Developing an appropriate contextualization method of doing mission among the Ozuzu and Isu communities in Etche, Nigeria

Abstract

The cultural practices of ituanya in Isu and the worship of the god Amadi Oha in Ozuzu in the Mba Asa community in Etche have affected the mission growth in this area since 1928 when the Advent message came to Etche. These beliefs and ancestral heritage practices have resulted in a tremendous setback, despite several evangelistic efforts and methods adopted by the Adventist Church. The areas of Ozuzu and Isu remain behind compared with other communities in Etche because the people place much emphasis on sacrifices, the worship of gods, and initiation. Ozuzu and Isu consider their practices and worship instead of the supreme God as a protective defense for them. The purpose of this study is to address this situation by developing an appropriate contextualization approach to use in the communities based on the

participants’ perception and the literature review. Thus, the aim is to develop a strategic method of doing effective missions in these communities. The findings suggest that an appropriate contextualization strategy can help lead these people to Christ, place Him in the center of their lives, and lead them to have an intimate relationship with Him. Christ is sympathetic to their conditions and problems. He sought to transform humanity, understand humanity, and attend to their needs. He showed love and faith and healed both the physical and spiritual needs of His hearers. Ellen G. White advocates that Christ’s method of contextualization is a useful strategy to reach people where they are. She further explains that humans differ in their ways and men and women must be wise to win them to Christ. The interest of the communities must be the priority of the church by providing services through community outreach. These communities’ interests can be better accomplished by the church when outreach is combined with medical missionary approach, welfare services, and church building strategies before the church embarks on public evangelism. This approach will be sustained through small group formations and follow-up nurturing to retain the new converts.