Networking
    - People-Specific Resource Network

Model: The Highlander People

Abridged from a report by John Hanna, Spring 1997.
(The people name has been changed.)

Report<> on the Third Consultation for the Highlander People
• About 30 attended, representing 13 organizations based in a variety of places.
• The meeting began with prayer, a welcome and an overview of the purpose of the gathering, namely synergy and eliminating competition between various groups. Security guidelines were also examined.
• Prior consultations were reviewed.  In 1995, theygreed on the need for research, workers, Bible translation, and  newsletter. In 1996, they talked about the purpose statement, adopted security guidelines, discussed the release of the Gospel of John, funding of Scriptures, need for research and interaction with the Caleb Project, video projects, educational needs of MKs, and a proposed meeting of the Highlander people believers.
• The representative from Interdev defined "partnership" as collaboration and not comity.  It is a sharing of resources and compensating for strengths and weaknesses. Partnership recognizes that differences exist.  In areas where one ministry has a specialty it should take the lead (Wycliffe Bible Translators could take the lead in translation).
• The need for partnership isn't a need unto itself, there must be a common purpose.  It is easier to function when the group is homogenous, but the results are better when the national culture is represented.
• This discussion was followed by an update on Scripture translation.
• There will be 70,000 copies printed of a children's book in the Highlander language with illustrations. A century-old translation of Psalms has been updated.
• A discussion followed of what is currently happening among the Highlander people.
• The video project is moving ahead. They will do two videos; one to raise awareness and prayer support, and the second as an evangelistic video.

 
• Discussion then turned to the possibility of research teams who could assist in researching the Highlander people culture and world view.
• The focus then turned to church planting with a ten step model including 1) commissioning, 2) audience contacted, 3) the Gospel communicated, 4) hearers converted, 5) believers congregated, 6) faith confirmed, 7) leadership consecrated, 8) believers commended, 9) relationship continued, and 10) the church becomes a sending church. The Highlander people situation includes existing churches, so it was agreed that a servant attitude is required.
• Next was a focus on the Highlander people and Flatlander people gatherings which will be held later this year. The group hopes to gather leaders and potential leaders.  The facilitating team are looking for people (especially nationals) who could lead workshops on music, camping ministry, worship styles, or other different kinds of outreach.
• Then the group discussed perceived obstacles to the Highlander people church planting. The results in order of highest concern:
• Lack of Scriptures/other materials, need to mobilize prayer and resources, cultural identity with the religion, lack of knowledge of how to reach them, lack of trained leadership, lack of vision/perceived need, lack of models for the Highlander people churches, ignorance of God, history of Christianity, time required for survival, suspicion and lack of relationships.
• There was talk of church advocacy and newsletters, with those working outside looking to the people on the field to help give direction of how they can effectively support the work.
• Interaction also focused on the inclusion of nationals in future consultations.


• It was agreed that the meeting in September, which may be the first time that many of these pastors get together,  could be a springboard for identifying potential consultation attendees.  It was cautioned that too rigid action plans are a Western invention and could threaten a national. Sensitivity must be kept in mind. The Western concept of accountability may be a different expression than what is appropriate in a different culture.
• The purpose of the larger area partnership meeting was reviewed. There are also regional working groups such as e-mail and communication working groups, literature facilitating groups, radio working groups, plus people who are also already functioning in partnership relationships on the field.
• The meeting concluded with prayer.

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