It's amazing this week has worked as well as it has. Ours is a so-called "big tent" denomination where many theological, philosophical and political perspectives are represented. Gary and Michelle subscribe to "relational evangelism," where missionaries represent the presence of the church by their concern for other people. In largely atheistic countries like the formerly Communist Czech, this approach is especially effective.
However, several members of the Bible school team prefer direct evangelism. They corner Czechs on the street, telling them about Jesus, pass out tracts on public transit, and in general attempt to "save" every person in this country on a one week mission trip. Those who've worked here the longest say the strategy alienates the people we're here to help.
Admittedly, I am the other extreme. All I do is teach English. I never speak about faith unless asked directly.
Our team avoids talking politics. A very good thing. It's clear we're all over the map in that area.
Somehow, it works. What team leader Amelia Brown calls "A God thing."
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