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“우리는 먼저 행동하지 않습니다. 먼저 듣습니다.”
예수님처럼 그들의 필요에 깊이 공감하며,
긍휼한 마음으로 그들의 속도에 맞추어 함께 걸어갑니다.
“과거를 직시하고 현재를 이해할 때, 비로소 진정한 회복이 시작됩니다.”
원주민 커뮤니티와 직접 소통하며
그들이 진정으로 필요로 하는 것을 이해하고,
일방적인 도움이 아닌 함께하는 해결책을 만들어갑니다.
“진정한 변화는 누군가를 바꾸는 것이 아니라, 서로를 이해하는 데서 시작됩니다.”
작은 이해는 깊은 공감을 낳고, 공감은 행동을 이끌며, 그 행동이 모여 지속 가능한 변화를 만듭니다.
온타리오 전역에서 원주민 문화를 경험하는 방법
온타리오라고 알려진 땅은 오랜 옛날부터 이 땅에서 살아오며 보살펴 온 많은 원주민들의 고향입니다.
이야기, 춤, 예술을 통해 자연과 교감하는 진정한 원주민 체험에 푹 빠져보세요.
전통과 현대 요리를 맛보거나 혁신적인 방법으로 새로운 기술을 배워보세요.
이 땅의 유산에 깊이 뿌리내린 풍부한 전통과 문화에 대해 알아보세요.
https://www.destinationontario.com/ko-kr/articles/ways-experience-indigenous-culture-across-ontario
Rev. Hyuk-Joon Cho, Author of Canadian Indigenous Mission
Canadian Indigenous mission work has a history spanning more than 400 years. Although Indigenous ministry through Korean churches in Canada has been carried out for nearly 30 years, the lives of Indigenous peoples and the progress of evangelization have, in some respects, declined rather than advanced.
Recognizing this reality, Rev. Hyuk-Joon Cho critically examined the history of Indigenous missions and sought to present more effective mission strategies. As a result, he wrote the book Canadian Indigenous Mission to serve as a guide for churches and missionaries currently engaged in, or preparing for, Indigenous ministry in Canada.
“The Indigenous church I was called to serve was founded in the 1960s by local Indigenous believers themselves. As I listened to church members share its history, I learned that from the 1960s through the 1980s there had been a remarkable revival. During that period, not only was the Nanaimo Indigenous Church flourishing, but many churches were planted throughout Vancouver Island, and hundreds of Indigenous people were baptized at the same time.
However, despite this history of revival, most of the churches established during that era have since closed their doors or disappeared to the point that their traces can hardly be found. The church I currently serve, along with nearly every Indigenous church I know of, now finds itself in a situation where only a handful of people attend services.
As I witnessed this reality, I began asking myself, ‘Why did this happen? Why were Indigenous churches unable to sustain the revival and continue growing?’ These questions led me to study the history of Indigenous missions in Canada. Through that process, I came to realize that repeated failures occurred because the more than 400-year history of Indigenous missions had never been properly examined and understood.
Furthermore, I observed Korean missionaries continuing to experience the same trials, mistakes, and failures today. Seeing this convinced me that a practical guide for Indigenous missions was needed—one that could help solve these problems and support more effective and fruitful ministry.
After years of effort, Canadian Indigenous Mission: Victims of a Distorted Gospel was finally published. I confess that this work was made possible only by God's grace at every step of the journey, and I give all glory to Him.”
Source:
Christian Daily Korea article on Rev. Hyuk-Joon Cho's book
CLC Book introduction to Canadian Indigenous Mission
Pastor Ahn Maeng-ho
Pastor Ahn Maeng-ho, who has devoted over 20 years to Native American missions in North America, served as a guest speaker.
He shared the background and current situation of Native American missions, as well as the proper attitude local churches should have toward missions.
He also explained why Korean churches play an important role in Native American missions.
In the first session of the seminar, Pastor Ahn began his lecture with the topic:
“How should we carry out missions in today’s anti-Christian climate?”
He emphasized that mission work should:
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shift perspective to a “you-centered” approach,
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demonstrate humility, and
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follow a passive, listening posture.
In particular, he stated,
“Mission is not about us changing something, but about God Himself carrying out His mission.”
He added,
“When our perspective changes, we begin to see the direction of God’s kingdom and His mission.”
He also introduced the mindset and culture of Native Americans, explaining that
when we abandon a “we are right” attitude and approach them with a Native-centered, receptive posture,
we can gain empathy and build trust in mission work.
Pastor Ahn graduated from Yonsei University (Business Administration) and Presbyterian Theological Seminary.
After serving in rural church ministry and pastoring in the United States (including as senior pastor of World Mission Church in Los Angeles),
he was sent in May 1998 by the Korean General Assembly as a missionary to Native Americans.
He continues his ministry in the Paha Sapa region of South Dakota and has gained recognition from Native communities.
The church he serves is affiliated with the Dakota Presbytery of the Presbyterian Church in the United States.
He is also currently teaching about Native American missions at a theological seminary in the U.S.
— Reporter Kelly Yoon
Wise Methods of Mission (Lessons from Negotiation)
1. Prologue: Empathy Opens Doors That Logic Cannot
In business, we often believe that credentials, titles, and perfect logic will persuade others.
However, in decisive moments, the key that opens doors is not perfection but similarity.
People open their hearts not to elites, but to those who speak their language.
The movie Erin Brockovich shows how a single mother with no legal background defeated a large corporation using a powerful tool:
identification (a sense of shared experience).
2. Erin Brockovich: Opening Doors Through Identification
In the town of Hinkley, where well-dressed lawyers were repeatedly turned away,
Erin arrived holding her child and met Donna, a victim of toxic contamination.
Instead of legal jargon, Erin shared her life:
“I’m not a lawyer. I’m a single mom with three kids, and my bank account is empty.
So I understand your frustration and pain better than anyone.”
Her sincere honesty broke down Donna’s defenses,
and she willingly handed over critical medical records that dozens of lawyers had failed to obtain.
It was not expertise, but genuine empathy that made the difference.
3. The Paradox of Expertise: Beyond Logic, Toward Emotional Connection
Psychologically, people naturally trust those they perceive as similar to themselves (in-group).
Erin did not present herself as an expert.
Instead, she framed herself as a fellow victim and parent, eliminating resistance.
In contrast, many professionals fall into the “paradox of expertise,”
failing to communicate effectively due to excessive jargon.
Logic can make people understand,
but empathy moves people to act.
True influence comes when people feel that their situation is genuinely understood.
4. Practical Guide for Authentic Communication
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Start with common ground
Find at least three shared points (background, hobbies, parenting, etc.).
A simple phrase like “I’ve faced the same struggle” can build more trust than a long proposal. -
Use the listener’s language
Keep expertise in your mind, but speak in simple terms.
Complex words create barriers, not authority. -
Show appropriate vulnerability
Statements like “I found this part difficult too” reduce defensiveness
and invite cooperation. -
Mirror emotions
Before responding logically, acknowledge feelings:
“That must have been very frustrating for you.”
When emotions are validated, people become open to listening.
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