Asian Missions Advance, 88 – EAST-WEST CENTER

Asian Missions Advance Newsletter

Summer 2025 / 88th

1. Understanding Oral Hermeneutics and Relational Hermeneutics

In 2011, Tom Steffen and William Bjoraker proposed “oral hermeneutics” (The Return of Oral Hermeneutics which is quite different from conventional “textual hermeneutics.” In this paper, the author proposes “relational hermeneutics” which is based on the paradigm of “relational interactionism” that can integrate “textual hermeneutics” and “oral hermeneutics.” A simple comparison of the three hermeneutical approaches to Scriptures (i.e. comparison of textual/oral/relational hermeneutics) will be included before the proposed integration…

2. Reading the Bible with Asian Eyes

[Esther Park]

The term Asianization is more prevalent in mission literature these days. In the 20th century, Asian theologies such as Minjung theology (Korean context), “Indian Christian Theology” (by Robin Boyd), and the more recent “Contextual Ecotheology” (Chung 2016; Hong 2013; Hwang 2007; H.Y. Kim 2017; K. J. Kim 2010; Y. B. Kim 2005; Kwan 2014; Lai 2014; Oh 2016) appeared. However, my intention here is not to engage with the new trend: I reject so much estrangement to a universal interpretation…

3. Why Reach the Students With the Gospel of Jesus? Is this Even Possible Especially in this Generation?

[Jonathan Bacobo]

I agree with the words of our national hero, Dr Jose Rizal, that “the youth are the hope of our nation.” But I will add and continue to say not just any youth, or any young people, but the youth who are transformed by the gospel of Jesus Christ. I believe that when he said “hope of the nation” he meant that they will be the future leaders who can bring positive change to our nation. And you will find these future leaders in the campuses today. But then again, we cannot expect that the education that they are receiving in the schools are already enough for them to make a positive impact…

4. Christian Missions and the Challenge of Cultural Diversity in the 21st Century

[Humphrey Iheukwumere Okereafor and Emmanuel C. Okoroafor]

This paper explores the dynamic relationship between Christian missions and cultural diversity in contemporary contexts. The paper delves into the foundational concept of Christian missions, highlighting its purpose and relevance amidst diverse cultural landscapes. It offers an overview of cultural diversity, emphasizing its complexities and implications for cross-cultural engagement…

5. Analyzing the Self-Presentation of Missionaries on Facebook: A Case Study of the Partner Filipino Missionaries of GCF South Metro

[Patricia Marie D. Nermal]

In the early years of using Facebook, it was simply a social networking site I personally used to upload pictures and videos, hoping it will preserve those for me somewhere in the digital space. But when the Covid-19 pandemic happened in 2020, and the world suddenly stood still because of the imposed quarantine, we lost our physical contacts with people and social networking sites like Facebook became a major resource to stay connected with the rest of the world…

6. COMIBAM 2025 REPORT

[Noemi Troncoso]

Panama, April 2025 — Panama City served as the backdrop for the Fifth Ibero-American Missionary Congress, held from April 22 to 25, which brought together 1,600 pastors, missionaries, religious leaders, and observers from over 25 countries across Ibero-America and other regions of the world…