who have no permanent home; a people whose identitywho have is tied to their animals and whose survival depends on of grass to feed those animals; a peoplethe availability and on the of resources on the scarcest who can live many; by and marginalized fringes of society...despised the gospel, but a people, in many ways, cut off from a these people?Who are people for whom Christ died. nomads. They are Africa and saw first hand across ago I traveled years Two peoples. Little-by- and often forgotten these precious I am my heart broke for them. As a result little God the nomadic Arabs of the to reach preparing currently Desert in Niger. Sahara Andrew Day (27 years old) is a graduate of Moody Bible Institute. After graduating, Andrew served with Operation Mobilization for two for Mobilization with Operation served Andrew graduating, After of Moody Bible Institute. old) is a graduate years (27 Day Andrew Andrew Sahel. Nomads in the African Arab on reaching focused team head up a new to in order joining Pioneers in 2014 before years church for in preparation and Arabic) (French and language acquisition he is immersed in culture where in Chad, Africa lives currently with the gospel, especially those that reached the peoples of the world about seeing all is passionate planting among Nomads. Andrew hear. to likely least are BY MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

During my time in Niger, I met the son of a nomadic Arab chief. Twenty-nine years ago, this Arab chief asked for missionaries to come to his people. Twenty-nine years later he is still waiting.

who wants to reach nomads must to some degree who have been given so much—then who? “To whom become a nomad himself. much is given, much shall be required” (Luke 12:48). Reaching nomads will not be easy and it is definitely My vision for this generation is that we would not romantic. We’re not talking about some adventure finish the Great Commission; that we would be the where one rides a camel through the Sahara. Most of generation that sees every last tribe, tongue, and nation the time reaching nomads is plain hard work. Extreme reached with the gospel of Jesus Christ; that Jesus temperatures, dust and brutal conditions are what would be worshiped in every language and in every awaits the wannabe nomadic missionary. But guess nation because Jesus is worthy of all worship. No single what: it’s worth it for Jesus! language can adequately express his worth. It will take Nomads may have been forgotten by us, but they have people from every language on earth singing the name not been forgotten by God. of Jesus before the choir of heaven is complete! Did not God call Abraham out of his home to a land In order to reach all the unreached people groups in that was not his own? Was not Moses a nomad tending this generation we must reach the nomads of the world. sheep when God called him to lead His people out I’m praying for God to raise up teams of passionate, of Egypt? Were not God’s chosen people themselves committed, long-term missionaries to engage every nomads in the wilderness for 40 years? God understands nomadic people group by 2025. I believe by the grace and loves nomads! Are we ourselves not called to be of God it can happen, so that what the Psalmist said in Pilgrims in this present world? We know that this world Psalm 72:9 would become a reality: “Let the nomads of is not our home; we are just passing through. We are the desert bow before him.” still awaiting our true heavenly home. Every believer is There is a poem that has meant a lot to me through a spiritual nomad! the years. A the story goes, it was written in 1980 by a During my time in Niger, I met the son of a nomadic young Rwandan man who was forced, by his tribe, to Arab chief. Twenty-nine years ago, this Arab chief renounce Christ or be killed. He refused to renounce asked for missionaries to come to his people. Twenty- Christ and paid the ultimate price. The night before nine years later he is still waiting. Who will go tell that he was martyred he wrote the following creed entitled people group about Jesus? If you or I do not go—people “The Fellowship of the Unashamed”.

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

I am part of the "Fellowship of the Unashamed." The die has been cast. I have stepped over the line. The decision has been made. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I won't look back, let up, slow down, Back away, or be still. My past is redeemed, my present Makes sense, and my future is secure. I am finished and done with low living, sight walking, Small planning, smooth knees, colorless dreams, Chintzy giving, and dwarfed goals. I no longer need pre-eminence, prosperity, position, Promotions, plaudits, or popularity. I now live by Presence, learn by faith, love by patience, Lift by prayer, and labor by power. My pace is set, my gait is fast, my goal is Heaven, My road is narrow, my way is rough, my companions few, My Guide reliable, my mission clear. I cannot be bought, compromised, deterred, Lured away, turned back, diluted, or delayed. I will not flinch in the face of sacrifice, Hesitate in the presence of adversity, Negotiate at the table of the enemy, Ponder at the pool of popularity, or Meander in the maze of mediocrity. I am a disciple of Jesus Christ. I must go until Heaven returns, Give until I drop, preach until all know, and Work until He comes. And when He comes to get His own, He will have no problem recognizing me. My colors will be clear. I am not ashamed of the gospel . . . Romans 1:16a

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

FEATURE ARTICLE WHEN THEY DON’T SHOW UP

BY LISA M. ROHRICK [email protected]

Lisa M. Rohrick grew up in Canada and has lived in West Africa since 1999, first in Benin and now in Niger (since 2004). Her primary tasks focus on evangelism and church planting among the Western Fulani. MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

“Will you teach us about Jesus?” they asked. Their boldness surprised me...“We have heard some stories about Jesus on the radio,” they said, referring to a daily broadcast on a local station. “Lots of people in our village—maybe 40 people— want to know more.”

ONE SWELTERING AFTERNOON in Niger’s hot and caught on quickly to the discussion questions. season, I responded to a knock at my gate to find two I felt good about their ability to pass on what they young men from my favourite village. I didn’t know were learning. them, but they knew me! After the usual greetings we The following week they came several hours late, but sat down in the shade and they told me they know I their enthusiasm quickly enabled me to forget their tell stories about Jesus. lateness. The third week they came on the wrong “Will you teach us about Jesus?” they asked. Their day. It wasn’t convenient for me, but I shuffled things boldness surprised me. around and enjoyed my time with them. “Tell me why you ask that question.” The next week they didn’t show up at all. I called and “We have heard some stories about Jesus on the they said they were coming, but they didn’t. Same radio,” they said, referring to a daily broadcast on a thing the next week, and the next. And I haven’t seen local station. “Lots of people in our village—maybe 40 them since. people—want to know more. We want to understand. What went wrong? Was it my accent, my errors in But there is also opposition, so we don’t want you to their language? Did I offend them with some cultural come to us. That would cause problems. So, can you blunder? Or was it something in them that kept them teach us about Jesus so that we can go home and teach from returning? our people?” This was not the first time something like this Wondering if I’d heard correctly, I readily agreed and happened. People frequently fail to show up for we decided on a day to meet. I was excited! I have scheduled meetings, sometimes with seemingly good prayed for that village for over ten years. Many nights I reasons, but often not! One day I was talking to a pitched my tent there and sat around the cooking fires Fulani friend about it after he told me of someone not visiting with the villagers. I remember sitting alone showing up when they said they would. “That’s the when everyone had gone to the mosque for evening way it is,” he said with a laugh. “We’re nomads!” prayers, praying with tears streaming down my face, I just smiled along with him, but I was thinking, “No begging Jesus to come and make himself known to you’re not! You’ve lived in the same village your whole my friends there. And now these two young men were life! You live 100 meters from where you were born!” coming to me. What an answer to prayer! They were back on the appointed day to learn the first “SETTLED NOMADS” stories that they would then tell the others. Both of I work with the Western Fulani of Niger, a sub-group them could retell a story after hearing it only once, of the very large Fulani people group spanning about

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

...we all have faced the same frustration. People seem interested in hearing the gospel, in discussing stories of the Bible. But, in spite of their enthusiastic words, they simply stop gathering.

twenty African countries from Senegal and Guinea as some Fulani lay-pastors, and we all have faced the in the west to Kenya and Ethiopia in the east, and same frustration. People seem interested in hearing the numbering over 15 million, nearly all of them Muslim. gospel, in discussing stories of the Bible. But, in spite Historically they are pastoral nomads, migrating across of their enthusiastic words, they simply stop gathering. the plains in search of water and grasslands for their One Western man who has spent nearly thirty years cattle. Over the years, drought and other factors have among them summed it up by saying, “They’re Fulani. led many of them to settle and plant crops, establishing No one tells a nomad where he’s supposed to be!” permanent communities. It is certainly oversimplifying things to say that this It seems like a contradiction to call people “settled would be the only reason, or even the primary reason, nomads.” But that is how I would describe Niger’s for people to inconsistently attend meetings they Western Fulani. They still have their herds, which play claim to want to be at. Illness, poor weather, work, an important role in their lives and culture. Young persecution, family responsibilities, etc., all enter the boys look after sheep and goats, returning to the village equation. But if it is true that the nomadic mentality most nights. But it’s different with the cattle. Young fights against making regular commitments (or pretty men will be gone from home for months, returning much any time commitments for that matter!), it adds only in the rainy season when there is adequate food another obstacle to them coming to faith in the Lord and water for their herds. Older men frequently make Jesus Christ and to growing to maturity as believers. visits to their sons and nephews tending their cattle in other countries. The community itself doesn’t move, PERSEVERE! but they have the mentality of nomads. Many times I There is a group of about twenty Fulani men who have heard Fulani people refer to themselves as such. follow Jesus and call me their “pastor.” They have Who am I to argue?! chosen Wednesday mornings as their time to gather And where does that leave me, trying to meet with for worship, including prayer and Bible study (in oral people who regularly disappear, whether they are format centred on stories from the Word). But it is tending animals or not? I have discussed this with rare for more than eight of them to be there at once. other international workers among the Fulani, as well Sometimes only two or three come. It is tempting for me to reprimand those who return after a long

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

absence, as if they were naughty schoolboys. But these player. Learning in isolation cannot replace being in a are mature men in their 40s who aren’t looking for community of believers, but it certainly is a valuable a lecture from me. My ranting would do nothing to tool on the discipleship road. change their behaviour anyway! Instead I am trying to Hama has been following Jesus for nearly five years. be encouraged that they show up at all. With about a 50% attendance rate, he is one of the It’s also tempting for me to give up, to conclude that most faithful at our meetings. And he often stops by to they aren’t really serious about learning the Word and see me at other times, frequently telling me of others only show up when they want to ask me for money with whom he has been able to share the gospel. Six (which isn’t true, but it can feel that way sometimes!). women in his household (including his two wives, his I think it’s important for me to persevere, to be well mother, and a widowed sister) also believe. But it’s too prepared for our meetings and do my very best to help far for them to come to our meetings. And I rarely them learn and apply God’s Word. Rather than being see them because my presence in their village draws disappointed by the fourteen who aren’t there, I try to attention that none of us want. Hama shares with celebrate the six who are. I want to be available to meet them what we talk about, but he also has a solar MP3 with them and pray when they have challenges and player which he uses to learn the scriptures himself and questions. But if they only hear one Bible story every to share with these women. My job is to equip people few weeks, how will they ever have a reasonable grasp like Hama who can be where others are without set of what the scriptures say? meeting times. This is where audio can be a great asset. In addition What about those two who so keenly asked me to to daily radio programs that many of them receive in explain to them the road of Jesus and then disappeared their homes, books of scripture, teaching and music a month later? I don’t know! I cannot chase them down can be recorded and distributed on USB keys, SD or force them to listen. But I can continue to pray for cards, smart phone apps, MP3 players, etc., making the them and be available should our paths cross again. Word available to people wherever they may wander. And I rest in the knowledge that the Good Shepherd, A man far from home, leading his cattle to water, can who laid down his life for his wandering sheep, will listen and learn God’s Word on a solar-charged MP3 bring them into the fold.

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

NOMADS: HELPING THEM TO FACE THE GROWING CHALLENGES FEATURE ARTICLE

I GREW UP AS A NOMADIC pastoralist in The land more economically productive. Governments Horn of Africa. Today I work among my people, tend to look at nomadic territories as vast and catalyzing the formation of the church while addressing undeveloped. They crave the natural resources or the various challenges of change among the people. dream of developing grand agricultural schemes. In These challenges are macro in scale, usually causing my home area the government has opened nomadic disturbances to nomadic lifestyle and systemic poverty. lands to foreign investors for huge cotton and sugar There are natural and intentional challenges. plantations. They have turned the desert into farmland Natural challenges include persistent drought and by redirecting major rivers into mazes of irrigation reoccurring famines, but they also include the stresses channels. The rivers where we used to water our herds of population increase in nearby settled populations. have been reduced to a trickle and we are not allowed When settled communities grow, they can impinge on to water our animals at the manmade channels. nomadic territories, shrinking available grazing lands People are suddenly left with two choices, settle and and wreaking havoc on those who are already living as farm, or try to move their herds into regions already survivalists during the very best of times. occupied by other clans’ animals. Nomads generally Nomads are impacted by the intentional challenges of resist enforced farming and the land can only sustain government socio-economic policies that aim to make so many animals, so towns fill up and drug addiction

BY ADAM FARANNA [email protected]

Adam Faranna works in the Horn of Africa. He is married with 5 children. He accepted Jesus Christ 20 years ago and serves among his own people, a nomadic Muslim group. He says, "Ten years ago it was unthinkable to reach my people but these days handfuls of believers are worshiping the Lord Jesus Christ.” MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

In old days we had many animals and few worries...Now things have changed. We face too many challenges. We have frequent droughts. The cows are gone and the shrinking number of camels and goats produce less milk.

becomes part of the new reality. These challenges lie “At the same time our land has been taken for well beyond the capacity or control of nomads. sugarcane farming, leaving less grazing areas There is a cattle herder named Ali Michael where we for the animals. Nobody brags about the size minister. He is a Muslim in his forties, an old man in of their herds because too many are suffering. his community. One day I sat down to listen to Ali People don’t know what to do. We are proud Michael about how life is for nomads. of what we had in the old days but we are confused about our existence now. Some think “In old days we had many animals and few this is God’s judgment or curse. Maybe it’s true worries. We were happy and at peace. Our but why would God want to curse us? Why camels and cattle produced so much milk that doesn’t God allow us to have the good life our we poured some of it on the ground. In those ancestors enjoyed?” days it was rare to find a poor person. If we did, the community would give him animals How do we as evangelists and disciplers respond to so that he could become like the rest of us. these challenges? Do we help them discover ways Everyone was proud and comfortable. We to settle or do we help them discover the means to competed with one another to see who could succeed as nomads? My ancestors lived as nomads and gain the most cows. Our only concern was my people don’t want to change. If they were forced another tribe, who would come to steal our to settle, it would cause them deep pain and suffering. livestock.” Even if some settled, the rains would eventually come and then everyone would immediately get back to the “Now things have changed. We face too life they love, so that herds could grow in number and many challenges. We have frequent droughts. production, providing them with the only reliable The cows are gone and the shrinking number security they know. There are no easy answers. of camels and goats produce less milk. Our main food is camel’s milk but now there is only Here is some of what our team brainstorms about: enough for the little children. We have become 1. What attitudes do the people have about dependent on food aid and goats’ milk mixed remaining as nomads? Which ones have lost their with hot water, coffee leaves and salt. We call appetite to remain as nomads and cannot be the food aid, ‘Kings Food’ because it’s from convinced to continue? What causes nomads to the outside. We have no king. It is a shame to lose this appetite? eat this food but we have no choice. We are 2. How do we assist when the government dependent on it.” intentionally disturbs nomadic life in favour of

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

economic development? Anger and resignation do. We have even found that tent-making strategies often surface when rangeland is simply taken from for believers have not worked very well because they the people. How do we minister to nomads who usually have the aim of creating more wealth for need to face up to these types of challenges? individuals in a society that values community wealth. 3. How does God want us to come alongside nomads Rather than create dependency, we want to who have been left with nothing? They don’t know empower whole communities as a testimony to the how to negotiate with the state and cannot seem transformative power of the gospel of Jesus Christ. As to regain an economic foothold. They and what God directs us into areas where people of peace have few animals they have are starving. Can animals welcomed us we want to listen to the people. We want become their wealth as before? to hear what their unsolvable challenges are. We want 4. How can we help the people develop a long- to meet the innovators among them. We want to work term vision for the productive changes that with them to help them develop the skills they need in these challenges are demanding? Nomads are order to accomplish their vision of the future, whether survivalists and therefore good at adapting, but it is to thrive as nomads or to incorporate more semi- these challenges overwhelm them. They cannot settled or settled elements in their economy in order to see the future. Our partnership with them needs augment their ability to live as nomads. to benefit them by educating them further about We aim for a nomadic pastoralist church of Jesus their situation so that they can discover their real Christ that is indigenous in every aspect (including options going forward. economically), while communities are losing their land When we talk about forming the church among and their ability to survive. We want this church to nomads we need to consider the challenges nomads incorporate pure nomads as well as settled nomads in face today and partner with them as they seek best the same community of people. paths forward. Whether we like it or not, this has We pray for a reproducing church that takes the impact on church formation because new believers gospel from clan to clan as they move. We aim for are also part of the community and share exactly the the church to be as elastic as the nomad communities same challenges. they are growing up within, but if people have no more We cannot responsibly advocate for any ministry reason to move, we desire this same church to connect strategies that have the effect of economically extracting with the settled part of the community. The nomadic believers. This includes expecting the global church church needs to develop different approaches and to support the monthly needs of believers as some strategies for reaching nomadic people who are living in different contexts within one community.

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

Recently, I sat with a man from my area. I asked, “If nomads need to become better informed of the I were able to give you support what would you want challenges arrayed against them and more aware of me to do?” He said, “The best thing for me would their options for change through education. be a camel.” I was not surprised. Then I asked, “If We know that nomads have strong oral cultures, I were able to support your son, what would you but even these cultures depend on a few people with want me to do? “Education.” he answered. There are excellent memories to pass along abiding truth. Long generational dynamics in play. Things are changing. experience has taught us that most find it difficult to This helps us think about our approaches to the next remember biblical stories and pass them on reliably to nomadic generation. others. The Bible is not for the few. If we want to We need to initiate strategies that strengthen nomads see healthy, reproductive and transformed lives among economically so that they survive the challenges and nomads, we need to develop education programs for adapt to the changes. Governments are less apt to label adults and children. nomads as lazy and re-purpose their land if they see that As education becomes part of a nomadic culture, the the land is already producing recognizable wealth. We potential for a new normal develops. While nomadic must serve nomads as God’s transformational agents, pastoralists continue in the rooted traditions of life, enabling them to come up with their own economic there will be those whose education allows them ideas in order to ward off forces of unwanted change. to defend their people as politicians or serve their When the nomadic way of life is severely threatened people as veterinarians, agricultural professionals, we need to serve nomads as advocates for augmented doctors, nurses, engineers and business people. We or secondary means of survival. can help nomads create this needed strength in their We need to help create educational opportunities for culture by finding ways to bring effective educational nomads so that they at least learn to read and write. opportunities into nomadic life. Then they will There are two reasons for this. First, all believers need become more equipped to confront the challenges to to be able to read Scripture for themselves. Secondly, their survival and to influence how change occurs.

33 MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

CONTEXTULIZING CENTRAL ASIAN SHEPHERDS: DEVELOPING CREATIVE STRATEGIES TO REACH THESE PEOPLE ON THE MOVE FEATURE ARTICLE

BY ELIZABETH PAUL & THOMAS BENTLEY [email protected]

Elizabeth Paul (pen name) has been in Central Asia for 10 years on a church planting team teaching English and more recently educating women to comb their goats.

Thomas Bentley (pen name) has been in Central Asia with his family for 5 years developing a cashmere export business as a part of his team's church-planting efforts. MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

We believe God will establish networks of believers in these mountain valleys through this business. Cashmere is an ideal gateway for relational engagement. We go from village to village, educating local shepherds about cashmere... Then we follow up from house to house, building relationships with families where ministry opportunities abound.

NOT TOO FAR FROM THE CITY where we live, of the profit from the value-added steps of processing semi-nomadic pastoralists populate the high altitude is realized outside of the country. This is what we are mountain valleys of Central Asia. These dear people working to change. survive through the harshest winters one could imagine The socio-economic impact is significant. We source by managing large herds of goats and yak. Until now the fiber and export it to the West where we have the gospel has not taken root among these Muslims. partnered with others who create retail outlets for The primary challenge for high-altitude village ministry cashmere yarn in North America. As a result we pay has always been how to establish an accepted and valued 30% higher prices for shepherds who agree to sell to entry point for an ongoing presence, but over several us directly because we have eliminated the middleman. years an opportunity has come together for our team to We help establish brand recognition for their cashmere, form a business that, God willing, will help develop the bringing greater dignity to nomadic shepherds, who are local cashmere industry. often viewed as being second-class people. Like many nomadic pastoralists, these people live We believe God will establish networks of believers in primarily off the dairy products of their animals, but these mountain valleys through this business. Cashmere these people also gain an income from goat hair and is an ideal gateway for relational engagement. We go yak hides. Our research has confirmed that the goats from village to village, educating local shepherds about they work with produce world-quality elite cashmere. cashmere. We help them with better breeding for That sounds great but these shepherds don’t have improved fiber. We teach them how to collect the hair an informed concept of what properties influence and sort it by quality. Then we follow up from house- the dollar value of cashmere. Chinese buyers have to-house, building relationships with families where created a monopoly by purchasing all the cashmere ministry opportunities abound. based on weight rather than by quality grades. This means shepherds do not get full market value for their The vision is to broadly sow the gospel amidst these higher quality fiber. Besides this, cashmere, once unreached, remote semi-nomads and to connect those removed from the goats, is not processed locally. All who respond with national believers from way down in the city. When these city-folk engage, God grows

35 MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

their love for their nomadic counterparts, whom they and sometimes burn their homes. They live in fear of may have once regarded poorly. They are excited to being exposed as Christians. have natural opportunities to convey the person and Because the cashmere business allows us a legitimate message of the gospel where it has never been heard reason for continued presence in the villages, we are able before. There they can help each other grow in their to encourage these scattered, isolated believers. Zukra faith, persevere in a hostile environment, and make the is employed as one of our coordinators for collecting name of Christ known with wisdom and boldness. cashmere. By helping her people receive more income Zukra (not her real name) lives in a remote village area for their fiber, she is gaining more authority and dignity where she came to faith in Jesus Christ ten years ago. in her community. Her daughter became afflicted with demons suddenly One of the stated goals of the cashmere business is to when she was in 4th grade. For 3 years she could not pour profits back into the community. The business speak and was not in her right mind. Zukra took her has already been able to repair the heating system in to every doctor, Muslim teacher and witch doctor she a school and in day care centers throughout several could find; but no one could help her. Her sisters were villages where we work with local shepherds. We have followers of Jesus. They kept telling her that Jesus could also begun working to serve children with special needs heal her daughter but she hated them because they in these villages. had converted from Islam and “sold their religion to become Russians.” Eventually in desperation Zukra The government has a program that provides financial asked her sisters to come and pray. When they prayed help for those with special needs. When children are in Jesus’s name everyone saw a dark presence leave her diagnosed with a disability, they are put on the list to and exit the house. Zukra’s daughter was miraculously receive financial aid from the government. This entitles delivered. The whole family came to Christ that day. them to free medical care and therapy at a rehab center Today her daughter continues to live in freedom, but down in the city. The problem is that this city is many Zukra’s family lives in fear of persecution. hours away and therefore inaccessible to most families. It is not abnormal for the few scattered believers in Medical care is poor in these areas. Overwhelmed by villages to be ostracized. They are threatened with children with special needs, local doctors encourage beatings and divorce. People steal things from them parents to go to a Muslim priest or witch doctor for treatment. People with disabilities are considered

36 MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

We live in the city and regularly travel out to the villages. Together with the social workers, we started meeting families of children with disabilities, loving on them and treating them with dignity. We often tell the story of the man born blind and God’s heart of love for people with special needs.

cursed, demonized and shamed. Fear and pity are the We live in the city and regularly travel out to the general attitude. Parents of children with disabilities villages. Together with the social workers, we started are often asked what terrible sin they committed that meeting families of children with disabilities, loving on God would curse them with this child. Most of these them and treating them with dignity. We often tell the children do not go to school, and many never leave story of the man born blind and God’s heart of love for their homes due to fear and shame. people with special needs. I am amazed and grateful for Last fall, my local believing friend and I met the the open doors we have found. director of the social services department for the region. However, in finalizing plans for the anticipated team of We shared about the cashmere business and how we specialists, local government authorities, who had been wanted to bless the community by working with their very excited about our efforts, suddenly slammed the special needs children. We explained that we wanted door shut at the last minute, threatening investigation to bring a team to provide training and make regular by the police if we tried to work in the villages. It was therapies available for special needs children. an unfortunate reminder of the suspicion, fear, power We told him the story from John 9 of their prophet, plays and tight control authorities wield in these close the Messiah Jesus, how one day while walking with his village communities. It was also an abrupt reminder disciples they saw a man born blind. The disciples asked that things are not always as they seem. Situations Jesus, “Who sinned, this man or his parents that he was and relationships can change quickly. Even though we born blind?” Jesus responded, that his blindness was speak their language well, we often have no idea what not the result of sin, but so that God’s glory would be is really going on. revealed. Then Jesus healed him! The cashmere business has allowed us access to these I told the director that this is God’s heart for people village regions. Tangibly loving on the marginalized has with disabilities. It is not a shame or a curse, but allowed us opportunities for deeper relationships. We rather the world is broken. God loves these kids and have been given a very natural way to proclaim God’s we wanted to help by bringing specialists to train and heart for their kids. We still have a lot to learn, but advise the parents. The director promptly handed me are grateful for all the opportunities we have to engage a list of 200 special needs children from the 17 villages these people. in the region.

37 MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

Boundless: What Global Expressions of Faith Teach Us

BOOK REVIEW About Following Jesus

by Bryan Bishop ISBN: 978-0-8010-1716-2 Published in 2015 by BakerBooks.

At Pentecost, after Peter sleep that night calling themselves believers in Jesus as Lord. This preached, how many of his Jews. The term “Christian” wasn’t means 14 million people are listeners became Christian? coined until later. Moreover, the following Jesus Christ as Lord When I first heard this question, Bible does not teach us that we but at the same time they are I thought, “Hmm, Was it 2000 have to call ourselves Christians. not calling themselves Christian. people or was it 3000 people In 2001, the Center for the This is something we don’t hear who became Christian?” Bishop Study of Global Christianity much about in our churches. helped me to realize that actually reported that 14 million Hindus, For those of you who have been the correct answer is zero! This is Buddhists, and Muslims have looking for an easy-to-read book a trick question! Most of those opted to remain within those that illustrates and explains some people woke up that day and called religious traditions in order aspects of this phenomenon, this themselves Jews and they went to to witness for Christ as active is the book for you. This is also a

BY SCOTT HEDLEY [email protected]

Scott Hedley has 30 years of extensive missionary experience both as a mission mobilizer and as a on-the-field worker. MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

good book to give to others who now following Christ show their visiting each week to tell stories. may be confused or even critical other Muslim friends that the By the time he told two or three of those followers of Christ who Qur’an actually tells them that stories, he would encourage his refuse to call themselves Christian. they should read the ‘earlier listeners to tell the stories to their John Travis mentioned that, books’ (i.e. the Bible). Even Surah friends or family. for many Muslims, the word 10:94 (in the Qur’an) says, “If In the chapter on how Hindus have Christian is not necessarily a you were in doubt as to what We chosen to follow Christ, Bishop positive term. Some Muslims have revealed to you, then ask includes an interesting example may associate Christianity with those who have been reading the of how a man named Navin chose the love and selfless devotion Book from the Lord.” to follow certain Hindu practices of Mother Teresa and relief Some Buddhists who now in the burial service of his father organizations. But most Muslims follow Christ have chosen to use who passed away. Many of his tend to focus on the negative Buddhist concepts to describe Hindu relatives came to visit aspects of present-day Western salvation. For example, through during this burial service and they culture like immodest dress, Christ, God saves us from karma. were all intrigued to find out why sexual promiscuity, disrespect God suffered terrible woes so that Navin, as a follower of Jesus, had of elders, indulgence in alcohol, all should be freed from karma, for honored their Hindu traditions. Hollywood violence, narcotics nobody is beyond the reach of the They asked him many questions and pornography. Buddha principle. In Thailand, about his beliefs and invited him But it is not just Hindus, one of the most derogatory names to visit them and explain more. Buddhists, and Muslims who that Thais call Christians is luksit They were ultimately happy to prefer not to take on the label farang, which means “disciple learn that they could follow Jesus of Christian. Even in America, of a foreigner.” Therefore, many in a Hindu way. a recent report by Pew Research Buddhists do not call themselves However, I would like to suggest found that of all religious Christian, instead they call that Bishop add a comment or categories, such as Catholics, themselves “Children of God” or response related to his quotation Protestants, Muslims, and “New Buddhists.” of George Houssney who Mormons, the “religiously Bishop gave a good example of apparently said, “Most Muslims unaffiliated” category is the outreach happening in a largely who come to Christ want to fastest growing category in the Buddhist area in Chiang Mai, leave Islam, not stay in it.” This United States. And in a 2007 Thailand. Ben Jones, a tall man statement of Houssney may be study by Barna Research, two- from the Pacific Islands, has true in some parts of the Muslim thirds of unchurched youth learned the Thai language very world. But Rick Love points out call Christianity boring, and well. Several times a week he that this is not true in other parts even one-quarter of young made trips into the neighborhood of the Muslim world. Christians used that same word of his area. He had a simple goal: Bishop’s book ends with an to describe the Christianity that find people who would like to appendix containing ten surrounds them. hear a story about God. Once suggested stories which can be Throughout the rest of his he found a family who wanted used to help others more fully book, Bishop describes different to listen, he would get to know understand the concepts in his scenarios of how Hindus, them a little bit and then would book. This is a very easy-to-read Buddhists and Muslims have tell them a Bible story. Afterward, book and I heartily recommend it opted to remain within their he would ask if they wanted him to those who want to know more religious traditions while to come back in a week to tell about the 14-million people are following Christ (and while not another story. After only three following Jesus Christ as Lord but taking on the ‘Christian’ label). weeks of doing this, Jones already not calling themselves Christian. For example, Muslims who are had eight different families he was

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE THE INTANGIBLES OF URGENCY AND GRIT

BY STEVE SMITH Steve Smith (Th.D.) was part of a church planting movement in Asia. He currently works globally to catalyze biblical church planting movements to finish the Matt. Twitter: @kingreigncome 24:14 quest. He is the author of T4T: A Discipleship Re-Revolution with Ying Kai Facebook: Kingdom Kernels (WigTake Resources, 2011) and Hastening and Rebirth in the “No Place Left” saga Blog: kingdomkernels.com (2414 Ventures, 2015 & 2016).

Jack1 grasped the bars of his cell door HEADS!” For hours this went on until Planting Movement (CPM) catalysts and peered down the hallway. His heart finally several soldiers grabbed Jack and from many other laborers. Like Jack raced as sweat beaded down his forehead. loaded him on to a military truck. in that Asian prison, these elements Should he speak or not? As a former are evident in the life of Christ and in KINGDOM KERNELS Jack looked around in apprehension soldier, he recalled the cruel horrors expecting the end to come shortly. After the lives of the Acts disciples. They are inflicted in military prisons. Arrested for a couple of hours, the truck rolled to a the accelerants that seem to spur on a preaching the gospel, he was now on the stop. The soldiers escorted him to the spiritually abiding servant of Christ to wrong side of the bars. side of the road. “We can’t stand your fruitfulness. Though it is hard to define Should he speak? How could he not? constant shouting! You are at the border them, I will refer to them as “urgency” and His Lord had commanded him. of the county. Leave here and never “grit.” For this purpose, I define urgency preach in this place again!” as purposefully living on mission with Gripping the bars more tightly, he spoke the awareness that time is limited. Grit in a low voice to any guards stationed As the trucked rambled back down the is a tenacious determination and staying nearby. “If you don’t let me go, the dusty road, Jack blinked in surprise. He power toward that mission, often in the blood of 50,000 people will be on your had been faithful to the call to preach the face of insurmountable odds. heads!” He darted back to the corner of good news in a country that had never the cell, awaiting a beating. But it never heard of Jesus. The Lord had called him These are not normally the first came. I did it! I witnessed in the face of and the Lord had protected him. A few characteristics we look for in church my captors. weeks later, filled with a sense of urgency planters and missionaries, usually because of negative connotations: The next day, grasping the bars, he spoke and emboldened with spiritual grit, Jack more loudly. “If you don’t let me go, the and another brother slipped back into • Urgency: “He is too driven!” blood of 50,000 people will be on your the county under cover of darkness to • Grit: “She is too stubborn!” heads!” But again no retribution came. obey the great King’s command. Soon they led the first man to faith—a man It is becoming less common to find Each day he repeated this encounter through whom a Church-Planting laborers in the kingdom (at least in the with his captors, his voice growing Movement would be birthed. Western world) who face their mission louder with each declaration. The with gritted teeth and a sense of urgency jailers admonished him to be quiet, but THE INTANGIBLE ELEMENTS that often keeps them awake at night. to no avail. OF FRUITFUL CPM We much prefer people who have At the end of the week, Jack shouted CATALYSTS “margin.” Yet Jesus and Paul would probably not fit our definitions of so all could hear, “IF YOU DON’T Two intangible characteristics rise to people with appropriate margin. Today LET ME GO, THE BLOOD OF the top over and over again that seem we might counsel them to “slow down,” 50,000 PEOPLE WILL BE ON YOUR to separate the most fruitful Church-

40 + FEATURE

to re-elevate the intangible elements of urgency and grit to the level we see them in the New Testament. Can they become out of balance? Undoubtedly. But the pendulum has swung too far in the opposite direction.

URGENCY Urgency: purposefully living on mission with the awareness that time is limited Jesus lived with a sense of urgency knowing his time of ministry (three years) was short. From the beginning to the end of John, Jesus frequently references his “hour” of departure from spend more time on non-work interests Jim Elliot, the martyr, said: the world (e.g. Jn. 2:4, 8:20, 12:27, and adjust their work-life balance. “He makes His ministers a 13:1). Jesus knew in his spirit that the Yet, the men and women through whom flame of fire. Am I ignitable? days were short and he must redeem God is birthing kingdom movements God deliver me from the dread each one for the mission his Father sent seem remarkably blind to the idea asbestos ‘other things.’ Saturate him on. of margin as we define it. Rather, the me with the oil of the Spirit that “We must work the works of him who mission of God consumes their lives I may be a flame. But flame is sent me while it is day; night is coming, like it did with Jesus. transient, often short-lived. Canst when no one can work.” (Jn. 9:4, ESV) His disciples remembered that it was thou bear this my soul—in me there dwells the Spirit of the Great For example, while the disciples were written: “Zeal for your house will ready to camp out in Capernaum after consume me.” (John 2:17, ESV) Short-Lived, whose zeal for God’s house consumed Him. ‘Make me the prior day’s amazing success, Jesus Zeal was a defining characteristic that the thy fuel, Flame of God. God, I decided exactly the opposite. Knowing disciples recalled about Jesus. Did John pray thee, light these idle sticks of his mission was to get through all of Wesley, writing sermons on horseback my life and may I burn for Thee. Israel before his departure, he left to as he traveled from meeting to meeting, Consume my life, my God, for it begin the next stage of the journey. have such margin? Would a movement is Thine. I seek not a long life, but “And he said to them, ‘Let us go on to have emerged if he had? As William a full one, like you, Lord Jesus.’” the next towns, that I may preach there Carey chafed in England to be set loose also, for that is why I came out.’ And he to fulfill the Great Commission, would An encounter with CPM catalysts today evokes similar descriptions: passion, went throughout all Galilee, preaching we characterize his life as a margin-filled in their synagogues and casting out life? Would Hudson Taylor, Mother tenacity, determination, restlessness, driven-ness, zeal, faith, unwillingness to demons.” (Mk. 1:38-39, ESV; see also Teresa or Martin Luther King, Jr. fit Lk. 4:43-44) such definitions? quit or take “no” for an answer. It is time

MISSION FRONTIERS 2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE

A colleague describes this mentality Urgency means that we don’t know how Jesus’ one-term mission could not be as “one-term urgency” referring to the much time we have, so our lives are to stopped. his face was set like a flint common length of a missionary term of be lived on purpose, redeeming the days. toward the troubles that awaited him service (3-4 years). The disciples carried this sense of in Jerusalem (Lk. 9:51-53). Along the Today’s experts might warn Jesus about urgency with them in the mission way, many declared their desire to follow “burn-out.” But Jesus’ desire was not to efforts of Acts. Paul’s three journeys him. But one by one, he challenged their burn out but to “flame out” or “burn up” of thousands of miles (at the pace willingness to count the cost and their at exactly the time the Father chose for of foot traffic) and dozens of places determination to stay the course (Lk. him. Flaming out describes living with squeezed into the span of 10-12 years 9:57-62). Grit. the urgency and intensity of the Father’s has a dizzying effect. Paul had a mission Grit characterized our Lord’s wrestling pace (his voice) toward the Father’s (preaching to all of the Gentiles) and in the wilderness temptations and mission (his goal) for the Father’s not much time to fulfill it. It is why in Gethsemane’s final hour—the pleasure (joy derived from knowing we he hoped not to linger in Rome but determined staying-power to walk are pleasing him and doing his will— to be propelled by them toward Spain through insurmountable odds to reach Jn. 4:34, 5:30). so that there would be no place left the goal the Father had set. Burn-out has little to do with margin or to lay a foundation for the gospel Jesus implored his disciples to live lack of margin but rather with lack of (Rom. 15:22-24). with similar grit—an unwillingness to fulfillment of a life spent well. Everyone Urgency to fulfill the stewardship given take “no” for an answer. Rather, like today is busy; not everyone is purposeful. them by God has always driven the the widow beseeching the unrighteous A busy existence lived aimlessly totters most fruitful servants of God: judge, they “ought always to pray and toward burn-out. But one rooted in the “This is how one should regard us, not lose heart” (Lk. 18:1-8, ESV). Father’s presence and for his purposes is as servants of Christ and stewards of Thus, the disciples throughout Acts life-giving. We end each day receiving the mysteries of God. Moreover, it is continued their outward kingdom push God’s commendation: “Well done, my required of stewards that they be found in the face of amazing odds. When good and faithful servant.” Flaming out faithful.” (1 Co. 4:1-2, ESV) Stephen was stoned and fellow believers is letting our lives be completely used up were dragged off to prison (Acts 8:3), by God at his pace and in response to GRIT what did they do? They preached the His promptings and letting him end our Grit: tenacious determination and staying word as they were scattered! Paul, stoned lives in his good timing. power toward a mission, often in the face in Lystra, got right back up to re-enter Jesus implores his disciples to live in a of insurmountable odds the city before moving on to the next similar way. Urgency marked a common destination. Paul and Silas bound fast Rooster Cogburn (epitomized by John theme of the parables Jesus taught them. in a Philippian jail sang praises to the Wayne in True Grit), guns ablazin’, In the parable of the wedding feast (Mt. Most High when circumstances were conjures up images of someone staring 24:1-14) the servants are to compel the most low. Spiritual grit kept them down insurmountable odds to achieve people to come to the feast before it is at the mission. a mission. But in the spiritual realm, too late. There is no time to lose. In the tenacious grit has always characterized What circumstances can arise that would parable of ready servants, the servants are men and women God has called to cause you to quit the mission of God? to stay “dressed for action” to keep alert launch movements. What is your grit level? for the Master’s return (Lk. 12:35-48).

MISSIONFRONTIERS.ORG

We have within our ability the means to overcome every obstacle to fulfillment of the Great Commission and the Lord’s return. But such a generation will only rise up when it is resolved to finish the task with a renewed sense of urgency, steeled by grit to push through every obstacle.

Secrets of grit can be found in Jesus’ it is resolved to finish the task with a 2030? Perhaps we might live with wiser determination to face the cross: “Jesus… renewed sense of urgency, steeled by grit hearts, filled with a sense of urgency who for the joy that was set before him to push through every obstacle. making whatever sacrifices are needed to endured the cross, despising [lit. counting Moses, the man of God, prayed in Psalm fulfill the mission objective. it as nothing] the shame.” (Heb. 12:2, ESV) 90:12: “So teach us to number our days Let us live with a sense of urgency and The joy of what was before him— that we may get a heart of wisdom.” endure with grit till the end is at hand. pleasing his Father, fulfilling his mission, What would happen if the global church providing redemption—led him to recognized that time is limited? What if 1 A pseudonym for a Southeast Asian disciple count the shame of the cross as nothing. we set a date for completion of engaging of Christ The upside far outweighed the downside. every people group with an effective Paul expressed similar sentiments: CPM strategy by a year such as 2025 or “Therefore I endure everything for the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation that is in Christ Jesus with eternal glory.” (2 Tm. 2:10, ESV) Missional Leadership....Now The upside for Paul—that God’s chosen people in each place might find salvation—far outweighed the downside of enduring ridicule, beatings, imprisonment, shipwrecks and stoning. Only a vision of the upside of the mission will steel us with the grit we need to endure the downside of difficulty to achieve it. Our generation has within its means the ability to engage every remaining unreached people group and place with fruitful CPM approaches. We have Recruiting 16-20 year olds--to be within our ability the means to overcome groomed as Global Missional every obstacle to fulfillment of the Great Fellows--and their adult mentors! Commission and the Lord’s return. But such a generation will only rise up when www.GenZalpha.org

WILLIAM CAREY LIBRARY

Our world is changing: mass migrations, the emergence of mega-cities, SEIPP innovation in world mission TRAINING MISSIONARIESTRAINING Missionaries must know God, be able to relate well to other people, globalization, travel, and ubiquitous connectivity. How do we make sense of it all? Innovation in World Mission was written for those who care understand and engage with another culture, and be able to use the Bible in a about being relevant in this chaotic, yet exciting new world. This book way that informs all aspects of their lives and ministries. Missionary training explores the categories of mega-changes happening around us, and the impacts they are making, specifically in world mission. It explores how must address each of these areas if it is to help Christians to be effective in God created us in his image, to be creative and innovative—modern day Innovation taking the gospel to the ends of the earth. Effective training has been shown children of Issachar who understand change and know how to respond. Real-life examples from ministries, non-profits, and businesses are used to prevent people from prematurely leaving the field. It also reduces the throughout to help understand how to put these tools into practice. danger of cross-cultural workers uncritically exporting culturally bound forms We know the world is quickly changing. How can mission leaders be prepared to lead of Christianity. This book details four key areas that every missionary training their organizations into the days ahead? Seipp provides a framework that is both Spirit- DEREK T. SEIPP led and facts-based for doing just this. He helps us understand how we might spy-out the program, whatever its context, must focus on developing. It shows how these land that God desires to lead us into. For those in mission leadership struggling to make can be holistically addressed in a learning community where trainers and sense of the world and day in which we live, Derek has provided a great starting place. Michael Oh, PhD IN WORLD MISSION trainees engage in cross-cultural ministry together. TRAINING executive director/CEO of the Lausanne Committee for World Evangelization MISSIONARIES Seipp, a seasoned practitioner, expertly wields the latest tools of future studies for mission strategy, convincingly demonstrating how clear thinking about the future unveils Innovation Evelyn and Richard Hibbert were pioneer church planters and developed new and innovative ways for the mission-minded to reach the world. Scenario planning, Principles and Possibilities environmental scanning, and creating impact maps should become standard approaches country-wide leadership training for Turkish speakers in Bulgaria. Following for Christians, North and South, implementing integral mission among the world’s IN WORLD MISSION peoples, languages, and cities. this, they worked as international missionary trainers and consultants. Richard Todd M. Johnson, PhD is now the director of the School of Cross-Cultural Mission at the Sydney associate professor of Global Christianity, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

Missionary and Bible College. Evelyn is the academic dean of The Salvation Derek T. Seipp has been helping leaders become more strategic for over twenty years, living overseas for twelve of those years. He contributed to the book Extending God’s Army Booth College in Sydney. She also works in the School of Education at Kingdom: Church Planting Yesterday, Today, and Tomorrow by EMIS and has written Western Sydney University. about mission strategy for the Lausanne Global Analysis and Evangelical Mission

HIBBERT Quarterly. He holds a masters in organizational leadership and futures studies from Evelyn and Richard Hibbert Regent University, VA. He currently serves as East Asia and Mekong Region Operations Manager for Beyond.

A Framework for Transformational Thinking about the Future of World Mission

NEW NEW NEW Training Missionaries Leading with Story Innovation in World Mission Principles and Possibilities Cultivating Christ-centered Leaders in a A Framework for Transformational Thinking Storycentric Generation about the Future of World Mission

Evelyn and Richard Hibbert (Authors) Rick Sessoms (Author) Derek T. Seipp (Author)

Missionaries must know God, be able to relate Eighty percent of the world’s people—including Our world is changing: mass migrations, the emergence well to other people, understand and engage seventy percent of Americans—are storycentric of mega-cities, globalization, travel, and ubiquitous with another culture, and be able to use the Bible communicators; that is, they prefer to learn and connectivity. How do we make sense of it all? in a way that informs all aspects of their lives are most likely to be influenced through stories, Innovation in World Mission was written for those who and ministries. Missionary training must address pictures, drama, and music rather than through care about being relevant in this chaotic, yet exciting each of these areas if it is to help Christians to be reading and writing. Yet more than ninety percent new world. This book explores the categories of mega- effective in taking the gospel to the ends of the of Christian workers communicate through a changes happening around us, and the impacts they earth. Effective training has been shown to prevent highly literacy-based approach. This disconnect are making, specifically in world mission. It explores people from prematurely leaving the field. It also overlooks a primary method of Jesus himself how God created us in his image, to be creative and reduces the danger of cross-cultural workers in the preparation of leaders and impedes the innovative—modern day children of Issachar who uncritically exporting culturally bound forms of effective cultivation of leaders in the growing understand change and know how to respond. Real-life Christianity. This book details four key areas that global church. Through engaging stories, biblical examples from ministries, non-profits, and businesses every missionary training program, whatever its insights, leadership research, field-tested methods, are used throughout to help understand how to put context, must focus on developing. It shows how and practical models of effective leadership these tools into practice. these can be holistically addressed in a learning development, Leading with Story offers unique community where trainers and trainees engage in solutions that will inspire and challenge any who cross-cultural ministry together. want to raise up or to be raised up as Christ- centered leaders in this storycentric generation.

List Price $24.95 • Our Price $19.95 List Price $17. 99 • Our Price $14.39 List Price $12.49 • Our Price $9.99

MISSIONBOOKS.ORG | 1-877-333-4411 Issues Issues Scheuermann & Smither & Smither Scheuermann crossing social, cultural, and religious barriers and making disciples of all nations has probably never been without Charles h. Kraft some level of controversy. this book is an attempt to hit the pause button on this rapid-paced world and to reflflect on how we do mission, especially in light of the new layers of complexity that globalization brings. While The gospel is to be planted as a seed that will sprout within and in the contributors engage in new aspects of mission and cultural encounter unique to the twenty-first century, the no. 24 be nourished by the rain and nutrients in the cultural soil of the Contextual underlying issues of each chapter are age-old topics that have reared their heads at various times throughout receiving peoples. What sprouts from true gospel seed may look history: priorities in mission, power struggles, perspectives on cultural others, and contextualization. With that in quite different above ground from the way it looked in the sending mind, our aims are twofold: (1) to carefully consider issues causing tension and contention within current mission Rochelle c athcaR t Scheue R mannsociety, & e dW buta R dbeneath l. Smithe the ground,R | editors at the worldview level, the roots thought, practice and strategy and then (2) to engage in serious but charitable dialogue for the sake of God’s are to be the same and the life comes from the same source. Controversies Mission in mission and the salvation of all peoples. What does a vibrant indigenous faith in Jesus look like? How do we communicate the essential meanings of the gospel in forms appropriate to a particular people at a particular time? Issues in Contextualization, Charles Kraft’s

r ochelle c athcart Scheuermann (PhD, trinity evangelical Divinity School) is director and I

latest book, presents his own insights on this topic from decades of experience zat assistant professor of intercultural studies at lincoln christian university. She has served as associate pastor at teaching and ministering around the world. Significantly, Kraft’s analysis includes a church plant (Salt lake city, ut), has taught overseas (thailand, cambodia, and Kenya), and since 2012 has an exploration of spiritual power, an aspect frequently neglected in such discussions.

served as the north central regional Vice-President of the evangelical missiological Society. She has written several I articles that have focused on contextualization, preaching and culture, and mission theology and is the co-author This volume is an update of Kraft’s classic workAppropriate Christianity. It contains on of the textbook Preaching in the contemporary World. fresh presentations of previous articles and new insights into topics such as insiders (followers of Jesus outside the religious culture of Christianity) and power encounter. eDWarD l . Smither (PhD, university of Wales-trinity St. David; PhD, university of Pretoria) is associate professor and dean of intercultural studies at columbia international university. he served for fourteen years in Charles h. Kraft is professor emeritus of anthropology and intercultural intercultural ministry in north africa, europe, and the uSa, and his books include mission in the early church and communication at Fuller Theological Seminary, where he taught for many Brazilian evangelical missions in the arab World. Theology, PeoPle, and Controversies years in the School of Intercultural Studies (formerly PracTice ofthe Mission School of World Mission). His primary field in Mission in The 21s experienceT cenT ury was as a pioneer missionary among the

Kamwe people in northeastern Nigeria. He has taught Kraft and written widely on contextualization, culture, spiritual warfare, and inner healing.

Issues

ContextualIinzat Ion

NEW NEW Controversies in Mission Issues in Contextualization Peoples On the Move Theology, People, and Practice of Mission Introducing Nomads of the World in the 21st Century

Rochelle Cathcart Scheuermann (Author), Charles H. Kraft (Author) David J. Phillips (Author) Edward L. Smither (Author)

Crossing social, cultural, and religious barriers and The gospel is to be planted as a seed that will Nomads — they inhabit every continent yet have “no making disciples of all nations has probably never sprout within and be nourished by the rain and abiding city.” Always on the move, they are often been without some level of controversy. This book nutrients in the cultural soil of the receiving “invisible,” unreached, despised, and easily forgotten is an attempt to hit the pause button on this rapid- peoples. What sprouts from true gospel seed may by settled citizens. This is the most comprehensive paced world and to reflect on how we do mission, look quite different above ground from the way source of information on all the nomadic peoples especially in light of the new layers of complexity it looked in the sending society, but beneath the of the world and includes maps, black and white that globalization brings. While the contributors ground, at the worldview level, the roots are to be photographs, people profiles, and bibliographic data. engage in new aspects of mission and cultural the same and the life comes from the same source.

encounter unique to the twenty-first century, the What does a vibrant indigenous faith in Jesus As you develop a new understanding of the political, underlying issues of each chapter are age-old look like? How do we communicate the essential agricultural, economic and cultural foundations of topics that have reared their heads at various meanings of the gospel in forms appropriate to a nomadic life, you will praise the “God of nomads” for times throughout history: priorities in mission, particular people at a particular time? his rich diversity and work among these peoples – and power struggles, perspectives on cultural others, even consider your own calling and priorities in life. and contextualization. With that in mind, our Issues in Contextualization, Charles Kraft’s latest aims are twofold: (1) to carefully consider issues book, presents his own insights on this topic from causing tension and contention within current decades of experience teaching and ministering Davis Phillip has worked with the Unevangelized mission thought, practice and strategy and then around the world. Significantly, Kraft’s analysis Fields mission in churches along the Amazon river and (2) to engage in serious but charitable dialogue includes an exploration of spiritual power, an in the cattle ranch regions of Brazil; and as missions for the sake of God’s mission and the salvation of aspect frequently neglected in such discussions. researcher with WEC International, contributing to all peoples. This volume is an update of Kraft’s classic Patrick Johnstone’s Operation World. As founder work Appropriate Christianity. It contains fresh member of the Nomadic Peoples Network he has presentations of previous articles and new insights visited nomads in India, Nepal, Kyrgyzstan, Mongolia, into topics such as insiders (followers of Jesus the Middle East and West Africa; more recently he outside the religious culture of Christianity) and has been teaching in Nomadic Peoples workshops. power encounter.

List Price $14.99 • Our Price $11.99 List Price $21.99 • Our Price $17. 59 List Price $19.95 • Our Price $15.96

MISSIONBOOKS.ORG | 1-877-333-4411 truth.” We should do this for We truth.” we wherever place in leaders the other as for leaders of as well live political nations. up is right for us to stand It or words wrong any against side expressed. attitudes that either must not hold back on We if theycriticizing someone even Believers candidate.” “our were should not be hiding behind our to thesomething on “positions” their flaws, ignore point that we a list make I won’t sin and error. on since it is so publicized here, both sides. should be with people. It Talk this is easier I realize yet obvious, I’ve for extraverts introverts. than conversations recent found several with strangers to easily turn into opportunities for sharing Jesus people and faith issues. Many someone is not, open to it. If are fearthe let Don’t on. move just from you keep rejected being of their helping people overcome of our times.fears of the events missing out on are do, we we If opportunitiesthe has placed God us. before The NET Bible was used for all Bible passages quoted in this article. 1 • • suggestions and ideasWhy not add your in the comments section of this article on website. the www.missionfrontier.org

2017 JAN/FEB ISSUE JAN/FEB 2017 46 for should pray earnestly We opportunitiesgospel. Paul for the hisdescribing when best it said 16:9 “because situation in 1 Cor. opportunity standsa door of great are there but me, wide open for after that in Just many opponents.” alert, infirm stand “Stay 13-14, v. courage, be strong. the faith, show do should be done you Everything specifically ask doesn’t He in love.” he but I believe there, for prayer forintended it to fuel the prayers the Corinthians. those in should pray for We As Paul us. authority over of 2:1-4, “First Tim. in 1 wrote all, then, I urge that requests, and thanks intercessions, prayers, on behalf of all people, be offered for kings and all who are even may lead that we in authority, a peaceful and quiet life in all prayer Such godliness and dignity. for all is good and welcomed since he our Savior, God before and wants all people to be saved of the to come to a knowledge • to listen to the concerns of those to listen to the concerns the those who feel us and love around the most. unknowns just a week writing this that I’m I realize beto happened I here. election the after came results when the Kong in Hong the to reaction the much of I missed in. TV in the U.S., on unexpected results perspectivethe from things saw but our election, of those “looking in on” wondering what might happen and might affect them. it how actually do? Here should we what So a few ideas: are • FRONTIERS MISSION by Greg Parsons Connections of Global Director Ventures Frontier As Westerners, we like to be safe, secure we Westerners, As a that provide and stable—the things This includesfoundation to our lives. to things like job stability and how future. for our families and our provide with that in and wrong is nothing There seems sensible to us, given It of itself. countries operate. developed our how exposedwe are The shock comes when very places, whoto those from different the next meal no sense of where have can be shocking It may come from. how and are we blessed how realize to have what we take for granted often we lead our lives. we and how is understandable that major changes It willsituation political our U.S. in While politics are unknowns. create as Chuck culture, from downstream of that because realize Colson said, we many Trump, the election of Donald the world— and around people—here wonder what changes that will bring. opinion about matter what your No thathim, it is clear to most people here, if the election had gone the other way changed muchthings would not have headed they were the direction from Obama. under President act realize—and what I hope we But on—is that this brings a tremendous should opportunity to us. Uncertainty as should peace. But us to God drive I fear that many Christians (especially sensing some supporters) are Trump which can lead us back of relief, level must be ready We to complacency. Unknowns Create Create Unknowns Opportunities

FURTHER REFLECTIONS Nomad Truck Venture Come learn about mission to the nomads of Central Asia. If you are a back packer, adventurer, camping enthusiast, or entrepreneur it could be the defining trip of your life.

Join us on this 5 week “mobile work shop,” travelling through the countries where nomads roam. The Nomadic Peoples Net- work together with Frontier Ventures gives you the chance to get to know the nomadic peoples of Central Asia. We’ll camp our way across countries and go over 3,100 miles. All along the way we will meet nomads and learn from those who work with them.

What does God have for you on this trip? Will God give you a deep love for nomads and a desire to serve among them? Do you have what it takes for this kind of communal experience? Join us during the summer of 2018 and see.

For more information email the Winter Launch Lab:

[email protected]

Nomadic Peoples Network www.nomadicpeoples.net Frontier Ventures www.frontierventures.org 1605 E. Elizabeth Street Pasadena, CA 91104-2721

Change Service Requested