WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

182 WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES
Some workers may have personal issues with a dual identity. However,
this should not pose problems if their professions are not a “cover” merely to
gain access. There must not be any appearance of duplicity which could cast
doubt. The workers should work hard in their profession, in order to be a good
witness to the local people.
The qualities needed and qualifications for tentmakers have been covered
in Chapter 13. Orientation aspects have also been discussed in the chapters on
Pre-field and On-field Orientation of Candidates. These should be considered
and taken into account. This chapter deals with other factors, principles and
issues related to tentmaking, while the next chapter contains some actual case
studies of tentmakers.
The tentmaking principle is critical today with the great number of
countries becoming either restricted or closed towards conventional missions.
Tentmakers find that taking on a vocation in these countries would open
opportunities for them to contribute to the welfare and needs of these countries
and also to serve Christ through their occupations.
TRENDS TOWARDS RELIGIOUS RESTRICTEDNESS
Restrictions on access to a country may not be just for religious reasons.
Some governments choose to be reclusive for political or economic reasons.
They view religious activity as having political agendas. Missionaries may also
be unwelcome not just because of their religion, but because of their nationality
and their citizenship.
Although recent events in some countries have seemingly indicated a
relaxation of religious restrictions, public Christian witness is still not permitted
in a majority of the world. More than 80 percent of the world’s non-Christians
live in these countries. Christian missionary programmes and structures will
not be practicable in these situations. In countries hostile to the Gospel, Christian
citizens living in their own countries still face opposition and persecution. Their
governments often will not intervene to stop the persecution of local Christians.
Religious restrictions are normally viewed as a big hindrance to the
progress of the Gospel. However, we know that the church has grown in
countries like China and Vietnam. In the midst of suppression, persecution
and isolation from outside influences, churches have multiplied.
Countries with religious restrictions are becoming far more open
politically and economically to the rest of the world. In the past decade,
globalisation has opened many doors of opportunity for business and trade.
“Business as mission” is a viable cross-cultural option for many entrepreneurs,
business and professional people. Social, medical, and educational enterprises
are also increasingly being carried out.