Every interaction with another human being is to some degree, is based on relationship, even the lack thereof, and is still a relationship, for it indicates our level of interaction with them. Relationships that are mutually sincere, honest, are meaningful relationships, that creates a relational dynamic, where significant influence and trust can occur. In the mission field, we have a relationship to those whom we serve, but often times it is not a friendship, for the missionaries are seen in a way that gives him some sort of higher status, so the level of intimacy is stifled. Though it may not be the intention of the missionary, the fact that it can occur, causes those being served to feel like charity cases, causing the desire for deep relationships to be left unmet (pg. 26).…show more content… 25). Doing this allowed them to look past the physical conditions of the poor, viewing them instead as humans possessing the Image of God. Seeing them this way evokes us to connect the relationship that Christ wants/haves with us as our friend, and to engage those whom we serve in a similar way, to point to the "life-abundant" relationship that we have in Christ (pg. 13). They put such a strong emphasis in this, because building strong friendships at the beginning creates the type of meaningful relationships that bring forth significant transformation (pg. 28). The challenges to such an intimate approach/goal, is human nature. Often times those living on the margins have been betrayed, hurt, and abandoned in the past, so to overcome such a barrier in the ministry can be hard when wanting to form intimate relationships. Missionaries pursuing this format, put themselves, in a state of vulnerability, in contrast,
