Christian ministry in this Post-Truth society 

by Jonny Chun/ Executive Secreatry of Tentmakers Internatiinal

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   We Christians workers sometimes fall into confusion when we work with the people

who live by the standard of Post-Truth Concept because we Christians have believed,

lived, and pursued the truth for a long time. But unexpectedly, a very unusual

culture called “Post-Truth” came into our society. And it began to destroy people’s

hearts and sound values as well as our biblical teachings.

   What is post-truth?
   Post-truth is defined as “relating to circumstances in which objective facts are less influential in shaping public opinion than appeals to emotion and personal belief.” A few years ago, Davos Forum also dealt with “Post-truth as an agenda of the World Economic Forum. The forum saw “misinformation caused by post-truth” as a global risk.

   What is the problem with post-truth?
   In this post-truth society, factually misleading stories are everywhere. The “factually misleading narratives” may be lies and tall tales; false, fake, or distorted news stories; or populist or conspiracy us-versus-them narratives with cherry-picking or strong framing of facts to support the narratives.

   When facts are replaced by false, fake news or lies, people lose their authority as the basis for discussion, debate, and decision. At the same time, people easily tell lies and doubt one another. In this post-factual democracy, respect for and acknowledgment of the real in many ways has disappeared. This is the world where we live and work today and we Christian workers should serve and correct people telling the truth in this hostile environment.

   How can we Christian workers communicate with and persuade the people who live in this culture of Post-truth? We can’t give a clear-cut solution to the problem. But I believe Christian qualities such as integrity, honesty, and consistency can be the keys and strategies when we meet and communicate with people around us. I believe only Christians can transform this misleading, distorted value and society.

   John Maxwell said, “Integrity is not a given factor in everyone's life. It is a result of one’s faith, self-discipline, inner trust, and decision to be honest.” For successful Christian ministries, we Christian workers are to be equipped with more qualities to serve in this unusual and distorted world.

“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” (Galatians 6:9-NIV)

What’s in Your Hand?

by Ari Rocklin from Tentmaking Today

Moses, what is that in your hand? It’s just a stick!

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   I am always blessed to hear stories of tentmakers in hard places who seize upon what is already there to

improve the lives of those around them. So many stories.

STORY NUMBER 1

PROBLEM: We don’t have houses.
QUESTION: What do you have?
ANSWER: We have dirt, sand and plastic bottles everywhere…
SOLUTION: Let’s build you a house.

STORY NUMBER 2

 
   A retired construction engineer went to visit a missionary working among a transient tribe far in the jungle. While visiting local people in their mud huts he saw soot on the walls, on the faces of the kids and an open fire inside where all the cooking was being done. This caused lung problems as well. Cooking could not be done outside as the rains would put out the fire.

   He decided to see what was available and during a short hike found a riverbank with blue clay deposits.

   He built a clay oven outside one of the huts. He made the top hole to match the pot which meant the fire would not get rained on. He built a simple chimney to keep the smoke away from the cook.

PROBLEM: We have to cook inside, smoke gets everywhere.
QUESTION: What do you have?
ANSWER: Lots of wood and clay by the river
SOLUTION: Build an outdoor oven out of clay, keep the smoke out of the hut, burn less wood. Teach people

how to make their own stove.

STORY NUMBER 3

   A missionary serving in a hot sunny climate did not have access to hot water for washing. A visiting problem solver immediately walked to the nearest village and bought 100 meters of black coiled hose, put it up on the flat roof, routed the water through the hose and back into the room below.

PROBLEM: No hot water for washing dishes, clothes or showers
QUESTION: What is available?
ANSWER: Lots of hoses for irrigation.
SOLUTION: Put a hose on the roof and let the sun heat the water.

THE TAKE AWAY

    When you see a problem, don’t just ignore it, pray and see if there is a way you can solve it for the glory of

God’s Kingdom. Earn the right to be heard by providing something tangible to the community God has placed you

in.