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| Author: |
Brewster, E. T.
Brewster, E. S.
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| Title: |
Bonding and the missionary task: Establishing a sense of belonging. |
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Helping missionaries grow: Readings in mental health and missions (pp. 308-322). |
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| Editor: |
K. S. O'Donnell & M. L. O'Donnell (Eds.), |
| Pub.
Data: |
Pasadena, CA: William Carey Library.
1988 |
| Pub.
Type: |
Chapter
15
pages |
| Summary: |
This is an article recommending that new missionaries not begin with established missionaries on the field, but by living with a family and becoming "insiders" by learning the language and culture that way. There seems to be an early critical period for becoming a part of the culture, and if one spends those first few weeks or months with other missionaries, he or she never becomes part of the culture, but engages in "forays" out of the enclave. Same as in R. Winter and S. Hawthorne (Eds.) (1981). Perspectives on the World Christian Movement: A Reader, (452-464) Pasadena, CA: William Carey. |
| Gems: |
The missionary whose first priority is to get settled can only settle in his familiar Western way, and once this is done he is virtually locked into a patter that is foreign to the local people.
When his entry is "cushioned" by other expatriates, this cushioning is an unfortunate disservice. The individual who hopes to enter another culture in a gradual way will probably fail to do so, and he many never enjoy the experience of belonging to the people or having them care for him.
Of course, this is not without risk. There is not other time with so much stress and danger.
Happiness is belonging, not belongings. This sense of belonging to one's belongings is a bonding of the worst kind--bondage. The bonded missionary is invariable viewed with suspicion by his non-bonded colleagues.
Language acquisition is essentially a social activity, not an academic one.
Pioneer missionaries on most fields may have established belonging relationships with the people, but too often those who came after them have not followed their example, so there are no models for new missionary. |
| Outline: |
The Missionary Analogy
Implications of Bonding for the Missionary Task
Belated Bonding
The Dilemma of the Bonded Missionary
Rejection
Jealousy
Guilt
Fear |
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