Comments on: Mexico Missions to the End of the Earth http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/ Candid Talk from Christian Missionaries Thu, 28 Aug 2008 08:55:59 +0000 http://wordpress.org/?v=2.6 By: Wendy http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1288 Wendy Tue, 23 Oct 2007 15:44:13 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1288 Ben, Great post! I just found your blog--great stuff. I can help you out with another translation of what Hno. Oscar said.... "I just want to make a clarification. Without trying to bother anyone with this comment--and it's the first and only time I've made a comment here--I will say the following: "Mexican missionaries don't only go to plant in faraway lands for a better life, but because of obedience to God. And He promises that you won't lack anything. This means that you won't be hungry or lack shelter. It doesn't say that you won't lack television, radio or cell phone, but that you will have a way to eat, dress yourself, and anything else human nature needs to survive. "It's not necessarily for financial help. Instead, what the Mexican missionary seeks are resources to be launched--or sent--to be in that place where God wants to plant him, as it is God who will make him fruitful or reveal Himself to him. "One looks only to not be abandoned to his luck in these foreign and beautiful lands to know and bring the word of the love of God and the Gospel of His beautiful Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord. That's my point of view. Thank you for reading this. May the light of the Lord light your path and your mind. God bless you all." Ben,

Great post! I just found your blog–great stuff.

I can help you out with another translation of what Hno. Oscar said….

“I just want to make a clarification. Without trying to bother anyone with this comment–and it’s the first and only time I’ve made a comment here–I will say the following:

“Mexican missionaries don’t only go to plant in faraway lands for a better life, but because of obedience to God. And He promises that you won’t lack anything. This means that you won’t be hungry or lack shelter. It doesn’t say that you won’t lack television, radio or cell phone, but that you will have a way to eat, dress yourself, and anything else human nature needs to survive.

“It’s not necessarily for financial help. Instead, what the Mexican missionary seeks are resources to be launched–or sent–to be in that place where God wants to plant him, as it is God who will make him fruitful or reveal Himself to him.

“One looks only to not be abandoned to his luck in these foreign and beautiful lands to know and bring the word of the love of God and the Gospel of His beautiful Son, Jesus Christ, the Lord. That’s my point of view. Thank you for reading this. May the light of the Lord light your path and your mind. God bless you all.”

]]> By: Ben http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1247 Ben Sat, 13 Oct 2007 00:26:58 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1247 M, So as not to construe Hno. Oscar's comments with any bias(es), I've plugged his comment into FreeTranslation.com. Out came this which seems fairly close to what he has written. It reads and looks a bit strange, but I think his point comes across. Only to do A single aclaracíón; Without afan of bother nobody with this dissertation, and is the first one and unica time that I do a comment, with this step to the following thing: The Mexican missionaries, do not only they be going to sow in distant lands by better life, but by obedience to God and the promises that nothing lacked you, this means that not tendras hunger neither protection, does not say that not the tv lacked you, or radio or tel cell, but tendras of where eat and where abrigarde, they love of any thing that your human nature can do to have your own Comforts. Necessarily it is not for the financial aid, but what seeks the Mexican missionary is a resource for to be launched - or envoy, be understood- to be in that place that God wants that be sown, since the is who will bear fruit it or will leave it only to know about Him. Nothing but is sought not to be abandoned to its luck in those beautiful and strange lands by knowing and to carry the word of love of the Highest one and the gospel of its beautiful son, Jesus, the Mister, is my point of view. thanks by reading this. That the light of the Mister illuminate its road and its intellect. God them bendiga. M, So as not to construe Hno. Oscar’s comments with any bias(es), I’ve plugged his comment into FreeTranslation.com. Out came this which seems fairly close to what he has written. It reads and looks a bit strange, but I think his point comes across.

Only to do A single aclaracíón; Without afan of bother nobody with this dissertation, and is the first one and unica time that I do a comment, with this step to the following thing: The Mexican missionaries, do not only they be going to sow in distant lands by better life, but by obedience to God and the promises that nothing lacked you, this means that not tendras hunger neither protection, does not say that not the tv lacked you, or radio or tel cell, but tendras of where eat and where abrigarde, they love of any thing that your human nature can do to have your own Comforts. Necessarily it is not for the financial aid, but what seeks the Mexican missionary is a resource for to be launched - or envoy, be understood- to be in that place that God wants that be sown, since the is who will bear fruit it or will leave it only to know about Him. Nothing but is sought not to be abandoned to its luck in those beautiful and strange lands by knowing and to carry the word of love of the Highest one and the gospel of its beautiful son, Jesus, the Mister, is my point of view. thanks by reading this. That the light of the Mister illuminate its road and its intellect. God them bendiga.

]]> By: M http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1230 M Tue, 09 Oct 2007 18:52:55 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1230 Ben, would you be willing to translate Oscar's comment, at least roughly? Ben, would you be willing to translate Oscar’s comment, at least roughly?

]]> By: Hno.Oscar http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1210 Hno.Oscar Fri, 05 Oct 2007 22:19:12 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1210 Solamente para hacer una sola aclaraíón; Sin afan de molestar a nadfie con esta disertación, y es la primera y unica vez que hago un comentario, con esto paso a lo siguiente: Los misioneros mexicanos, no solamente van a sembrar en tierras lejanas por mejor vida, sino por obediencia a Dios y el promete que nada te faltara, esto quiere decir que no tendras hambre ni cobijo, no dice que no te faltara la tv, o radio o tel celular, sino que tendras de donde comer y donde abrigarde, amen de cualquier cosa que tu naturaleza humana pueda hacer para tener tus propias comodidades. No necesariamente es por la ayuda financiera, sino lo que busca el misionero mxicano es un recurso para ser lanzado - o enviado, entiendase- para estar en ese lugar que Dios quiere que sea sembrado, ya que el es quien lo fructificará o lo dejará solamente saber de Él. Nada mas se busca no ser abandonado a su suerte en esas tierras extrañas y hermosas por conocer y llevar la palabra de amor del Altísimo y el evangelio de su hermoso hijo, Jesucristo, el Señor, es mi punto de vista. gracias por leer esto. Que la luz del Señor ilumine su camino y su intelecto. Dios les bendiga. Solamente para hacer una sola aclaraíón;
Sin afan de molestar a nadfie con esta disertación, y es la primera y unica vez que hago un comentario,
con esto paso a lo siguiente:
Los misioneros mexicanos, no solamente van a sembrar en tierras lejanas por mejor vida, sino por obediencia a Dios y el promete que nada te faltara, esto quiere decir que no tendras hambre ni cobijo, no dice que no te faltara la tv, o radio o tel celular, sino que tendras de donde comer y donde abrigarde, amen de cualquier cosa que tu naturaleza humana pueda hacer para tener tus propias comodidades.
No necesariamente es por la ayuda financiera, sino lo que busca el misionero mxicano es un recurso para ser lanzado - o enviado, entiendase- para estar en ese lugar que Dios quiere que sea sembrado, ya que el es quien lo fructificará o lo dejará solamente saber de Él.
Nada mas se busca no ser abandonado a su suerte en esas tierras extrañas y hermosas por conocer y llevar la palabra de amor del Altísimo y el evangelio de su hermoso hijo, Jesucristo, el Señor, es mi punto de vista. gracias por leer esto. Que la luz del Señor ilumine su camino y su intelecto. Dios les bendiga.

]]> By: M http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1208 M Fri, 05 Oct 2007 21:05:34 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1208 Thank you. That clarifies the preacher's point. It seems a sad commentary, however, on U.S. Christians and missionaries, and I hope there are some exceptions. There must be. (And I'd like to hear about them.) It would be great for Mexicans to "go to the final areas," but that doesn't absolve anyone else's responsibility for going. God is not limited; He will use and can fully equip whomever He desires. In that sense, we, in the U.S., are not limited. I suppose though, going back to the beginning comments in your article, it can be harder when one is leaving real, known comforts (which have become the expected norm) to embrace impoverished situations, but certainly not impossible. If it's harder for "the rich man," he must all the more hold expectations and possessions loosely and check the softness of his heart for yielding to God's service in order to hear and follow God's direction. I see the need to pray regarding my own yielding as well as for strength for those missionaries who are obediently embracing a difficult task. Thank you. That clarifies the preacher’s point.

It seems a sad commentary, however, on U.S. Christians and missionaries, and I hope there are some exceptions. There must be. (And I’d like to hear about them.)

It would be great for Mexicans to “go to the final areas,” but that doesn’t absolve anyone else’s responsibility for going. God is not limited; He will use and can fully equip whomever He desires. In that sense, we, in the U.S., are not limited.

I suppose though, going back to the beginning comments in your article, it can be harder when one is leaving real, known comforts (which have become the expected norm) to embrace impoverished situations, but certainly not impossible. If it’s harder for “the rich man,” he must all the more hold expectations and possessions loosely and check the softness of his heart for yielding to God’s service in order to hear and follow God’s direction.

I see the need to pray regarding my own yielding as well as for strength for those missionaries who are obediently embracing a difficult task.

]]> By: Ben http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1194 Ben Wed, 03 Oct 2007 23:30:14 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1194 M, Maybe I didn't convey the preacher's thoughts quite as clear as I should have. "Is he saying Mexico sends more missionaries than the US (ratios accounted for)? or that Mexicans are willing to go out as missionaries because life as a missionary is more luxurious (”financial support…medical insurance” etc.) than daily Mexican life?" No and no. When the preacher said "Mexico is the nation to go," he was saying that it is NOW time for Mexicans to get involved in missions and go to the ends of the earth. The preacher felt that missionaries from the U.S. are not going to complete the commission b/c THEY need the luxuries to do so. And going to the final areas (places where only dialects are spoken in remote villages, where living conditions are uncomfortable), is not something Americans are going to complete. So (in the preacher's words), Mexicans, who are already used to uncomfortable living, low pay, etc.--are the ones to go out as missionaries to the world in the 21st century. M, Maybe I didn’t convey the preacher’s thoughts quite as clear as I should have.

“Is he saying Mexico sends more missionaries than the US (ratios accounted for)? or that Mexicans are willing to go out as missionaries because life as a missionary is more luxurious (”financial support…medical insurance” etc.) than daily Mexican life?”

No and no. When the preacher said “Mexico is the nation to go,” he was saying that it is NOW time for Mexicans to get involved in missions and go to the ends of the earth. The preacher felt that missionaries from the U.S. are not going to complete the commission b/c THEY need the luxuries to do so. And going to the final areas (places where only dialects are spoken in remote villages, where living conditions are uncomfortable), is not something Americans are going to complete. So (in the preacher’s words), Mexicans, who are already used to uncomfortable living, low pay, etc.–are the ones to go out as missionaries to the world in the 21st century.

]]> By: M http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1193 M Wed, 03 Oct 2007 15:56:48 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1193 I know the discussion of the pastor's first point is not concluded yet, but I'd like to bring up his second point: "Mexico is the nation to go." (Initially I misunderstood the sentence, but now I'm either confused or questioning his thoughts - granted, coming to me second-hand.) Is he saying Mexico sends more missionaries than the US (ratios accounted for)? or that Mexicans are willing to go out as missionaries because life as a missionary is more luxurious ("financial support...medical insurance" etc.) than daily Mexican life? If the latter, this seems like another generalization, and an unfair accusation of motivation to attribute to a group. And "What really convinces non-Christians of the need for Christ?" I would say, the Holy Spirit, as loving, sacrificial Christians share the unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ with them. Certainly there are missionaries from all nations who do this. I guess I need clarification on the bottom line of what he and you are saying and impugning. I know the discussion of the pastor’s first point is not concluded yet, but I’d like to bring up his second point:
“Mexico is the nation to go.” (Initially I misunderstood the sentence, but now I’m either confused or questioning his thoughts - granted, coming to me second-hand.)

Is he saying Mexico sends more missionaries than the US (ratios accounted for)? or that Mexicans are willing to go out as missionaries because life as a missionary is more luxurious (”financial support…medical insurance” etc.) than daily Mexican life? If the latter, this seems like another generalization, and an unfair accusation of motivation to attribute to a group.

And “What really convinces non-Christians of the need for Christ?” I would say, the Holy Spirit, as loving, sacrificial Christians share the unconditional, sacrificial love of Christ with them.
Certainly there are missionaries from all nations who do this.

I guess I need clarification on the bottom line of what he and you are saying and impugning.

]]> By: Ben http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1162 Ben Fri, 28 Sep 2007 03:50:41 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1162 toddh, Wow! I didn't see that one coming. Maybe his last line was better in the context of his sermon (sort of like, "you had to be there"). Or maybe it's me. I definitely am task oriented. Example: If I'm outside my house sweeping the street and someone comes up to talk, usually I resist the conversation b/c of the fact that I'm "on a roll" and want to finish the task at hand. And I think (although I personally may be on the extreme end) Americans in general are a bit like that. Getting things done, and then resting (eg. Working 9-5 all week and then resting on the weekend. Or working hard your whole life--just eagerly wait for retirement.) It's like we have to do 1-2-3 first, before we can take a breather. Generally speaking, however, a Mexican would gladly put aside his/her broom, giving full attention to the other person (even if it meant not going directly from 2 to 3). It seems to me that Jesus was more like a Mexican in this regard--like when his disciples wanted to send the people away b/c it was late, but Jesus had them stay and subsequently fed 5000+. Or when the woman who had bled for 12 years touched His cloak amongst the large crowd. Maybe those aren't direct examples b/c miracles followed. But it does seem like "tasks" were at hand (get some rest and/or get thru the crowd); but when Jesus was "relationally interrupted," He devoted full attention to the person(s). What do you think? toddh,

Wow! I didn’t see that one coming. Maybe his last line was better in the context of his sermon (sort of like, “you had to be there”). Or maybe it’s me. I definitely am task oriented. Example: If I’m outside my house sweeping the street and someone comes up to talk, usually I resist the conversation b/c of the fact that I’m “on a roll” and want to finish the task at hand. And I think (although I personally may be on the extreme end) Americans in general are a bit like that. Getting things done, and then resting (eg. Working 9-5 all week and then resting on the weekend. Or working hard your whole life–just eagerly wait for retirement.) It’s like we have to do 1-2-3 first, before we can take a breather. Generally speaking, however, a Mexican would gladly put aside his/her broom, giving full attention to the other person (even if it meant not going directly from 2 to 3).

It seems to me that Jesus was more like a Mexican in this regard–like when his disciples wanted to send the people away b/c it was late, but Jesus had them stay and subsequently fed 5000+. Or when the woman who had bled for 12 years touched His cloak amongst the large crowd.

Maybe those aren’t direct examples b/c miracles followed. But it does seem like “tasks” were at hand (get some rest and/or get thru the crowd); but when Jesus was “relationally interrupted,” He devoted full attention to the person(s).

What do you think?

]]> By: toddh http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1158 toddh Thu, 27 Sep 2007 01:33:14 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1158 You know, one thing I like about this blog is how it regularly dispels myths of the rich regarding those who are poor. I have entertained many of those same thoughts about the relative happiness of the poor, and it's good to hear some perspective on them. I think the preacher had a lousy ending to his sermon though. There is some grain of truth in his final statement, but it seems like a gross over-generalization to simply claim that Americans are task-oriented while Mexicans are relationally-oriented, and then suggest that Jesus would fit into one camp or the other. Even Jesus was interested in getting things done. He just knew that those things shouldn't supplant relationships. You know, one thing I like about this blog is how it regularly dispels myths of the rich regarding those who are poor. I have entertained many of those same thoughts about the relative happiness of the poor, and it’s good to hear some perspective on them. I think the preacher had a lousy ending to his sermon though. There is some grain of truth in his final statement, but it seems like a gross over-generalization to simply claim that Americans are task-oriented while Mexicans are relationally-oriented, and then suggest that Jesus would fit into one camp or the other. Even Jesus was interested in getting things done. He just knew that those things shouldn’t supplant relationships.

]]> By: Arnau van Wyngaard http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1152 Arnau van Wyngaard Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:20:20 +0000 http://www.moneymissions.com/ben/culture/mexico-missions-to-the-end-of-the-earth/#comment-1152 Ben, thanks for a very interesting post. I think there is something so say about people who are happy despite their circumstances (be it poverty or something else). I've seen this in Swaziland as well as in Russia. I think there is a lot of truth in your saying that this happens mainly because they are used to it. I've seen the reverse happening where Christians are poor and happy, then get exposed to wealth and a better life-style for a certain period of time and then move back into their normal culture and become accutely <em>unhappy</em> when they lose the luxuries they they had become used to. Ben, thanks for a very interesting post. I think there is something so say about people who are happy despite their circumstances (be it poverty or something else). I’ve seen this in Swaziland as well as in Russia. I think there is a lot of truth in your saying that this happens mainly because they are used to it. I’ve seen the reverse happening where Christians are poor and happy, then get exposed to wealth and a better life-style for a certain period of time and then move back into their normal culture and become accutely unhappy when they lose the luxuries they they had become used to.

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