As a very young missionary, I used to think that cross-cultural ministry was just simply wearing the kind of clothes they wear, eating the kind of food they were eating and etc.
Then my understanding grew to think that the main reason for contextualizing is to find common grounds so I can teach our fundamental doctrines- the Ten Commandments, the Sabbath, tithing system and etc. And then baptizing them. That's all. Done!
But there were real issues in the Mien churches I have discovered that requires wisdom beyond my knowledge could addressed them. They have health problems, financial problems and etc. That needs to be addressed. Why addressed them? Because they have traditional ways to solve their problems that would contradict what we believe as a Christain now.
We taught them how to believe God and not the spirit doctor they used to consult. But what if they went to medical doctors many times already and prayed for healing but they were not healed? Then they think the last sort is to go back to the spirit doctor.
What if they already know about Sabbath and they have nothing or only a handful food to eat? This is aside from the Mien culture that everyone really have to help the big farm anytime in any day if neighbors called for. Or what if you have been teaching about the importance of Sabbath but why they are still going to their farms? This is because there are everyday problems they have encountered that was not really answered.
Does the Bible have answers for these? Of course yes. There are many stories in the Bible that we can use to answer their daily problems. The testimonies about your experiences on how God has helped you would also help them to trust God. You can also encourage other members to give theirs on how God has helped them solve their problems.
Thank God I finally given a light that cross-cultural ministry is not just about finding things we could agree with. It is meeting their certain day to day challenges so they can learn to depend and trust God and not to go back to their old ways. This is the deeper meaning of "meeting your people where they are" just like what Jesus did.
I'm not saying we won't teach them the basic doctrines we have as a remnant church but their practical everyday living must be meet to break down certain issues that hinder them to trust God everyday. That finally they will say" all to Jesus I surrender." Hope this helps. Happy new year to all.
