tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-54978388699686877282024-03-13T11:09:30.324-07:00Esperanza Viva Mission TalkRoss and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.comBlogger13125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-758123894450056942018-03-31T13:03:00.001-07:002018-08-19T09:36:30.445-07:00Discipleship Training: A Non-traditional Approach to Theological Education for the Highland Quichua of Ecuador<div align="center" class="MsoNormalCxSpMiddle" style="line-height: normal; text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Ross H. Hunter</span></b></div>
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<span style="text-indent: 0.5in;"> </span><span style="text-align: center; text-indent: 0.5in;">I
believe a cultural blindness exists at the core worldview level of the western</span><br />
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<o:p></o:p></div>
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missionary and Quichua student that limits the
clear teaching and the student’s comprehension and learning in the area of
international theological education. The gospel <o:p></o:p></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fNQ9yzD2TUM7lMVRLvyH254YzK1GIOT239ZCGCzERivXPQZA55pZDdbhLohKcXUQS2XKDbNlrCGYz8Bl0PpzIi3ST24iFn0wGi838QtAQ62dv_1Z6X588XOb1gFLTX4xI7Q3KVPfjV0/s1600/19349579_1551799441506241_1807548982_o+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="952" data-original-width="1404" height="135" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4fNQ9yzD2TUM7lMVRLvyH254YzK1GIOT239ZCGCzERivXPQZA55pZDdbhLohKcXUQS2XKDbNlrCGYz8Bl0PpzIi3ST24iFn0wGi838QtAQ62dv_1Z6X588XOb1gFLTX4xI7Q3KVPfjV0/s200/19349579_1551799441506241_1807548982_o+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a>that penetrated the hearts of our indigenous
students did not completely replace their old patterns of thinking and values
that relate to their animistic and cultural context. At times, the western
theological educator and indigenous student experience only brief touch-points
of understanding. These limitations are due to contrasting values and
orientations such as: time/event, individual/collective, truth/relationship,
guilt/shame, linear/holistic, natural /supernatural, etc... In addition, allegiances
to family, churches, organizations, and social obligations weigh heavily on the
Quichua student, whose value and identity are intrinsically tied to his family,
community and political environment.</div>
<o:p></o:p></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Challenges for the missionary<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>The teacher of indigenous
theological education needs to wear multiple hats. He needs to be a theologian
who can interpret the Bible in the historical and cultural context of the
passage. He needs to be a missionary who understands how to communicate
Biblical truth through the historical and cultural context of his indigenous
student. Additionally, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>he needs to be a
missionary/educator who is aware of the influence that the western culture has
on his own thinking, personal research, teaching, and evaluation of learning.
Finally, he must be a student of his own personal culture and biases.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The challenge for students’ deep learning and
integration grows in proportion to the degree that the western missionary is
unaware or unable to integrate these perspectives.</span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><b><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Challenges from within the
Quichua church </span></b><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Divergent theologies,
syncretistic practices, false cults, and political influences have converged to
fracture the Quichua church and erode trust. Many indigenous pastors are not able
to process biblical concepts into their context and are threatened by educated
urban youth who ask hard questions they cannot answer.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="color: #c0504d; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-themecolor: accent2;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The fractured state of the
Quichua church reveals a pastoral leadership crisis:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">1)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Theological training programs have been
insufficient in training a pastor to apply the theoretical biblical truth to
their concrete context.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Churches allow syncretistic practices, and have
members who visit the shaman or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">bruja </i>(witchdoctor)
during the week. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Well trained pastors have left the ministry for
political or business opportunities, or through moral failure. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Mission agencies have pulled out, in favor of
less reached countries. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">There is an estimated 10% ratio of Quichua pastors
to churches.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Within that 10%, several
have taken itinerant roles, essentially becoming a pastor to several churches,
making the role of shepherding difficult to impossible. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Missionaries and social-aid organizations
recruit pastors/leaders to represent their ministry and work out of the local
church. This effectively puts the church under the ministry goals and
priorities of the mission, resulting in a disruption of the local economy,
organic ministry, and balance of power that weakens the indigenous leadership.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">7)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Many of the higher trained pastors have
migrated to the city, creating a vacuum of leaders in the rural communities. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .75in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">8)<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Very few leaders under the age of forty desire
to be a pastor. Of those that do, few can afford the time or cost of a
traditional seminary. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">An alternative model of
theological education is needed. Sadly, after 47 years of theological training
in the Chimborazo province, only an estimated 5-10% of the needs for pastoral
ministry are being met. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Discipleship Training; a
non-western approach to indigenous theological education.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Discipleship
Training is our term for a Biblical model of theological education that
attempts to integrate the core content of a western theological seminary into a
practical, learning-based model that is oriented to the values of an indigenous
culture. Through a combination of academic learning and mentoring relationships,
attention can be focused on character development, Biblical counseling, and
applied learning. Discipleship Training provides a learning environment in the
context of discipleship that can serve as a model for the student to train and disciple
his leaders at the local level. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Discipleship
Training principles addressed </span></b><br />
<i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">1.<span style="font-family: "times new roman"; font-size: 7pt; font-stretch: normal; font-style: normal; line-height: normal;">
</span></span></i><span dir="LTR" style="text-indent: -0.25in;"></span><i style="text-indent: -0.25in;"><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Learning the language in the
context of the culture:</span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Language learning is a life-long process. Because one’s culture is often </span></div>
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imbedded in
their language, it is recommended to continue to pursue language even after one
feels they are fluent. While Spanish is the preferred language for education,
the Quichua language should be used to explain theological concepts. <o:p></o:p></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Some
biblical words do not exist in the indigenous language and were borrowed from
Quichua words or phrases that had similar meanings or ideas. For example, the
Quichua do not have a word in their language for the biblical concept of sin,
so Bible translators borrowed the Quichua word <i>jucha</i>, to refer to sin. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i>Jucha</i> has two basic meanings: it
describes a responsibility given to an individual, especially in the context of
a wedding, it is also used to describe someone who did not complete, or “fell
short” of his or her responsibility. Quichua students have no trouble
understanding that the<i> jucha</i> in the Bible falls under the second
definition. After a time of class discussion, our students concluded that the
picture of sin in the Quichua mind was external, in contrast to the biblical
concept, which includes an internal moral element they were not grasping.<i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Contrary
to a Biblical worldview, external obligation is the basis for trust in indigenous
relationships, including their relationship with God. The “normal”
understanding of conviction in this culture relates more to a western
understanding of shame, than one of guilt.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;">
</span>The Biblical picture of guilt that leads to repentance, and the internal
change of heart that is needed for Biblical transformation, are new concepts to
be more deeply explored and internalized. This may explain why there is a high
percentage of evangelical Quichua who have not yet been transformed out of
syncretism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">2.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">T<span style="background: white;">eaching theoretical concepts in the context of the
students’ practical world helps them explore new ideas in a concrete framework.
<o:p></o:p></span></span></i></div>
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<span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The <span style="background: white;">indigenous
student lives in the context of community. The Quichua often do not make
independent decisions, apart from the consideration of others, especially when
it affects their immediate family. It is common for example, to see students
share ideas in class, including their test answers! In Discipleship Training, we
have students study in small groups within the class. This “student team” often
works through <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">learning tasks </i>together.
Specific open questions help them process theological concepts and begin to
explore how to apply them to their lives.<a href="file:///C:/Users/rmhun/Downloads/Hunter%20Theological%20Reflection%20edit%20Jan%2011%202018.docx#_edn1" name="_ednref1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>Using the familiar to introduce theoretical
concepts helps increase our students’ comprehension. <i>W</i>estern theology is
primarily theoretical and logically structured, and is often defended by a
rational apologetic. Indigenous students have trouble connecting theoretical
concepts to their concrete reality. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">When we tie theoretical
concepts to the practical reality of the student, he can create a frame of
reference from which to learn the new concept.</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">
</span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">For example, I recently taught a basic introductory Greek course in the
framework of a hermeneutical review. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcBGqXcBFDrshGgXx9DF13C_qPDE0K5kVjUAYYPDhWpPs_jc0SM_dUz9dmBblP1cOizNc8z9e8Whyphenhyphen5-TOFQWO6oeR8RjI7AA_9Q1Xqv2iJfyr_uAnyP4LKAiOFfxnKRWlrM820mzSR3k/s1600/DSC_0656+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="870" data-original-width="1600" height="174" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEibcBGqXcBFDrshGgXx9DF13C_qPDE0K5kVjUAYYPDhWpPs_jc0SM_dUz9dmBblP1cOizNc8z9e8Whyphenhyphen5-TOFQWO6oeR8RjI7AA_9Q1Xqv2iJfyr_uAnyP4LKAiOFfxnKRWlrM820mzSR3k/s320/DSC_0656+%25283%2529.JPG" width="320" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">Students gained confidence using the
already familiar steps of methods of Bible study, which then provided a bridge
to help them grapple with how to apply basic Greek tools </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">in their Biblical studies. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span> <span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: "cambria" , serif; font-size: 12pt;">In a theology course on
suffering and injustice, I contrasted the divergent teaching of Liberation Theology
with the Biblical teaching of suffering. Their own history of centuries of subjugation
provided a vivid backdrop in which to examine and process theological issues
related to the nature of God, the suffering of Christ, and how God can use
suffering to draw us closer to Him. </span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
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<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">3.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">Adapting to indigenous relationship structures can create an
interesting tension between developing influence and respect and maintaining
our witness and integrity in mentor relationships. <o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In the indigenous worldview,
trust is often based on obligation. It is important for the westerner to
understand that the Quichua student will often put the missionary in the
category of a <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">patrón, </i>meaning Lord or
Master. In the eyes of the student, this comes with unspoken obligations of
which the missionary may be unaware.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">Patrón </i>is a term that has been carried
over from the old hacienda - feudal system era. The Quichua served his master
as the poor slave, or <i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;">peón,</i> living
under the protection of the hacienda owner, working as his servant. As
obligations were fulfilled, trust emerged to strengthen the relationship. Often
times the student’s effort to fulfill his perceived obligation is received by the
missionary as friendship or kindness. The missionary may be clueless of any
perceived contractual nature expected in the growing relationship. At some
point, the student will approach the missionary asking for his help. This could
be financial, emotional or even the need to be represented or given a
recommendation (a white face opens doors). At times he may want favors that
could compromise the integrity of the missionary.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>If the missionary does not reciprocate, the
student may withdraw, eventually become discouraged, and fade out of the
program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>His perceived trust is eroded
when he does not receive what he had hoped for out of the relationship.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>It is not always so cut and dry; family
obligations, power struggles, and even a form of manipulation often step in to
confuse things. At times, it can take two to three years to discover some of
the real motives or expectations of a student. <i><o:p></o:p></i></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">The Patrón
system is often uncomfortable to the westerner as we are trained and prefer to
seek a closer equality in our relationships with the national culture. When a
westerner tries to over adapt with the intent of establishing an equal footing
with his student, the indigenous may perceive this as foolish, which can result
in a loss of respect for the missionary. “Why on earth with all the resources
God has given the westerner, would he want to live like me?” After I saw how
uncomfortable some of our students became with our equality mindset, I realized
that, for their sake, I needed to stay in a role that held to a higher degree
of <i>power distance </i>in order to meet their cultural expectations. </span><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">In time, Biblical concepts of grace based relationships can be
introduced and modeled through the discipleship process that will help displace
their animistic values of obligation and debts owed as a basis for trust.</span><span style="background: white; color: #c00000;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I plan to explore how deep
this is imbedded in the Quichua understanding of their relationship with God. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i><span style="color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">4.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";">
</span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Building Koinonia in a learning community<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in;">
<span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">I discovered the power of relationship as an educational tool at the end
of teaching a two year pastoral training course. I met once a week with 15 students
in a class setting while taking time to visit in our students homes and
churches. I worked hard to establish a platform for discipleship often giving
time to draw in our students’ experiences into the lesson as they related to
the topic. As students shared their burdens and prayed for each other a new
spirit of <i>koinonia</i> drew them together.</span><b><span style="background: white; color: #c0504d;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></b><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">On the last day of the course, I wished them a happy life and ministry,
and thanked them for their effort. To my surprise, after we prayed and the
class was over, nobody moved. They sat there quietly, then one of the leaders
in the group spoke up and asked, “What’s next?” I told them they did a great
job, and now they could go back to their churches and equip their people. But
they did not want to leave. We had developed a strong sense of community, a
sense of identity that our students did not want to lose. Relationships can
create a bond that goes well beyond the academic course. I began to look at our
program as a learning community. Since that day over 10 years ago, many of
those original relationships remain intact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">5.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Teaching through mentor relationships helps
form a learning community. </span></i><span style="background: white; color: windowtext; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYuKHh2aDGNUBCgqzAd30HT9bfBT8CjN19uYeEspAEuWFAoNWb5wKV71dADL3X3Go5fXnpvduuvsS4qhAK584nGLOMgmX-nUvfLdKacURe4kpXRXed4pbFH6WxJEefMWSykVrpfuen28/s1600/Chamanga+with+leaders+Marcelino+and+Manuel+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="505" data-original-width="879" height="114" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRYuKHh2aDGNUBCgqzAd30HT9bfBT8CjN19uYeEspAEuWFAoNWb5wKV71dADL3X3Go5fXnpvduuvsS4qhAK584nGLOMgmX-nUvfLdKacURe4kpXRXed4pbFH6WxJEefMWSykVrpfuen28/s200/Chamanga+with+leaders+Marcelino+and+Manuel+%25282%2529.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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I have observed a direct correlation between
the comprehension and the commitment<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 200%; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"> </span>level of a student as a
result of visiting their families, attending their churches, and walking
alongside them in their times of struggle. These relationships happen
naturally, are intentional, and often result with a student bringing their
issues to the classroom or to me after class.
When this happens, their learning aptitude more than triples. Students become increasingly motivated to
learn when they find answers in class that help them minister to their people. <o:p></o:p></div>
</div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><i style="mso-bidi-font-style: normal;"><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: Cambria; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-latin; mso-fareast-font-family: Cambria; mso-fareast-theme-font: major-latin; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><span style="mso-list: Ignore;">6.<span style="font: 7.0pt "Times New Roman";"> </span></span></span></i><!--[endif]--><span dir="LTR"></span><i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Building a learning community enhances
learning.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span></span></i><span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">One of our goals in visiting
our students’ churches is to encourage the church to become part of their
“learning community” that will serve to support them in prayer and provide
opportunities for them to apply their learning in a ministry context. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .25in;">
<span style="mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Early on in our program, many
of our younger students would announce they were not able to complete their
practical ministry assignment. I had assumed that our student’s church would
naturally be excited that their leaders were studying in our program and open their
church for students to apply their learning. Upon investigation, I found that
we were upsetting the balance of power in their church and our student
threatened the leadership resulting in the opposite. It is now part of our
application process to be in communication with a student’s church. When a
student registers, he submits a letter of recommendation from his church. Once
enrolled, I visit the church and share our objectives with the leadership, ask
the church to pray for our student, and open ministry opportunities as part of
his application assignment. I have seen churches respond positively when we
invite their input and seek their support. If there are issues with the student
they usually surface then. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>As a result, our
students’ motivation and learning </span><span style="text-indent: 0.25in;">increase when they are able
to apply their studies in a supportive learning environment.</span><br />
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%; text-indent: .25in;">
<o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="Default" style="line-height: 200%;">
<b><span style="background: white; mso-ascii-font-family: Cambria; mso-ascii-theme-font: major-latin; mso-bidi-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-bidi-theme-font: major-bidi; mso-hansi-font-family: Cambria; mso-hansi-theme-font: major-latin;">Concluding
principles</span></b><o:p></o:p></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> 1. Some of the most effective theological
educators for indigenous students will be Quichua </span></i><i style="text-indent: 0.25in;">pastors and teachers.</i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.25in;"> A Quichua pastor who has 50% of the training
and understanding </span><br />
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.25in;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu0ZrlYDZ7csRbIMG8VKIdPA2eTxkgDftjiL2uFTodACuDaAvSb9GNf0u8_q0_Ks3d7-iKqC7-sG4rPSUsUDeIKDF1UFzXBq_HSZxJZF6E65MeJDs0UcMHsztkklXw6G16Kt7o6YFmVQ/s1600/DSC_0207+%25283%2529.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1063" data-original-width="1600" height="132" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhbu0ZrlYDZ7csRbIMG8VKIdPA2eTxkgDftjiL2uFTodACuDaAvSb9GNf0u8_q0_Ks3d7-iKqC7-sG4rPSUsUDeIKDF1UFzXBq_HSZxJZF6E65MeJDs0UcMHsztkklXw6G16Kt7o6YFmVQ/s200/DSC_0207+%25283%2529.JPG" width="200" /></a></span></div>
<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12pt; line-height: 200%; text-indent: 0.25in;">of a western missionary will most likely be 100% more
effective in communicating Biblical truth to his people. The trust his people
have for him as a leader or pastor, the acceptance he has as an indigenous member
of the community, and the clarity he has in the command of his heart language,
puts him well ahead of the expat in his ability to communicate biblical truth.
When a missionary trains a pastor well, he can have confidence he has
multiplied himself 200%.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>2. Discipleship Training is a sustainable
model that can be multiplied by Quichua pastors.</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> It is
interesting, that at one of the darkest theological times in biblical history,
after 400 years of prophetic silence, God sent His Son to train twelve students
and empowered them to disciple others. “His concern was not with programs to
reach the multitudes, but with the men whom the multitudes would follow.”<a href="file:///C:/Users/rmhun/Downloads/Hunter%20Theological%20Reflection%20edit%20Jan%2011%202018.docx#_edn2" name="_ednref2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></a> He did the job with only
one graduating class! The irony is that when one focuses on a few, they can be
equipped at a much deeper level, than with a focus on a crowd. In evaluating
the leadership need, a pastoral training movement is needed that is well beyond
the capacity of the traditional seminary, one that can deeply equip leaders to
train and multiply disciples in their context.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>3. If the class the missionary is teaching
can be taught by a national leader, step aside, empower the national teacher,
and train at a higher level.</span></i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"> Often a pastor or leader will
invite the missionary to teach a class in his church that he could teach
himself. There are multiple reasons for this, including the hopes that such a
relationship will bring resources. While it is recommended that the missionary
visit a students’ local church to understand and encourage the people he
ministers to and model discipleship, care should be taken not to stay too long,
as to create a confusion or threat to the power structure of the church.
Sometimes a visit can give the appearance that the pastor is under the
missionary. There are many outside groups that have unknowingly upset the
balance of ministry in a church, as they seek to use the local church as the
center for their program.<span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>When I visit
or teach in the students church, <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>I try
to limit my visit to a short time so as not to disrupt the natural balance of
our student’s ministry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<i><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>4. Partnerships among national churches
will greatly enhance the work</span></i><b style="mso-bidi-font-weight: normal;"><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">. </span></b><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">The
indigenous quest for power and mistrust of each other can isolate leaders in
their theological training. Often I am counseled by pastors not to partner with
the national church association, not to partner with other mission
organizations, and not to partner or even associate with the church over the
hill. The quest for power and mistrust among the Quichua are strong. The
advantage of the western missionary is that he is accepted by pastors and
leaders who do not accept each other. This can give the missionary the ability
to bring leaders together. <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;"><span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>5. <i><span style="mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Discipleship should be an intentional part of theological training</span></i>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNoSpacing" style="line-height: 200%;">
<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">It involves being a pastor,
educator, mentor, counselor, and coach. Because discipleship tends to be more relationally
driven, the personality of the educator can play a dominant role. Care should
be taken to present the elements of discipleship clearly so the student can
distinguish between the personality of their <span style="mso-spacerun: yes;"> </span>mentor and the principles of Biblical
discipleship that will enable the student to grasp and reproduce these
principles in the context of his/her own personality and gifts<a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" name="_GoBack"></a>.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 200%;">____<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn8z0C2DzCeZ_piflnaBaVqKljzDL0rqKBzBEmmXPObO057qzJoVS3znVH1KjtJovUpd0bE5leHdvmgKFkOeix2aZX1MImsxytHOWmqnW3wzThftMxPvWtlOR47m9M9eK9_cgaogR3oY/s1600/z+Ross+%2526+Mary+head+shot.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="960" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjIn8z0C2DzCeZ_piflnaBaVqKljzDL0rqKBzBEmmXPObO057qzJoVS3znVH1KjtJovUpd0bE5leHdvmgKFkOeix2aZX1MImsxytHOWmqnW3wzThftMxPvWtlOR47m9M9eK9_cgaogR3oY/s200/z+Ross+%2526+Mary+head+shot.jpg" width="200" /></a><span style="color: black; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Since 1994, Ross Hunter and his
wife Mary have been missionaries to the highland Quichua of Ecuador. They currently
serve with Pioneers International in the area of Biblical and theological
education and discipleship among Quichua pastors and leaders. Ross is an ordained minister under the Evangelical Free Church of America, holds a BA in International Ministries from Moody Bible Insititute, and an MDiv with studies in International Theological Education from Columbia International University. This article was published in the EMQ (Evangelical Missions Quarterly) April- 2018 <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/rmhun/Downloads/Hunter%20Theological%20Reflection%20edit%20Jan%2011%202018.docx#_ednref1" name="_edn1" style="mso-endnote-id: edn1;" title=""></a><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;">References<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[1]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span><span style="font-size: 10.0pt;"> Teaching through Learning Tasks was adapted from Jane
Vella’s <i><u>Taking Learning to Task: </u></i></span><u><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">Creative Strategies for Teaching Adults</span></u><span style="background: white; font-family: "cambria" , "serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">, Jossey Bass, San Fransisco, 2000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="file:///C:/Users/rmhun/Downloads/Hunter%20Theological%20Reflection%20edit%20Jan%2011%202018.docx#_ednref2" name="_edn2" style="mso-endnote-id: edn2;" title=""><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;"><span style="mso-special-character: footnote;"><!--[if !supportFootnotes]--><span class="MsoEndnoteReference"><span style="font-family: "calibri" , "sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%;">[2]</span></span><!--[endif]--></span></span></span></a><span style="background: white; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Calibri; mso-bidi-theme-font: minor-latin;">Coleman, Robert E., <u>The Master Plan of Evangelsim</u>,
Revell, Baker Publishing Group, Grand Rapids, 1963, 1964, 1993 (p 21).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-39417430727295867222017-05-25T08:51:00.000-07:002017-05-28T09:22:34.483-07:00When Helping... Helps! Healing & repair in Pedernales<div class="MsoNormal">
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<b>Praise God that, a year after the earthquake, roughly 60% of the city has recovered! The Quichua church, Monte Sinai, is one of three project sites we are working with in our Earthquake Response Project with Pioneers. Please pray that upcoming government inspections will approve proposed changes that will enable a raised roof on top of the second level for a cooler and additional meeting space.</b></div>
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Turning to God in gratitude and praise! Thanking the Lord for his protection, provision, and even the loss, that has brought them back into a place of dependence and deeper faith in Him!</h3>
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Turning to God for spiritual and physical healing! A young man repents and commits his life to Christ, an elderly woman seeks prayer for healing and the ability to sustain the pain in her back.</h3>
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Turning to God for direction! Seeking wisdom for unity and efficiency of building materials donated for repair!</h3>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt_89hK4TjeA7neWVsEUgYVHh-OTSaikJEihGV32xRCg2xHAFqlo_96XlxcdKJ37cyFuXBwcct-NqQtmviC2wVX4itu3E_jG5zDLjSFOxs73aIxLTHRhlCjuup19wpFRxT1G4FLfnsKY/s1600/IMG_1219.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1200" data-original-width="1600" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtt_89hK4TjeA7neWVsEUgYVHh-OTSaikJEihGV32xRCg2xHAFqlo_96XlxcdKJ37cyFuXBwcct-NqQtmviC2wVX4itu3E_jG5zDLjSFOxs73aIxLTHRhlCjuup19wpFRxT1G4FLfnsKY/s640/IMG_1219.JPG" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
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Ross, serving alongside Pastor Lorenzo (one of our students from Santo Domingo) in Pedernales as part of our Discipleship Training program</h3>
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Unloading new roofing material purchased with Pioneers project funds</h3>
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For more information on our earthquake response project, check out our webpage at <a href="http://www.evministry.org/">www.evministry.org</a><br />
<br />Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-88681288551402546122017-03-30T17:45:00.000-07:002017-04-02T15:20:31.177-07:00Disciples making disciples in Zaracai <table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUZ661P2OpjM36PqVg_C4m4rpbFatQmbxxWJUFMsv6UM36zoHwj_KJ7AcBeDOehYMZNXef7FTFqvmPXtSWOcCghAS8wI8l6kEVctXkQnqv7T03YdCBYO_-ywnWfAPnO6KwReIFdTBIPQ/s1600/DSC_0325+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="435" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdUZ661P2OpjM36PqVg_C4m4rpbFatQmbxxWJUFMsv6UM36zoHwj_KJ7AcBeDOehYMZNXef7FTFqvmPXtSWOcCghAS8wI8l6kEVctXkQnqv7T03YdCBYO_-ywnWfAPnO6KwReIFdTBIPQ/s640/DSC_0325+%25283%2529.jpg" style="cursor: move;" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">"Open your eyes," the small voice prompted me. I lifted my head, "...for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these" His Word echoed (Mat 19:14). God was pleased to be present in the hearts of these children in the barrio of Zaracai (Santo Domingo).</td></tr>
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Pastor Jorge invited me to this growing outreach that he was leading through two of his disciples, Miguel and Suzana. I was encouraged that our pastors training program was able to help equip, pray for, and encourage Jorge in this evangelistic ministry. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYYYS-vmNSSdosXKZw0doPtEzXz0ncYdncVCPzS1vAEa-QnXozEvFCott9tnrKpW_P1JjXhKXyhl3mGHW9ubgocdmJCKpAwZfB4JwrKw1241JvCyiN2nL1Be4pHu8mE5veKJVWyGy2u4/s1600/DSC_0323.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="336" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNYYYS-vmNSSdosXKZw0doPtEzXz0ncYdncVCPzS1vAEa-QnXozEvFCott9tnrKpW_P1JjXhKXyhl3mGHW9ubgocdmJCKpAwZfB4JwrKw1241JvCyiN2nL1Be4pHu8mE5veKJVWyGy2u4/s640/DSC_0323.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;"><span style="font-size: small;">Pastor Jorge (top right), encourages Miguel and Suzana as they lead this local outreach to the children of Zaracai. </span><br />
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</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;">* Please pray this week for the development of our pastor's discipleship group. In Quichua culture it is not easy for them to grasp the power of the </span><span style="font-size: small;">informal setting in non-western Biblical and theological education. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">*Pray God would continue to guide pastors and leaders to study in the context of Discipleship.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: small;">*Pray for Miguel and Suzana (pictured above) and other "disciples of our disciples" who are on the front lines of evangelistic and discipleship ministries in places few missionaries visit.</span></td></tr>
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Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-35049450783382650222017-03-15T15:18:00.002-07:002017-03-15T15:50:15.912-07:00Four nations worship under one Tsachila church roof!<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOf3GrU409K7RIWPMxvXQiqhioPx3Zv-mZasYGdoIQFMIoKaKWRF2QURxP20pHFuGxg8Um_zEs6pizOETuYAvIhgiRUvslVkR8UN4LFRzR4ptaWGl_wvUcpYQqoWBc4BMfEcWP8Oz4-U/s1600/DSC_0327+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="388" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQOf3GrU409K7RIWPMxvXQiqhioPx3Zv-mZasYGdoIQFMIoKaKWRF2QURxP20pHFuGxg8Um_zEs6pizOETuYAvIhgiRUvslVkR8UN4LFRzR4ptaWGl_wvUcpYQqoWBc4BMfEcWP8Oz4-U/s640/DSC_0327+2.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: left;">Left to right: Spanish Pastor Marco and his wife Maria from the Nazarene Church in Santo Domingo, Quichua pastor Jorge Herrera one of our students who is based out of Chimborazo and ministers in several places across Ecuador, Tsachila church leader, Primativo, (and his grand daughter) from the Tsachila church in Congoma, yours truely, (Ross), Pioneers USA Missionary based in Riobamba, Luis (Quichua) and his wife Jessica (Tsachila), and their three kids, members of Quichua Pastor Lorenzo's church in Santo Domingo (Lorenzo is one of Ross' students - not pictured above).</td></tr>
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The Tsafique words came over the sound system; "<a href="http://www.bible.is/COFWBT/Rom/12">Junni acola, soquila, Diosi nulaca laquiranan...</a>" "Therefore, I urge you, brothers, in view of God's mercy...." <span style="font-size: xx-small;">(Click the words above to hear Romans 12:1 in Tsafique)</span>. Primativo, one of the four Tsachilas believers who showed up for the service, stood up and gave a brief summery in Tsafique of the message Pastor Marco was about to preach in Spanish.</div>
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It was a special opportunity as a North American to worship alongside the Tsachila, Spanish, and Quichua cultures in one service. Primativo and Pastor Marco and his family, gave us a warm welcome. After the service we sat together sharing stories of how God was working in our lives. Primativo shared of another church in another Tsachila settlement that was meeting. In both churches there was a growing hunger to learn more about God and His Word. As we were leaving, Primativo called out "Come to my house on your next visit and we can talk some more." </div>
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Please continue to pray for our Tsachila outreach through the Quichua. Pastor Marco was open and interested to hear about our ministry to train indigenous pastors. This outreach also serves as a platform to train our Quichua students about missions. Please continue to pray for our vision to train Tsachila leaders to pastor and reach out to the greater 98% of the Tsachila nation who do not know Christ. </div>
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<span style="font-family: "arial" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;">"And they sang a new song, saying, 'Worthy art Thou
to take the book, and to break its seals; for Thou wast slain, and didst
purchase for God with Thy blood <i>men </i>from every tribe and tongue and
people and nation.'"(Rev 5:9 NAS)</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-74951021134406947622017-03-08T09:16:00.000-08:002017-03-08T09:21:03.437-08:00...Jesus simply said "Make Disciples!"<span style="font-size: 18px;">"Therefore go to the un-reached, plant churches, and set up theological schools in all nations teaching them to obey...” “No hermano David," (Ross’ Spanish name), "It does not say that,” A student interrupted, “Jesus simply said 'Make Disciples!'”</span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Jose and Pastor Pedro at El Corderito (the Sacrificial Lamb)</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">Pastor Lorenzo, began to read from one of our texts “It all started with Jesus calling a few men to follow him….” </span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">(Robert Colemans’s <i>The</i> <i>Master Plan of Evangelism</i>.)</span><br />
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: 13.5pt;">What if we could learn about God in the same way Jesus taught His disciples… if theological education was more than learning about God … but part of our calling to know Him... to serve Him? Would you leave “your nets” if the master asked you to follow Him? <o:p></o:p></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorNs25lV3-Co6zhVmYuja7nbJkAfw-FcHDBgULuxlb7B3oH92lyv8ZIL3k7eobxm4hoS-RcKKlRvcJ2QXGFPOVHznwQnoBuCt8TJAd1yt0qme8HzZvh_DR9fue2IpfzfMpfadZVULC5c/s1600/DSC_0047.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhorNs25lV3-Co6zhVmYuja7nbJkAfw-FcHDBgULuxlb7B3oH92lyv8ZIL3k7eobxm4hoS-RcKKlRvcJ2QXGFPOVHznwQnoBuCt8TJAd1yt0qme8HzZvh_DR9fue2IpfzfMpfadZVULC5c/s640/DSC_0047.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Lorenzo from Santo Domingo (and a leader from his church), Pastor Antonio from Capolusipungu, and Jorge Moyolema, director of the SINAI seminary in the first meeting of our Pastors Discipleship Group.</td></tr>
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<span style="font-size: 18px;">Lorenzo continued, “His concern was not with programs to reach the multitudes, but with the men whom the multitudes would follow.” (ibid)</span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivphJF5uCycKRZnWcuDFVf_8kSgFiCVOJLCwreYtA7ImurzwZIWJq6DBgJcBJ2OxTe8bzmjNj9QMXiSJ58EHUR4KzN_7oFtIgOufzDzY5zB2lqqmcUYOkqdKlqBVziN6CcmndJyGkbGHQ/s640/Pedernales+CCBP+sept.JPG" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;" width="640" /></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Pastor Jorge Herrera co-teaching a Bible course with Ross as part of the Earthquake Crisis Response project in Pedernales.</td></tr>
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<span style="text-align: start;">Please pray for the formation of our Pastors Discipleship Group. We have six students committed to study right now and are asking the Lord to raise up four more who desire "follow Him" through our program of Discipleship Training.</span></div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-71890862902600767412017-03-01T20:30:00.000-08:002017-03-01T20:51:36.959-08:00Father, I Choose to Forgive... in Capulispungu<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeNqQvPONj73DyDIQMXUIu-RJHcRdtbDZcWC3r-jIurKjeGwRAp76-X4xsPBAGTSlEKe3L8qX_2iwPiCFyWXpLVOy6UAh-Aaa0Ja6dffv6L5t7E1mQT_aYOIryWI74JS8_Iz5HB3lGGY/s1600/DSC_0250+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDeNqQvPONj73DyDIQMXUIu-RJHcRdtbDZcWC3r-jIurKjeGwRAp76-X4xsPBAGTSlEKe3L8qX_2iwPiCFyWXpLVOy6UAh-Aaa0Ja6dffv6L5t7E1mQT_aYOIryWI74JS8_Iz5HB3lGGY/s640/DSC_0250+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: "arial" , "tahoma" , "helvetica" , "freesans" , sans-serif; font-size: 13.2px; text-align: justify;">It was a cold wet morning on my journey up the Quichua mountain just past the little town of Guamote. Dark stains of mud from recently cleared landslides, quilt-like patches of hand and oxen plowed fields, and the thin (12,000 ft) air of the Andes were all part of the journey to Capulispungo, the remote Quichua village of one of our students, Pastor Antonio. I stopped to wait for a small group of drunken men as they danced in front of my Jeep to the irregular beat of an out of tune hand drum. Today was Carnival, (the MardiGras of Latin America), a religious holiday that spans three days of fiestas that celebrates the coming of Lent. The Evangelical Quichua often host conferences and workshops this time of year to provide their families with an alternative to the drunken revelry that is laced throughout the fiestas. For this little church, Carnival is a time when families travel great distances to gather and worship together in their home town. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBRFeKl9LwtW2W4-vVKEHxNfZRyi4ZXrSxFWf92PljMm18uQ0BP6MVMN_fX07e8Q1jP1kbP_WDgdIrbpbrhqNr1sJHq660HARq7j10BvV5YxHYeWcoRSZJwCOrSCQDDwgoHMpMdS2utU/s1600/Praying+steps+to+freedom+%25283%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="204" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgXBRFeKl9LwtW2W4-vVKEHxNfZRyi4ZXrSxFWf92PljMm18uQ0BP6MVMN_fX07e8Q1jP1kbP_WDgdIrbpbrhqNr1sJHq660HARq7j10BvV5YxHYeWcoRSZJwCOrSCQDDwgoHMpMdS2utU/s640/Praying+steps+to+freedom+%25283%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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I was privileged to lead this humble church through the portion on forgiveness from Neil Anderson's Steps to Freedom. We took some time to look at the bondage of bitterness, and how forgiveness can set us free from the heavy burdens of broken relationships. We moved into small groups and they asked God to reveal the names of those who have hurt them in the past. Then one by one they began the process to forgive and release their pain. Some wept, others just poured out their hearts before the Lord. It was a time of healing. </div>
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Please pray for the Quichua church of Capulusipugu. The process of forgiveness often evokes spiritual opposition.<br />
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Pray for pastor Antonio as he continues to guide his church through this process.</div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-65812995975646548482017-02-13T18:29:00.001-08:002017-02-13T19:16:33.487-08:00 ...they wanted to "lose the white face" to minimize suspicion. I smiled to myself, they were beginning to think like indigenous missionaries!<div style="text-align: left;">
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I was excited to see twelve members from the Quichua church in Santo Domingo show up to join the Tsachila church in Congoma for a day of prayer and fasting! When we got out of the car, Rosa came over from her nearby home and greeted us warmly with an Ecuadorian hug and a kiss. Pastor Lorenzo walked over to talk with a Tsachila man who was unlocking the church for our visit. Then.... all of a sudden... the Tsachila man and Rosa left! We were alone....</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9rZoUUd7QsV_EerrtW3ut3vc1hWf_OLnceZgK8Z-mXlCh3RYXeqRFbmeFvqlJ9mck8GRxMQ3ckmj6VC20CkhBQ2mKJFLUrSW-hEECvGShgyhgPE44RThUOKRGMnPEX_p6EejyT1qsAE/s1600/DSC_0181+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="372" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEha9rZoUUd7QsV_EerrtW3ut3vc1hWf_OLnceZgK8Z-mXlCh3RYXeqRFbmeFvqlJ9mck8GRxMQ3ckmj6VC20CkhBQ2mKJFLUrSW-hEECvGShgyhgPE44RThUOKRGMnPEX_p6EejyT1qsAE/s640/DSC_0181+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
As if not to be deterred by the absence of our hosts, the Quichuas entered the Tsachila church and began to pray. Rosa came back after having changed into a multicolored Tsachila skirt dressed for worship. She sat in the back happy for the opportunity to share the day with other believers. We sang songs, and prayed for the Tsachila church. Pastor Lorenzo and I took turns giving a reflection on fasting and prayer, and we sang and prayed some more.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwIxpPltj-hlqijPClOAFDeS5OFoZiP61fj5jSuRsIVbdR5v0AyICASys5P8sXCJuwpOsAT3PR_CJHtkM8aF3Lt2k6CpFMALA9jA4NmLRslYwfeAREc4_cPcTohes3qPybwNilJXlDbI/s1600/Rosa.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjMwIxpPltj-hlqijPClOAFDeS5OFoZiP61fj5jSuRsIVbdR5v0AyICASys5P8sXCJuwpOsAT3PR_CJHtkM8aF3Lt2k6CpFMALA9jA4NmLRslYwfeAREc4_cPcTohes3qPybwNilJXlDbI/s1600/Rosa.jpg" /></a></div>
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After about 3 hours we moved outside in search of relief from the encroaching heat that was rising inside the church. Rosa shared that only a few Tsachila Christians come to church now (about 10). Some walk over an hour to attend. "People from the outside came from other groups 'to help us' and there was division in our church. Some left to help these groups begin their new work, others just stopped coming." Rosa looked off in the distance and was quiet. <br />
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Lorenzo thought that perhaps one of the reasons other Tsachila believers did not show up, was that our group was perceived as another threat to the church. I also began to wonder about the communication between the two indigenous groups that arranged our meeting.<br />
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The Quichuas sat quiet for a moment, then one simply said, "we will have to try again." Another said, "we can bring food, everyone comes when there is food!" Various ideas of how to continue were shared. They decided to finish out the day by attempting to visit some Tsachila homes nearby. I was encouraged, and started to join them when Lorenzo pulled me aside and said, "Hermano David, perhaps we might be better received if we tried to make this visit without the presence of a North American. I got the message, they wanted to "lose the white face" to minimize suspicion. I smiled to myself, they were beginning to think like indigenous missionaries!<br />
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While we did not make the contact we had hoped in this visit, we were able to deepen our relationship with Rosa, and our Quichua partners and had a good opportunity to grapple with some of the realities and complexities missionaries face when trying to share the gospel in another culture. Please continue to pray for our efforts to reach the Tsachila through the Quichua as part of our program of Discipleship Training.<br />
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Thank you to those who fasted and prayed with us last Wed 2/8. Please continue to pray as we press on. For the road to the gospel is not one without opposition.Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-72342121836551486002017-01-31T13:42:00.001-08:002017-01-31T21:46:25.148-08:00A Tsachila invitation to prayer! <table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M3gibg35kk4Mw-rEicMq2yf1tmVWs6EOhrS9U-eIzI0E4AnLdVK6Wrpk_mqFDJ2ypPsi5eSv0qWrX3Nbi5T0E93rSkC5r8cqhM-NBXX_F-H0kLldFfFsQ_RTZvjGMOqedwMmdBeY_dQ/s1600/Tsachilla+new+church+2+%25282%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="418" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1M3gibg35kk4Mw-rEicMq2yf1tmVWs6EOhrS9U-eIzI0E4AnLdVK6Wrpk_mqFDJ2ypPsi5eSv0qWrX3Nbi5T0E93rSkC5r8cqhM-NBXX_F-H0kLldFfFsQ_RTZvjGMOqedwMmdBeY_dQ/s640/Tsachilla+new+church+2+%25282%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tsachila outreach team in front of the newer Tsachila church building</td></tr>
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"Hermano David," Lorenzo's voice crackled over the poor cell phone connection, "I have good news! Leaders from the Tsachilla church in Congoma called to invite us and members of our church to join them for a day of prayer and fasting! Can you come?"<br />
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I was encouraged, this invitation came in response to our survey trip to Congoma last week.<br />
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Our recent outreach to the Tsachila people was born out of several years of prayer. I think it very fitting that our first contact* with this small band of believers will also begin in the context of prayer! <span style="font-size: x-small;"> (*beyond our initial visit with Rosa last week)</span><br />
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Please join us on Feb 8 (8am-4pm) for a time of prayer and fasting with the Tsachila church. When you close your eyes to pray, picture a Tsachila hand in your left, and a Quichua hand in your right, as they will be praying next to you in Spirit from Congoma. Together, with one voice we will magnify the Lord and pray for his gospel witness to go forth among the Tsachila people.<br />
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Let us know, I am sure word of your participation will greatly encourage them!Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-74385039995587626482017-01-30T18:29:00.000-08:002017-05-28T08:47:21.299-07:00Do you see the unseen? The importance of knowing the cultural and Biblical worldview of the people we disciple!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YJDWMytrdEIv2XX5vhXwgA2r69VYHGaIYMwYEOoKCymElkH6V4Pr5670g-4L2OCNl5yKNJt3kjqT0God9rjEHfoR6lVZDonWk4C1k9OlSk1o-HRuEEh2Vy9p9WXYYxLRhTnTvOcwaF4/s1600/DSC_0120.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5YJDWMytrdEIv2XX5vhXwgA2r69VYHGaIYMwYEOoKCymElkH6V4Pr5670g-4L2OCNl5yKNJt3kjqT0God9rjEHfoR6lVZDonWk4C1k9OlSk1o-HRuEEh2Vy9p9WXYYxLRhTnTvOcwaF4/s640/DSC_0120.jpg" width="352" /></a>When our kids were young we used to play "I see something... what do I see?" One person would find something hard to guess and the rest of us had great fun trying to find it.</div>
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When I look at the indigenous Quichua, I often wonder "what do they see?" </div>
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Concepts of truth, justice, poverty and suffering are different here. Trust, family obligation, shame, and self-worth are based on a practical need for survival rather than an ideal they cannot connect to. "Do I see what they see?" </div>
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If we are not careful we can import a western gospel of independence, self-sufficiency, and multiplication, that is foreign to their world of relationship, dependence, or loyalty to community. "Of course they see what I see!" </div>
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Yet... if the power of God is placed in the broken, the presence of Christ made manifest in suffering, and in the Spirit of the Lord we find liberty, Perhaps it is better to first sit with the hurting and be present with them in their world, unjust and corrupt as it is. Then we can walk out together to a new place of hope and learning. For when we turn to the Lord in the midst of our afflictions, we find an eternal weight of glory! "Do you see the unseen?" (2Cor 3:17-4:18)</div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-63888195724959188362017-01-25T11:57:00.000-08:002017-02-07T12:25:49.847-08:00From an abandoned building to a "living stone": our quest to find the Tsachila Church<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0T1ecSqqoGufsZfQmhtvJP1cML2H2DjgvAg7VWoXNPAOOMbkk-hzYvkK-wcGnxIwfxE_j9bIlS3Lr7teKtfuHqQO63saOnOOiu3gtabS-ouicB-uHXOtE14PuaZXksNpFUfdG3TEREE/s1600/Tsachilla+Church+in+Congoma.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="368" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhq0T1ecSqqoGufsZfQmhtvJP1cML2H2DjgvAg7VWoXNPAOOMbkk-hzYvkK-wcGnxIwfxE_j9bIlS3Lr7teKtfuHqQO63saOnOOiu3gtabS-ouicB-uHXOtE14PuaZXksNpFUfdG3TEREE/s640/Tsachilla+Church+in+Congoma.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Tsachilla evangelical church in Congoma, </td></tr>
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My heart grew heavy as I looked at the broken down, abandoned, church building. From what we understood there was only one Tsachila evangelical church among this "least reached" (2%) people group. I paused at a feeling of spiritual defeat. It was almost as if the building was a visible monument to a battle lost.<br />
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We pushed on to find out what happend to their members. My spirits began to lift when we met Rosa, a Tsachila believer who told us that her church had not entirely disbanded, but a small remnant of roughly 15 believers continued to meet twice a month in a newer building next to her home. (see previous post) <a href="http://evmissiontalk.blogspot.com/2017/01/partnering-with-quichua-to-reach.html">http://evmissiontalk.blogspot.com/2017/01/partnering-with-quichua-to-reach.html</a><br />
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As Rosa told us about her church, I was struck by her humility. She spoke broken Spanish, could not read, and lived in a very humble home. When I prayed for her she grasped my arm tight, then looked at me with the light of Christ behind her tears and simply said "thank you!" Behind her words another voice seemed to say... "Thank you Ross, for looking beyond an abandoned church building to Rosa's home. For 'I am not the God of the dead, but of the living' (Mat. 22:32). As we pulled away I realized we had found one of the "living stones" of the Tsachila church (1 Pet 2:5).<br />
<br />Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-86510247938368296542017-01-23T22:24:00.001-08:002017-02-07T12:24:30.052-08:00Partnering with the Quichua to reach the Tsachila through Discipleship Training!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZER9QjwGgRpqWkqm6puEfy6PdxU2ac5qatI7g3kCFVKHsxl_9VkJAt0w-RYhI1HMfk1g_zhmSW-Zj3wY1z4ocZOunOE2k3S9PjRxGCiwfK_14s52Ynn4U4whNH5FR-KyONYafCAfoJZs/s1600/Tsachilla+new+church+2+%25284%2529.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="366" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZER9QjwGgRpqWkqm6puEfy6PdxU2ac5qatI7g3kCFVKHsxl_9VkJAt0w-RYhI1HMfk1g_zhmSW-Zj3wY1z4ocZOunOE2k3S9PjRxGCiwfK_14s52Ynn4U4whNH5FR-KyONYafCAfoJZs/s640/Tsachilla+new+church+2+%25284%2529.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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This picture represents an incredible connection God has put together in relation to our outreach to the Tsachila people.<br />
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On the left is Lorenzo, a pastor of a Quichua church in Santo Domingo and part of Ross' Pastors Discipleship Group. Next to Lorenzo is Jessica, a Tsachila woman who is married to Luis, a Quichua man (not in photo) who attend Lorenzo's church in Santo Domingo. Next to Jessica is Rosa, a Tsachila sister who attends the Tsachila church in Congoma, whom we met this morning! Rosa knows Jessica's grandmother and is happy to serve as a connection for both Lorenzo and I in a future visit when the church is meeting! Next to Rosa is yours truly!<br />
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Unfortunately the Tsachila church in Congoma has gone through a split which has greatly reduced their size to about 15 attenders! The others have left to joined a heretical denomination which has greatly reduced the already small evangelical witness and will create confusion as the two churches begin to present a different message among their people!<br />
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Stay tuned and keep praying!Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-85277239320678437662016-03-10T08:38:00.001-08:002016-03-22T20:09:20.633-07:00Depression and the importance of "being present" with those who struggle in mission<div data-contents="true">
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<span data-offset-key="fbmia-0-0">"But God, who comforts the depressed... "(2Co 7:6a NAS)</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ied1-0-0">Part of a discipleship ministry involves the equipping and sending of a "Titus" to bring the presence of God to comfort those struggling with depression.</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="1acak-0-0">The Greek word "ταπεινοὺς," (Tapeinoús) translated as "depressed" or lit. "downcast" refers to those struggling with the "relative inability to cope" (BDAG)".</span></div>
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<span data-offset-key="ddji7-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="b0b6t-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="b0b6t-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="b0b6t-0-0">At a time when Paul felt "afflicted on every side: conflicts without, fears within". (2Co 7:5 NAS) Titus showed up with a renewed spirit and the joy of the Lord and brought encouragement and comfort from the church of Corinth. </span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="3aqvm-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3aqvm-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3aqvm-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="bvqm0-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="bvqm0-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="bvqm0-0-0">At times, when we see fellow believers burdened with the relative inability to cope, we can be a "Titus" to come alongside to listen with a refreshed spirit and the joy of the Lord to help our hurting friends regain perspective and hope. </span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="5hfp8-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="5hfp8-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="5hfp8-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="1p5qb-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1p5qb-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1p5qb-0-0">When we cannot be physically present with those who are weary in their struggle, we can pray for and send a "Titus" to stand in our stead to be present with those who are weary in the battle.</span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="eeuqn-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="eeuqn-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="eeuqn-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="50t4i-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="50t4i-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="50t4i-0-0">It is important to note that it was not only the presence of Titus that encouraged Paul, it was the word of "repentance without regret" among the members in the Church of Corinth that encouraged Paul in his depression! How we strive to know Christ and to make Him know at home, directly affects the support and encouragement for our missionaries we send to take the gospel to foreign lands! (2 Cor 7:10-13)</span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="3rrct-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="3rrct-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="3rrct-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">Sometimes, like Paul, we need a Titus to draw near to be present with us when we struggle in our faith.</span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0"><br /></span></div>
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="dm1eg-0-0">Let us lean into, and be present with the depression of those who suffer with </span>the "relative inability to cope," to bring perspective, hope and God's presence to those who struggle for the gospel.</div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="2e8es-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="2e8es-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="2e8es-0-0"><br data-text="true" /></span></div>
</div>
<div data-block="true" data-offset-key="1ln37-0-0">
<div class="_1mf _1mj" data-offset-key="1ln37-0-0">
<span data-offset-key="1ln37-0-0">"But God, who comforts the depressed, comforted us by the coming of Titus" (2Co 7:6 NAS)</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5497838869968687728.post-67449165424736480322015-07-20T10:31:00.004-07:002015-07-28T05:20:39.393-07:0010 Foundational Principles For Missions. Part one: Before The Foundation of the World (cross post)<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">In preparation for this blog “EV Mission talk” I am
beginning a preliminary study that will look at the following </span>10 Biblical foundational principles for missions<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">1. <span class="apple-converted-space"> </span> Origins
and Identity – God – Christ – Church – Missionary- what is missions? what is a
missionary? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">2. Biblical mandate – Biblical, Theological, Cultural: What did
Jesus send us out to do?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">3. Historical and cultural context – worldview drives values<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">4.Theological & Philosophical considerations and confusion:
indigneous concepts, poverty, liberation, </span><span style="font-size: 11pt;">global partners.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">5. Western and Non-western perspectives and expectations<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">6. The local economy and the need for a multicultural perspective<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">7. The players: who sends who? Where? How long, and why?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">8. Treasure heart principle - the use of Kingdom resources <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;">9. A call for collaboration between the Seminary,
Church, Missionary and Agency...<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: 11pt;"><br />
10. The end game – What are we really trying to accomplish? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The big idea is that God created our world and all of
life to glorify Himself. Through the revelation
of Himself, (His image and nature) both through His
creation, (general revelation) and His Word (Special revelation), one discovers
that our primary purpose as human beings is to glorify God through a journey of
transformation that conforms us into the image of His Son, Jesus Christ. As we
journey from creation (Gen 1) to the His new creation (Rev. 21), we glorify God through
our engagement in worship and mission, as we seek to know God, and to make Him known! In
fact, one (worship or mission) cannot fully be realized without the
other! We worship God as we go out in mission, and our mission moves us to worship. It is through our relationship of mission and worship that we glorify
God! <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">So before we can start a dialogue on mission, we need to
understand the context. Where and when does missions begin. We will start with
the word “foundation” and two little prepositions pro and apo, Before, or “from/since”
<b>My first statement in regards to the
origins of missions is that it began both before and from the foundation of
the world!</b> <o:p></o:p></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> Before Adam and Eve fell, before men worshiped, before Christ came into the world, missions was on God’s mind. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">For this post only I will cross posted with </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">EV Bible Talk </span><a href="http://evbibletalk.blogspot.com/" style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">evbibletalk.blogspot.com</a> in order to show the relationship between the two. Future posts in EV Mission Talk will reference but not include all the background study.</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Here is part 1 of EV Bible Talk: </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Before/From</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> the Foundations
of the world (prep. Pro & Apo)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">πρὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (</span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ἀπὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> <span lang="EL">καταβολῆς κόσμου </span></span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">(pro
[apo] kataboles kosmos)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-top: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">The word “foundation” </span><span lang="EL" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">καταβολῆς</span><span lang="EL" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">(kataboles) also translated as “creation” (NIV)” only appears in the N.T. in the phrase “the beginning of the foundation of the world”* the only variation is with the preposition </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">“Before” </span><span lang="EL" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">πρὸ</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> (pro) and “Since, or from” </span><span lang="EL" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">ἀπὸ</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> (apo) </span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> (*</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">with the exception on Heb 11:11 which uses the accusative case </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">καταβολὴν (katabolen)</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> in the sense of sowing seed or begetting with the prep </span><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Times New Roman, serif;"><span style="font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">εἰς lit. to sow into life</span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;">)</span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif; font-size: 13.1999998092651px; line-height: 18.4799995422363px;"> </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman', serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Consider the context of these passages<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"...so that what was
spoken through the prophet might be fulfilled, saying, 'I will open My
mouth in parables; <b>I will utter things
hidden <i><u>since the foundation of the
world</u></i></b>.'" </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(Mat 13:35 NAS)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"Then <sup>a</sup>the King will say
to <sup>b</sup>those on his right, 'Come, you <sup>c</sup>who are blessed by my
Father, <b><sup>d</sup>inherit <sup>e</sup>the
kingdom <sup>f</sup>prepared for you <i><u><sup>g</sup>from
the foundation of the world'"</u></i>.</b>
(Mat 25:34 ESV)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"...in order that <b>the blood of all the prophets, shed <u>since
<i>the foundation of the world</i></u>,</b>
may be charged against this generation," </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(Luk 11:50 NAS)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"Father, I desire that they
also, whom Thou hast given Me, be with Me where I am, in order that they may
behold My glory, which Thou hast given Me; for <b>Thou didst love Me <i><u>before the
foundation of the world."</u></i></b> (Joh 17:24 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"...just as <b>He chose us in Him <i><u>before the
foundation of the world</u></i>,</b> that we should be holy and blameless
before Him. In love (Eph 1:4 NAS)"<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"For we who have believed enter that
rest, just as He has said, 'As I swore in My wrath, They shall not enter
My rest,' although His works were finished <b>from the foundation of the world."</b> (Heb 4:3 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"Otherwise, He would have needed to
suffer often <b>since the foundation of the
world;</b> but now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested
to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself." (Heb 9:26 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"For He was foreknown <b><u>before the foundation of the world</u></b>,
but has appeared in these last times for the sake of you" (1Pe 1:20 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"And all who dwell
on the earth will worship him, <i>everyone </i>whose name has not been written <b><u>from the foundation of the world</u></b>
in the book of life of the Lamb who has been slain." </span><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">(Rev 13:8 NAS)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">"The beast that you saw was and
is not, and is about to come up out of the abyss and to go to destruction. And
those who dwell on the earth will wonder, whose name has not been written in the
book of life <b><u>from the foundation of
the world</u></b>, when they see the beast, that he was and is not and will
come." (Rev 17:8 NAS)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">What is the difference between “Before” </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">πρὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (pro) and “Since, or from” </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ἀπὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (apo)? Consider the
definitions and implications of the verses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">πρὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (pro) Before, Prep. w/ Genative
Before: <b>marker of a point of time prior to another point of time, <i>earlier
than, before (BDAG lexicon)<o:p></o:p></i></b></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><b><i><br /></i></b></span></div>
<div class="heading41" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.0pt;">A. Basic Uses (with Genitive only)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
1. Spatial: <i>before, in front
of, at</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
2. Temporal: <i>before</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
3. Rank/Priority: <i>before<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<i>(Wallace)<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<i>So when looking at Pro: one has to determine the use of "before" with
the nuance of “Spatial, Temporal or Rank”
for example, in considering 1, 2 and 3, The BDAG chose 2 (temporal). As a “marker in
time. Others may emphasize 3 “Rank” as in the choosing of one over
another for salvation. There are theological implications here, but both conclusions recognize the point that God’s Love and sacrifice were
intentionally highlighted as part of God’s plan in the beginning.<o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<i><span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 9.5pt; line-height: 115%;">Look
again at the context of pro (Before) </span></i><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">as they
relate to the foundation of the world…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The Love of the Father to the son (implied to the
disciples)- Jn 17:24 (Before)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Chose us, the believer (context of predestination)
(before) Eph 1:4<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Christ foreknown (context of blood shed) (before) 1 Pet
1:20<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ἀπὸ</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (apo)</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Basic
sense ‘separation from’ someone or something., fr. which the other uses have
developed. In the NT it has encroached on the domain of Att. </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ἐκ</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">, </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">ὑπό</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">, </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">παρά</span><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">, and the gen. of separation; s. Mlt. 102; 246; Mlt-Turner 258f. (BDAG)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="paragraph5" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
The basic force of <span class="mt-greek"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">ἀπό</span></span>
in classical Greek was <i>separation from</i>. “In the NT it
has encroached on the domain of Att. <span class="mt-greek"><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 10.5pt;">ἐκ, ὑπό, παρά,</span></span>
and the gen. of separation . . . .”<sup><span style="font-size: 7.5pt;"><a href="mk:@MSITStore:c:\program%20files%20(x86)\bibleworks%208\databases\esnt.chm::/14_prepositions.htm#FNH_993">37</a></span></sup></div>
<div class="paragraph5" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<sup><br /></sup></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
1. Separation (from place or
person): <i>away from</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
2. Source: <i>from, out of</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
3. Cause: <i>because of</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
4. Partitive (i.e.,
substituting for a partitive gen.): <i>of</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
5. Agency (rare): <i>by, from <o:p></o:p></i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<i>(Wallace)</i></div>
<div class="paragraph51" style="line-height: 12.0pt;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;">Here the BDAG looks at 1 (separation) as the
general use of the word. Also the idea of 2. (source) can add a nuance of
context. For example in Heb 4, the source of the Sabbath, as it related to it’s
purpose in creation provides a context for the finished works of Christ in Heb
4:3. Could God have had an understanding of the gospel when he rested on the seventh day of creation? </span><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> Could His plans be that sure
in the begging of time regarding their outcome, even before sin and death entered the world?
Is His word that sure? What does it mean His works were finished since the
foundation of the world?</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Arial, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt; line-height: 115%;"> The New Living Translates 'They will never enter my
place of rest,' " even though this rest has been ready since he made the
world. (Heb 4:3 NLT)<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Consider the separation or source with the word apo (from or since) in the following
passages as they relate to the foundation of the world…<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">These things (re: the Kingdom) – Mat:13:35, the Kingdom
(25:34) (since)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The blood of the prophets shed – Lk 11:50 (from)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">His Works finished (context Sabbath rest) (From) – Heb 4:3<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Suffer (context Christ’ death sufficient one time)
(since) Heb 9:25<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">The names written in the book of life (of the Lamb who
was slain) (from) Rev 13:8, 17:8<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Part one will conclude where part two will pick up with a
short definition of the word “foundation” </span><span lang="EL" style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-ansi-language: EL; mso-bidi-language: HE;">καταβολῆς</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"> (foundation NASB), (Creation NIV) </span><b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">the act of laying someth. down, with implication of
providing a base for someth., <i>foundation. </i></span></b><span style="font-family: "Arial","sans-serif"; font-size: 10.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-bidi-language: HE;">Readily connected with the idea of founding is the sense <i>beginning
(BDAG)</i></span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; mso-bidi-language: HE;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
Ross and Mary Hunterhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03251796935125230252noreply@blogger.com0