Missisonary duties still relevant in today's world?

ElRazur · 23-10-2008, 16:09

Over the weekend, a British woman was shot dead in Afghanistan. Reports suggested she was shot simply for being a Christian. Now this is not about blaming the people who shot her dead, but merely trying to ask if Missionary duties is really needed in this part of the world?

My understanding of Missionary work is to help the local community - say like the way Red cross will help - build hospital, roads, provide clean drinking water, etc. But along the line preaching the word of God and the life of Jesus christ to the locals and convert them [if they want to be converted]

Now while some will argue that the locals have a choice of not converting etc, I will like to point out to people that if am living in poverty and someone offers me a better life and make attempts to convert me, I don't think I will offer much resistance.

Let also not forget that Muslim views contradicts the works of a missionaries etc. So do we really need Christians charity workers and Missionaries in this day and age?

Garp · 23-10-2008, 19:21

Yes we do. Missionary work is on a huge level, making a big difference across the world. Unfortunately that's not newsworthy. None of the successes are, just the one in a million tragic events that occur like this one.
I've been involved, on and off, with short term missionary work and have spent a fair bit of time working with and helping at a local missions base run by YWAM (Youth With A Mission) which focuses on training and equipping people to serve before sending them out. Even without personal long term missionary experience, I can provide you with probably a couple of dozen cases of specific good caused by missionaries, and that's without getting into the far more significant work done by long term missionaries, such as orphanages, schools, health care, sanitation and so on. The question you're asking comes across very much like "What did the Romans ever do for us?" but then given the lack of media attention to the positive work of missionaries, it's understandable.
The principal work most missionary groups do revolves around working positively in communities, looking to help and improve the life of people in the area. Conversion to Christianity is a minor part of that. The idea is to evangelise by lifestyle, rather than cramming tracts down peoples throats, which let's be honest causes more harm than good. That even gets on my nerves as a Christian. A personal favourite group is Mercy Ships who have several ships traveling the world providing medical care and all sorts of specialists. There is a similar organisation that specialises in post-disaster aid who visit countries hit by various natural disasters and provide engineering and building expertise for free. All of these are provided totally free of charge, staffed entirely by volunteers, all striving to ensure that they use the skills God has given them for his work.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mark 16

15He said to them, "Go into all the world and preach the good news to all creation. 16Whoever believes and is baptized will be saved, but whoever does not believe will be condemned. 17And these signs will accompany those who believe: In my name they will drive out demons; they will speak in new tongues; 18they will pick up snakes with their hands; and when they drink deadly poison, it will not hurt them at all; they will place their hands on sick people, and they will get well."

This case of death in Afghanistan is unusual, very few missionary organisations have staff out in countries where there is an extreme risk to them, such as the on going fight out there. YWAM has staff that keep an eye on the political situation of every country they have missionaries in, and when things get to be what they consider to be an unacceptable risk, they evacuate their missionaries. Some do choose to remain, but that's their choice and they're aware of the dangers involved.

ElRazur · 23-10-2008, 19:44

While I see where you are coming from. I think the basis of all these is still to convert people and show them that "this is what Christianity will bring you if you allow us". We have dedicated charity organisation that are not driven by religion or any word of god, creed or belief. This in effect will make the need for Christians missionaries unnecessary.

My question is more about the motives behind the Christians missionary work I believe. I am sure all these work can be done without it being under the pretence or influence of religion.

Missionaries are the one who brought Christianity to Nigeria, While at the same time ensuring that the local tradition and culture is frowned upon and considered a "pagan" sort of life style. [Just look up the history of missionary work in West Africa. ]

I think one can argue that any organisation which sets out to systematically changes the way people live and what they belief in should be accepted with extreme caution. Given the volatile situation in several parts of the world, perhaps there is no need for their activity?

23-10-2008, 16:09	#1
ElRazur Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 214	Missisonary duties still relevant in today's world? Over the weekend, a British woman was shot dead in Afghanistan. Reports suggested she was shot simply for being a Christian. Now this is not about blaming the people who shot her dead, but merely trying to ask if Missionary duties is really needed in this part of the world? My understanding of Missionary work is to help the local community - say like the way Red cross will help - build hospital, roads, provide clean drinking water, etc. But along the line preaching the word of God and the life of Jesus christ to the locals and convert them [if they want to be converted] Now while some will argue that the locals have a choice of not converting etc, I will like to point out to people that if am living in poverty and someone offers me a better life and make attempts to convert me, I don't think I will offer much resistance. Let also not forget that Muslim views contradicts the works of a missionaries etc. So do we really need Christians charity workers and Missionaries in this day and age? __________________ "Never ignore fools in large numbers."

23-10-2008, 19:44	#3
ElRazur Long Island Iced Tea Join Date: Sep 2008 Posts: 214	While I see where you are coming from. I think the basis of all these is still to convert people and show them that "this is what Christianity will bring you if you allow us". We have dedicated charity organisation that are not driven by religion or any word of god, creed or belief. This in effect will make the need for Christians missionaries unnecessary. My question is more about the motives behind the Christians missionary work I believe. I am sure all these work can be done without it being under the pretence or influence of religion. Missionaries are the one who brought Christianity to Nigeria, While at the same time ensuring that the local tradition and culture is frowned upon and considered a "pagan" sort of life style. [Just look up the history of missionary work in West Africa. ] I think one can argue that any organisation which sets out to systematically changes the way people live and what they belief in should be accepted with extreme caution. Given the volatile situation in several parts of the world, perhaps there is no need for their activity? __________________ "Never ignore fools in large numbers."