The role of missions in wholistic transformation of communities.
Partnership is necessary, albeit unpleasant at times. Some churches often do not desire to work with local government because of mistrust. NGOs often feel the same way about churches. These feelings are, sadly, often justified. Creation of solid partnerships is done due to necessity, not because it is easy or enjoyable. Theoretical Proposition Two. In …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part IV
This is some material from my dissertation, STRATEGIC USE OF MEDICAL MISSION EVENTS IN LONG-TERM LOCAL CHURCH OUTREACH: A CONSULTANT-STYLE FRAMEWORK FOR MEDICAL MISSION PRACTITIONERS IN THE ILOCOS REGION, PHILIPPINES. I will give a bit of a top-level look in this post, and some propositional work in Part IV. The characteristics of "REAL" Medical Missions: Right …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part III
Why NOT to Do Medical Missions To fully go into all the reasons not to do medical missions would take too long. So here is a short version. NOTE: I think there are reasons why medical missions should be done, and can be done successfully... but one must honestly face problems. 1. Strategic Problems. Medical …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part II
A. What are Medical Mission Events? A medical mission event is a one-time (or at least short-term) activity where medical people come into a community to provide various types of health care. These include medical screening, hygiene training, general medical treatment, dental screening, tooth extraction, eye care, minor surgery, circumcision, etc. It may include other …
Continue reading Research on Medical Mission Events (Philippines), Part I
“Transformation is the progressive, ongoing, measurable, and supernatural impact of the presence and power of God working in, through, and apart from the body of Christ on human society and its structures. It involves seeking positive change in the whole of human life materially, socially, and spiritually as we recover our true identity as human …
Continue reading Holistic Transformation Quote, Stan Rowland
There has been many concerns about Christian missions and its role in RELIEF and in DEVELOPMENT. Much of this is in the area of perception. Here is some variety regarding perspective regarding these forms of social ministry. 1. Perspectives regarding the relationship between these forms of social ministry and "spiritual" ministry in mission work. Jerry …
Continue reading Why Do We Do Relief and Development Ministries?
I wrote an article a few years ago called "Wholistic Ministry and Nehemiah." One of the central points was that we often think of development backwards. I pointed out that Nehemiah worked to create change in a specific order. When people think of Nehemiah, they focus on "THE WALL". While it is true that the …
2. Challenges Associated with the Philippines A. Cultural Factors. While there are cultural factors that greatly promote community development in the Philippines, including "bayanihan" and the barangay system, this section will focus on traits that (while they may demonstrate themselves positively in certain ways) can inhibit community development. Cultural Factor #1. "Utang na loob". This …
Continue reading Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part 2)
This is a brief summary of issues brought up from interviews with community development specialists and church leaders in the Philippines in 2007. I have seen nothing to suggest that things have changed. Community Development, I believe, is a critical component for the church and church members in being salt and light to the world. And... assuming the …
Continue reading Challenges of Church-Based COMDEV in the Philippines (Part I)