Philippine Baptist Theological Seminary

MI-2 Contemporary Issues in Mission

First Semester 2020-2021
Teacher: Tapon Roy

Abby Rose L. Abraham Date: August 28, 2020

Interaction Paper 1

According to the article, “In the 2001 census for the Municipality of Kathmandu, about
662,000 of 672,000 total people recorded their community/caste name. Individuals knew their
caste or tribe, allowing it to be recorded. Typically, in an Indian city, 99% of those of Scheduled
Caste or Scheduled Tribe status are able to supply their community/caste/tribe name when
asked.” They can easily know their status they belong at birth. There were different categories of
caste system, the lowest is the untouchables. Why we should need to know about their caste
system? How it is important in church planting? These were the questions in mind that we can
consider if we will start a church plant here in this place.

One should know the community and not the language. There were a lot of mission
attempts who failed to recognize this. Asian community is not group by language but by
community. According to the article, written in a quotation, “we have to fit in with them, not
squeeze them to fit us.” A lot of missionaries before were like that. They influenced the countries
and imparted to them their own culture, instead of enriching their existing culture. People will
not easily give up what they were born to be. It also includes their norms, belief, lifestyle and
culture. That is why we need to learn and adapt what they have. Learning language is not the
primarily priority but it should be learning the community and to socialize with them. Having
one with them knowing that there is a belongingness in that community.

Mostly missionaries and pastors should re-educate themselves about this. According to
the article, majority of them ignored community/caste and at the end they failed. My insight
about this is to not to repeat what the other missionaries did in the past. Rather, we should first,
assess the community. Second, pray for that community. Third, learn every details about the
community. Last, plan and have a goal on how to reach the community. We may know if the
community will easily be receptive or not. Every community is unique and has different customs.
We should learn to adapt by community to deepen our understanding their cultures.

Knowing this, as a future missionary, I will apply these insights and should be carefully
observe the community for possible ministries. Being a minister, I should not go there and
immediately go to the battle without weapons. Being readily equip is necessary in order for the
mission works be successful especially in those countries like India. With the help of our triune
God, He will give us the wisdom and guidance to expand His Kingdom to reach the unreached
people of the world.