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 The
elders of a church in Virginia explain why a man and his wife,
whom they have been supporting in Korea, will soon return to the
U.S.A.
"As
we all know, Ron's mission to Korea was to be a unique approach
to evangelism. Ron was convinced prior to returning to Korea
that he could work with and help the rural people to learn
modern farming methods and by gaining their confidence in this
way follow through in teaching the word of God. Ron found that
this approach was not possible due to cultural traditions. It
was insulting to the Korean farmer to have a guest do work for
him, even though it was voluntary. Ron tried other approaches,
such as an agricultural and Christian vocational school, but
sufficient funds were not available. While Ron was occasionally
able to establish a Bible class in a rural village, he was not
able to gain a foothold and become fully accepted. Because of
this Ron has concluded that it is not possible to evangelize the
rural Korean people through the approach for which he was
prepared.
Ron
has found that his efforts have become almost purely
evangelistic in the traditional manner. While he recognizes that
there is a definite need for preaching and teaching he also
recognizes his own shortcomings in this area. He is trained in
and desires to evangelize through the
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agricultural approach, whereas he has
not been trained as an evangelist. He has determined, and
adequately explained to us, that the plans for the foreseeable
future will not improve the situation. We feel that Ron has been
sincere and straightforward in his appraisal, and this we
appreciate very much. We wanted you to know his feelings and
ours."
I
will agree that both "Ron" and the elders seem to be
open and aboveboard in this matter -- BUT WHAT A COMMENTARY ON
THEIR CONCEPT OF EVANGELISM AND THE GREAT COMMISSION!!
"Ron"
teaches farming, to make opportunity to teach truth; but admits
he is not adequately prepared as a preacher or teacher of God's
word. If his farming "approach" had been successful,
he would have "arrived" with nothing to offer. Of what
value is an "approach" if you can't deliver
when you get there?
The
elders continue, "Your support has represented a sincere
desire to "go into all the world." WITH WHAT?? When
will brethren learn that ploughs and cows are neither the
"what's" nor "how's" of teaching salvation
from sin through the blood of Jesus Christ??
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