The Opportunity
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Long-term Native issues will need to be addressed by healthy, vision-centered indigenous people who can lead and problem-solve in their own communities. College educated Native men and women, who have been mentored and discipled with a whole-life discipleship, are perfectly positioned to do exactly this.
The college years are years these students are able to step away from the web of often life-crushing dynamics in their communities. For most it won’t happen any other way. During these years they are uniquely able to re-think, re-shape, and institute
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Some will move out into the mainstream western world offering their unique gifts and perspectives; others will go back to their Native communities and villages equipped to truly make a difference where so few have been able to from the outside. Wherever they go, they will be able to share that Jesus is good news for all people. |
In InterVarsity we are learning how to "contextualize" the Gospel so that Native Americans can receive it as GOOD NEWS.
Through Contextualized Worship
We worship with Native American drums, as well as with guitars. We sing songs in Navajo, Wyandotte, Kiowa, and other languages. We worship outside, on the tops of mountains, prophetically declaring God's love and healing power for all His people.
Through Contextualized Prayer
We incorporate Native American prayer practices, like smudging and mountain smoke, into our prayer meetings.
We pray in Native languages and styles.
Through Contextualized Bible Study
We are currently experimenting with Native American storytelling styles as we study Scripture, pursuing culturally-sensitive group dynamics, and promoting Native ways of knowing, understanding and applying sacred knowledge to our lives. We often use a brand-new "First Nations Version" of scripture, translated by and for indigenous peoples.
Through Contextualized Worship
We worship with Native American drums, as well as with guitars. We sing songs in Navajo, Wyandotte, Kiowa, and other languages. We worship outside, on the tops of mountains, prophetically declaring God's love and healing power for all His people.
Through Contextualized Prayer
We incorporate Native American prayer practices, like smudging and mountain smoke, into our prayer meetings.
We pray in Native languages and styles.
Through Contextualized Bible Study
We are currently experimenting with Native American storytelling styles as we study Scripture, pursuing culturally-sensitive group dynamics, and promoting Native ways of knowing, understanding and applying sacred knowledge to our lives. We often use a brand-new "First Nations Version" of scripture, translated by and for indigenous peoples.
