One of the top questions we are asked is, "Why do we need missionaries among the Mapuche, if the Chileans are already reached with the Gospel? Can't the Chileans take the Gospel to the Mapuche?" Following are 11 reasons why missionaries are still needed among the Mapuche.
- Trust: The Mapuche do not trust the Chileans due to historical oppression
- Discrimination: Within Chile there still is a high level of discrimination towards the Mapuche
- Culture: Foreign missionaries are better equipped to study Mapuche culture
- Contextualized: Chileans do not see a need to contextualize the gospel to their neighbors, the Mapuche.
- Discipleship: Both the Mapuche and Chileans focus more on conversion than discipleship.
- Service: The Mapuche trust foreign missionary because historically they show compassion, service and patience.
- Risk: Neither the Mapuche or Chileans are risk-takers. The missionary acts as a catalyst to change.
- Resources: Foreign missionaries have more resources and access to resources.
- Authority: Foreign missionaries are given a position of authority to promote change
- Full-Time: Most workers to the Mapuche are bi-vocational. The missionary can devote full-time service.
- Outreach: The Mapuche and Chileans, both need to be encouraged towards a vision for outreach and church planting.
