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WHEN YOU CROSS CULTURES - World Evangelical Alliance

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THE PRACTICE OF TENTMAKING<br />

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consultant? (Formerly he had a church position as one of its workers).<br />

• Scriptural mindset. As Tim and his team of friends worked through<br />

the Scriptures for a few years, they clarified apostolic principles in<br />

pioneering situations. Why do you think this mindset would be critical<br />

in this context?<br />

• Financial freedom. Tim did not accept support from his church. Neither<br />

did other team members. Their conviction was based on 1 Corinthians<br />

9:19-23. Team members were all self-supporting through their various<br />

businesses and professions. What would happen if Tim’s support came<br />

from a church?<br />

• Mobility. Tim and his family decided to live in a neighbourhood where<br />

the large majority was the people they wanted to befriend and win.<br />

They were convinced it was important to live AMONG the people rather<br />

than just thinking of going to a people. What would be the difference<br />

between LIVING AMONG and GOING TO?<br />

• A Long-term perspective. It would take Tim and family years to<br />

be part of the community. Why is this crucial for the advance of the<br />

Gospel?<br />

Part 2 LIVING AMONG the lost<br />

The first four years in their adopted neighbourhood was like living in a<br />

goldfish bowl. Every move of Tim and his family would be scrutinized. They<br />

decided they would not place a cross on the wall, or eat food that would offend<br />

their neighbours.<br />

Their neighbours slowly overcame their suspicion of an alien stranger<br />

in their midst. Tim and his family got to know over 15 families. They began by<br />

befriending these neighbours and serving them in practical ways. They showed<br />

the life and love of Christ through practical deeds like taking in the laundry,<br />

babysitting children and taking a pregnant wife to hospital in the early morning<br />

hours.<br />

Tim was careful not to use his former ways of directly proclaiming the<br />

Gospel which would be inappropriate in this new context. They had<br />

opportunities though in discussing values of the kingdom like integrity, justice,<br />

love, forgiveness, family life, practising their religion rather than mere religious<br />

profession. Tim prayed regularly for his neighbours and so did his team of<br />

friends. He prayed for an opening to share the Gospel in a relevant way so it<br />

would be seen as really good news.

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