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"I see my role of participating in a mission study travel seminar as means of becoming more informed and subsequently being able to help local members of The United Methodist Church have a more global perspective on missions," reflects Mary Hayenga. Mrs. Hayenga and her husband Cal, who manage Hayenga Farms in Andover, South Dakota, were among 30 participants who traveled to Indonesia January 10 through February 4, 1998 on a tour sponsored by the General Board of Global Ministries. The purpose was to learn more about the culture and history of Indonesia and how to be in greater partnership with Christians there. Participants included clergy and laity from the church and staff of the Board, many of whom will be teaching on Indonesia in the conference Schools of Christian Mission. Sharing her reflections in a letter, Mrs. Hayenga observes: "By encountering Methodists in other cultures personally, we begin to see that the mission program of Global Ministries is not just about giving to others-- but a sharing of gifts. We in the United States have sent funds and personnel to build new churches around the world. As U.S. Christians, we have given the roots of faith and continue to share our resources to enable the faith to spread. The churches we helped start have taken on new life in the Spirit. The fact that they are surviving and growing despite the difficult challenges they face should give us hope. Our partner churches have found new ways to live the faith. And this can give wings to our faith here in the U.S., which sometimes seems unable to soar and inspire our living. Cultural contacts enable us to learn what churches outside the U.S. have that we so desperately need-- hope and wings." |