Major Seminar Paper Presentation

Topic: Missionary in a north Indian village go about changing the practices of people in sindhur,
cultivation of hass, marijuana, ganja, smoking etc

Contents

1. Introduction
2. The missionary
3. The mission
4. Anthropological approach
4.1. Application of missionary anthropology
4.2. The social relationships in a mission location
4.3. Benefits of studying the mission location
5. The conversation
6. Cultural tolerance and transformation
7. Reflection
8. Conclusion
9. Bibliography

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 Major Seminar Paper Presentation

Topic: Missionary in a north Indian village go about changing the practices of people in sindhur,
cultivation of hass, marijuana, ganja, smoking etc

1. Introduction

The mission work among tribal people is a difficult task and requires patience and perseverance,
especially in North Indian villages. As they worshipping any idol is also seems to be part of Hindu
religion, but they are not Hindus and the missionary approach also to be decided in advance. Dr.
Roger E Hedlund reminds us that. “Hinduisms multiplicity was recognized, ‘not one religion but
many,’ each requiring a different approach.”1 S Devasagayam Ponraj comments on beliefs and
practices of tribals that, “Tribals in India are not Hindus. They are animistic in faith but influenced
by different religions to varying degrees.”2 A missionary who goes there have to face a lot of
troubles mainly in dealing with their culture, norms and behaviours. Moreover to witness Jesus there
means being a true witness before them like Jesus, walking with them. Janglholam wites, “There is a
need to share the peoples’ struggles, pain, dreams and hopesin the journey of their search for fuller
humanity and for a meaningful Christian witness”3 But as an Evangelist, Paul says in 1 Corinthians:
9:22, “I have become all things to all men that I might by all means save some.”

2. The Missionary

Here I prefer to introduce a conversation between a North Indian (Uttar Pradesh) village couple,
named Rena and his wife Laxmi with Mr Peter, got an appointment as a missionary in a tribal
village. Behind their houses they used to cultivate ganja, hass, marijuana in large areas which is a
common practice in the village for their easy and quick money livelihood. The location is a splendid
place with stunning natural beauty and cooling hills surrounded in staring scenic snow covered hills
and mountains. The police authorities find a lot of difficulties in reaching the location even though
they know about the narcotic cultivation there because the village is located with no proper or direct
roads access, which is adding up a secure feeling to villagers to choose an ‘easy money’ income from
their traditional narcotic cultivation. The missionary has to address this kind of adverse situations
especially in remote villages with special cultural beliefs and practices.
1
Hedlund, Rojer E, 20th century mission conferences: Models for engagement with Hinduism and Islam, The Indian
church in context (Rev Ashish Amos Delhi 2002) 137
2
Ponraj, S Devasagayam. An introduction to Missionary Anthropology, (Mission Educational Books, Bihar, 1993) 105
3
Jangkholam Haokip “Issues facing tribal Christians in Northeast India today” in Mark T. B. Laing (eds.)The IndianChurch
in Context (Rev. Ashish Amos, Delhi, 2002) 236

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3. The Mission

Christ has commissioned His church in Matthew: 28:19 to “go…and make disciples of all
nations”. So the church is the store and back bone of missionary work. Jesus himself planted such a
model mission church. He proclaimed the gospel, called disciples, taught them about His mission,
and they were empowered by the Holy Spirit and sent them out to do the same. That is the perfect
model of Mission by the Master. The one who carries the mission to other places are the
missionaries. Denzil Miller narrates the intentions of missions, “As we go out to plant new churches,
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it is important that we proceed with calculated intentionality.” Missionary has to be accepted
socially before he starts his mission work in a particular place for a long time. The villagers are also
very nice to Peter and used to share their difficulties during his visits. He used to interact with them
with a missionary mind and also very close with them socially which made his work so effectively.

4. Anthopological Approach
4.1. Application of Missionary Anthropology

Anthropology is a study of biological and cultural similarities and differences. By studying and
understanding the cultural background of a particular sect, a missionary can approach its people
more effectively through enculturation. S Devasagayam Ponraj writes, “enculturation helps man
adapt to his natural environment, to build relationships with his fellow men and to express his mental
and spiritual activities.”5 It will help to identify issues and difficulties; hence we can reach into
conclusions and solutions through right kind of social actions with a true relevance. John Stott sates
that “Many missionary agencies now espouse the concept of holistic mission, which brings
evangelism and social action together.”6 Social action with a mind of social service definitely
impacts our missiological aim to reach its fullness. It will create a positive atmosphere that will
strengthen and explain the relationship in between principles and practices.

4.2. The Social Relations in a Mission Location

A missionary should create a good social relationship in his target location. Joseph L Cannon
says, “There is a unique special relationship that exists between the missionary preacher and the
native converts.....as the evangelist work for the salvation of souls.7

4
Miller, Denzil R. Mobilizing for Mission (USA : Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data,1946) 63
5
Ibid 2, 42.
6
Stott, John. Issues facing Christians today 4th edn (USA: Zondervan, 2006) 33.
7
Cannon, Joseph. L. For missionaries only. (New Zealand: The Last Stop Printing service, 1975) 30.

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 Peter, our missionary, is a very caring person and used to help the villagers within his limits in
their difficulties. His visits and approaches made his mission work easily. But he was not insisting
any notable change in their life because he was waiting for a right time and opportunity to start with,
even though some of them used to come for prayers. The practical example starts here. One day as
Rena and Laxmi visited Peter with a prayer request regarding her sickness. So he decided to utilize
the situation prayerfully to open up a talk on their cultures and cultivation of narcotic plants. He was
sharing word of God slowly as the divine prompting with wisdom. My comments are in italics in
between the conversation below.

4.3. Benefits of studying anthropology of the mission location

S. Devasagayam Ponraj discussing 11 major benefits of anthropology in mission. They are, to

understand 1) Reasons for other peoples behaviours, 2) Beliefs and practices, 3) language, 4)
Effective models for communicating gospel, 5) For planting indigenous churches, 6) Holistic
approach to the culture of the people, 7) Social problems and its solutions, 8) To overcome the
culture shock, 9) Enables to accept difficult situations tolerantly, 10) The biblical Christianity and
its different application, 11) To locate responsive people.

5. The conversation

Peter, the missionary was mainly asking questions to initiate thinking on general things rather
than giving out any straight statements or arguments which they may resist. After preliminary formal
talks Peter is entering into subject gradually. S Devasagayam Ponraj advices that, “Because of the
broad perspective, the study of anthropology can greatly help missionaries to effectively
communicate the gospel in the context of different cultures.”8

Peter: Renaji, do you know anything about the cultivation you are doing here ?
Rena: Yes. But we do not know much about it. But the town police is against this practice
and I heard that they are asking money for their pockets.
Laxmi: But we have no problem as they come and take from here directly. Last month they
took our children into their custody and released after two weeks and warned them
seriously. I think they do not like our cultivation and want our money also.
Peter: How long you are doing this cultivation ?
Laxmi: Our parents were also doing the same but they are no more.

8
Ibid 2, 45.

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 Rena: Last year police came here and we faced them with bows and arrows. And they ran
back and few of them died also. So they are targeting us whenever they see us.
(Legal warning, laws are against the practice)
Peter: This is a drug and it can damage our health if we consume it. So the police is against
this. I am sure that the cough you have is because of it. And it will not be cured easily
even though you take medicines from town. Because you are smoking ganja. How
long you are taking your traditional medicines from your village uneducated doctor ?
(There is an uneducated old person who treats the villagers with his own traditional medicine
mix. He is not a qualified doctor, but the uneducated poor villagers treat him as a doctor also
with respect)
Study of anthropology helps missionary to understand other peoples’ beliefs and practices. S
Devasagayam Ponraj relates God and human in cultural context, “God above culture but through
culture –this should be the right view of God’s attitude to human culture”9
Rena: 5 years. I went to the town two years back and bought medicines. But there was no
effect at all. I am getting sicker day after day. But our doctor is good doing so many
magic.
(The missionary leading him to think that the reason of the sickness is his usage of drugs)
Laxmi: His cough is increasing as well as body pain also day by day. Sometimes he faints.
His father was also like this and he got paralysed died after 1 year.
Peter: Sure. This is because the drug intake that you are cultivating. We need some schools
in our village for your children. So they will study and learn to read and they can
work and we can save the villagers from all these bad habits. Only education can
change this situations It will be good for your future also.
Peter is insisting on education. “The Missionaries spread education, specially among the native
Christians. This is proved by the Census Report of 1901 for Ajmer-Merwara. The numbers of
religion-wise literate persons (men and women) per 1,000 were 52 Hindus, 54 Muslims, 303
Jains and 585 Christians.”10
Rena: Sir, may be. But our fathers are doing the same. And what else we can do here for our
food and other needs?

9
Ibid 2, 60.

10
Benjamin, N. Christian Missionary Activities in Rajputana: Some Social Aspects.jrl (Social Science Spectrum Vol. 1,
No. 1, March 2015) Page 55-65

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Laxmi: We do not know any other things to do here. We are doing this cultivation from our
childhood onwards. We need not go anywhere to sell this. They will come and take it.
It is so easy. And we can get more and easy money also.
(Their financial gain is against the Christian reformation to come out. So we may have to
suggest a practical solution for their actual problems)
Peter: Look! You have so many sicknesses in your body. And your wife’s also. And you
said that your father was also died because of sickness. Do you know from where this
sickness came ?
Laxmi: Really we do not know. And when we use this the feeling is so nice.
Peter: But it is destroying your body and health. So how will you work if your health goes
down ?
Rena: Yes sir, you are right. Same thing happened to my father and too many in this place
having the same problem.
Dr. George Joseph writes, “The missionaries gained the opportunity to pursue their biblical
mandate to aid the sick...”
(Realizing the reasons of generational and social problem will lead them to find solution)
Peter: Thank God, you are realizing it now. So better you stop this practice. Otherwise it will
damage your full health and life also.
Rena: I understand sir. But this is the only work we know. Those who are using this having
real problems. But they do not know about this sir. Better we speak to them.
(They love social commitment, but desire of money preventing them, but gradually overcoming
from it)
Peter: But there is one more thing. Even casual tobacco smoking is affecting your health. It
is better to say no to smoking also.
(Gradually addressing another unnoticed issue and drawing attention. Missionary can use their
respect and trust towards him to convince them easily)
Rena: We may avoid smoking. But there are lot of people using this and even some children
also.
Laxmi: Then we will take it seriously. So we will cultivate only and we will not smoke here
after. Thank you for advising us on time.
Peter: Renaji, let me ask you. Now you understood this smoking is harmful to your body.
But do you think what about the people who is using this ?
Rena: Yes sir. They are also struggling.

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 Peter: If you realize that they are also struggling, is it good to continue cultivating these
dangerous plants and selling it to others ?
(Addressing the cultivation-only issue through a social commitment)
Rena: Sir, I do agree. But this is our livelihood. We do not know any other work. So what
we will do sir for our other needs ? And if we stop, all my friends here will not give
money for us and where we will go ?
(A practical problem to be solved and as a leader to guide and lead them to proper solutions.
Otherwise they may turn back to the old practices)
Peter: Remember when we prayed last time God healed your sickness, especially your
asthma. But still you are not fully recovered. If you believe in Jesus fully and stop
these bad practices, He will heal you completely and you can be a model in your
village. So we together can be a model to many. So your village will know the truth.
Do you think it is a great thing you can do for your village ? You can save you whole
village, not just only your family.
(Peter is encouraging them to take decisions spiritually and leading them to prepare for social
commitments. Presenting Jesus through own healing experience to move forward to the next
faith level)
(Both are silent and in deep thinking – Peter prays in silence and his heart is longing for Holy
Spirit guidance in their life for making decisions)
{Dr. T K Koshy Vaidyan talks about compassion and listening for pastors (here the
missionary) as, “A pastor is never more like his master than when he is
compassionately, with love of God in his heart, listening to troubled people and
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ministering to them by the power of the Holy Spirit }
Rena: Thank you sir. But where my family will go for food and other things ? Who will give
me money to live?
Peter: We will pray and do needful. If you believe, God will do miracles for us.
Laxmi: Sir, we like your Jesus. But we have four children and we are not fully well and
healthy also. If we stop doing this cultivation nobody will help us.
Peter: You are right sister. But I prayed for you many times and God gave you all for what
we prayed. So if you trust Jesus, He will show you the way. And I also will try to
solve your problems. Then Jesus will give you the courage to stop cultivating these
harmful plants which is destroying many lives. You know many people are in these

11
Vaidyan, T K Koshy. A Pastoral Theology and Manual (New York: End Time Harvest Ministries) 2002, 181.

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 villages is bed ridden because of its usage. Jesus is able to save us not only from this
situation but from all your troubles. He is not just a man, but God. He can hear your
prayers. He was faithful to me till today, to you also,
(Peter addressing Laxmi on many issues in one passage, explaining hope in Jesus through
exercising faith. He was mentioning spiritual and material issues, leading them to social
commitment and finally moving towards faith in Jesus and proclaiming that God is the only
ultimate solution.)
Rena: Sir, I do believe you. I know you are such a nice person coming here in this remote
village and doing good things for us. And we know your God is able and doing many
miracles and we experienced it. We will do everything as per your direction.
(The character of the missionary is very important in mission work.)
Peter: It is not just my God. Jesus is your God also. God is only one and He is for all. He
does not want us to be troubled. My prayer for you is important. But your prayer
directly makes the impact and more important.
(Leading them to God for direct interaction rather than being a mediatory always in between
God and the couple)
Peter: We should follow Jesus and obey what all He asks us to do. He will protect us from
dangers, guide us in difficult situations. Jesus is our Lord and God. So we have to
worship him. We have to tell the good news of Jesus to many. So we can save them
and we will have a great place in heaven.
(Peter professing the eternal hope for them)
Rena: Sir, can you pray for us ?
Laxmi: I am feeling so happy and relaxed. We are taking a decision today for Jesus. Pray for
us to lead a new life for Jesus.
(Peter sang a small simple dedication song in their language and prayed for the couple to bless
them. If missionary learn their language it would be a great advantage.)
Laxmi: Sir, tomorrow our close relatives coming to our home. Can you come tomorrow to our
house ? So you tell them about our Jesus.
Peter: Sure. I will come tomorrow. Next Sunday you both should come to church and tell the
good news to all.
Rena: Sure sir. We will tell about our Jesus.
(The ministry is spreading, slowly but strongly. We are called to tolerate others without
accepting or entertaining their false beliefs)

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6. Cultural Tolerance and Transformation

The recent meaning of tolerance is that accepting others beliefs also are true. But accepting tolerance
does not mean rejecting a truth for the sake of tolerance, but being tolerant to the person or persons
or society with another world view because tolerance is the door of transformation in the midst of
intolerance, transforming the intolerant by correcting their thinking with gentleness by giving ample
time with patience. Matthew 5: 43 - 48 explains that, we, Christians are to love our enemies and pray
for them. It is not to suppress or silence them, but to make them disciples of Jesus by expressing the
love of Christ in us. So tolerance is the first step of transformation. The opponents may tend to give
attention to hear what we say, so that the truth will set them free one day if we give reasonable time.
But for being tolerant we are not supposed to reject our faith in Jesus. In a new mission field, the
basic need of a missionary is the sustaining in the society for the time being to be accepted to start
with our gospel.

7. Reflection

The missionary leads a new believer to interact directly to Jesus in prayer by keeping himself as a
strong background support to exercise their faith in the troubled times. The missionary should have a
clear idea about to where he was leading and presenting Jesus to a person. His communication and
character is very important in delivering God’s heart and message to them. God’s heart is the
mission. Rather than the knowledge, a desiring heart for God is the clue of the dedicated mission
work. It is the work of the heart, from God’s heart to a human heart. S Devasagayam Ponraj explains
about Tribals’ religious practices in his book ‘Missionary Anthropology’ that, they are bound to
belief in supernatural beings a s trees, stones, mountains and witch craft, magic, blood sacrifices are
so common among them. 1 Peter 3: 15 says we need to know how to teach what we believe, hope
that the truth will set another person into the freedom of Christ.

Counselling them time to time would enable them to fix their eyes in Jesus Christ when troubles
come in their life. Usually they depend on some spiritual persons in their life for guidance and
advice. Especially in the midst of many isms, faiths and other non-biblical gospels, we should take
care of them rather than allowing them to grow individually. We have to note as Brij Jiwan Lal
Sharma wrote, “The spread of Christianity is not to be judged solely by the number of its converts,
but by the influence it has had on persons who have come into direct touch with its teachings or have

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been influenced by its institutions.”12 S Paul says, “I have become all things to all men that I might
by all means save some”.13 So for the extension of the kingdom of Jesus Christ we are moving and
we are fulfilling his mission plan throughout the world with prayer and Holy Spirit guidance to
achieve His goal.

8. Conclusion

Practical theology should be fully guided by leading of Holy Spirit and our wisdom. The faith
level of missionary is impacting in imparting the new believer into his walk in faith. Rather than
finding a solution for them, it would be better to help them whole heartedly to find a solution not
only through prayer, also providing guidance for scriptural practical solutions to save them from
stumbling, especially during the days of preliminary faith formation. The missionary’s positive
approach with a study in mission anthropology is very essential in a mission to prepare with a proper
understanding and also to formulate an effective action plan in the mission field. Missionary’s true
desire for gospelisation, and faithfulness towards God along with character, integrity, knowledge and
relationships influence mission greatly.

9. Bibliography

Rojer E Hedlund, The Indian church in context, (Delhi : Rev Ashish Amos) 2002

S Devasagayam Ponraj, An Introduction to Missionary Anthropology, (Bihar : Mission

Educational Books) 1993

Denzil R Miller, Mobilizing for Mission (USA : Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication

Data) 1946

John Stott, Issues facing Christians Today (USA: Zondervan) 2006

Benjamin, N. Christian Missionary Activities in Rajputana: Some Social Aspects.jrl (Social

Science Spectrum Vol. 1, No. 1, March 2015,

Joseph. L. Cannon, For missionaries only. (New Zealand: The Last Stop Printing service) 1975

12
Benjamin, N. Christian Missionary Activities in Rajputana: Some Social Aspects.jrl (Social Science Spectrum Vol. 1,
No. 1, March 2015, pp. 55-65)
13
1 Corinthians: 9:22

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