What do you mean "Indigenous?"

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Greetings from Malawi!
I want to share with our readers the wonderful news of one indigenous congregation. What do we mean by indigenous? In the botanical realm, we understand that a banana tree grows well in a tropical climate and can produce fruit. We thus speak of certain plants being indigenous to a particular region. In his fine booklet on “Practical Principles of World Evangelism” brother Rod Rutherford explains how the term can be applied to local congregations. He highlights that an indigenous congregation must be self-supporting, self-governing, and self-propagating (pp. 91, 92).

On Sunday we worshiped with the congregation in Bunda. This congregation is not supported financially by outside funds. Over the past about 4 years they have labored together to have their own meeting place. They have worked patiently and steadily toward this goal. They added to the construction in segments, as their own contributions would allow - brick walls, roofing timbers, roofing, etc. Part of the work was hired out, part was their own manual labor. After our worship, the announcements included word that they would go to the river this week for sand and they would mix that with cement to cover the floor of the building. They are proud of their progress, and well they should be.

It is my dream to see more African congregations follow this same pattern. Unfortunately, many well-intentioned and generous American brethren, want to fund all kinds of building projects in Africa, not realizing that most often the result is long term dependence rather than help toward independence. Often missionary assistance is in the form of funds for physical projects. The immediate “results” are evident and celebrated by all, but the long term result is not often reported. Nearby congregations without a building, will clamor for one to be provided. They will often wait idle for such to be done for them. Preachers will pander to the missionary in hopes of making a connection for foreign support. And the list could go on and on.

It is Biblical, practical, attainable, and indigenous, to assist African congregations without creating a dependence on foreign support. We read of the very poor brethren of Philippi (Acts 16:12; 2 Cor. 8:1-3) supporting the labors of the greatest missionary of all time (Phil. 4:15, 16). Here a physically poor congregation was financially supporting the missionary. We often turn this around, and have the missionary financially supporting the poor congregations. The real need then, remains the real need today in missions. Men who will continue “steadfastly in prayer, and in the ministry of the word” (Acts 6:4). We have no apostles today, but the Macedonian call still cries out for missionaries who, like Paul, will remain focused upon teaching the word.

I firmly believe that my brethren on this continent can support their own evangelists (Gal. 6:6; 1 Cor. 9:14), and conduct their own outreach (1 Thess. 1:8). I have seen they can also construct their own church buildings. I have not seen such a spirit of cooperation and proper pride when a building has been provided outright by foreign support.

At Bunda, Jacob taught the Bible class, and I preached during the worship time. Paul and Dorothy are one of the couples in this local family of God. Brother Paul translated our English into the native Chichewa language. Following services, they invited us into their home, where we enjoyed a wonderful meal.

God be thanked that Ed and Lina are working tirelessly, to teach the brethren here in Malawi. They have years of missionary experience. They have witnessed firsthand various methods in missions. They are avid workers for indigenous churches. In America it has become the norm rather than the exception to have a two income home. Most who have tried to make the switch back to one income will attest to the difficulty it presents. Similarly, a congregation which begins with two incomes (local and foreign) has a hard time ever making the switch.

I am so proud to witness our son Jacob teaching with us in Africa. I am so thankful for those who support us to teach and preach the saving message of Christ. I am so thankful to my lovely help-meet Joy, for her work with blogs and reports. I am supremely thankful to God, who has allowed me to labor as a full-time evangelist now for over twenty years.

In Christ’s service,
George

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Photos

Mbuyu tree
Isaac is about 6 feet tall

Comments

[kup]

You got it exactly right brother, exactly right. God bless you. just ken

[Donevy]

?
Dear George, Joy, and Family, Would like to comment just to give you encouragement. We always eagerly watch for your posts. You are in our thoughts and prayers. Westphals

[Don Rake]

Kensington Woods church of Christ
Dear Brother; What a wonderful article. I hope you know, that you have helped this shepherd, understand successful missionary work in a very biblical and Christian way. Your current experience adds practical support to the Rutherford information. Thank you for sharing this experience and may God Bless You, Joy andyour children in all that you do for his Kingdom. Your brother, Don

[Steve Holcomb]

Greetings!
Hello George! Great article. I know that is an encouragement to your family and others. Our family really appreciates what you and your family are doing for the cause of Christ there. Keep up the great work and may God bless each of you and the ones you teach. The Holcomb Family