When my recollection of history was a good bit clearer, we could have a discussion about the discussion of ministry where one part talked of the need for minsitry to be embedded within the practical needs of the community. Things such as establishing schools, businesses, hospitals, etc. are seen to go hand-in-hand with the proclamation of the Gospel. The other side of the discussion presents the proclamation of the Gospel as the do-first mandate. Where its more important to declare and convince the community on the perils of living without Jesus, and then letting that be the avenue by which practical and justice needs are met. The discussion of mobile in ministry follows the same lines. And while my perspective of ministry lies more with the former than the latter, I do understand and shift context according to the expressed needs of the moment.

That is probably why this discussion of China’s approach to developing economies on the Africian continent stuck out a bit. The fruit of China’s actions seem to be improving the ability for the majority of Africians, while also granting China the access to the raw materials and people they desire for their activities. Here’s a snippet of that article at the Harvard Business Review:

…And yet, it was the United States that peddled democracy and human rights — a.k.a., broadly speaking, ideology. Faced with the negative fallout of that, Secretary Clinton has recently sought out a more balanced approach, focusing on business (and opportunity) over human rights (and hectoring).

Meanwhile, the Chinese have kept building bridges, railroads, and conference centers. Ironically, it is the Chinese — not the Americans — who can make a compelling case that their focus in Africa has been not on spreading ideology but on the practical business of securing natural resources and creating future customers and trading partners…

Read the rest of How China’s Approach Beats the West’s in Africa at the Hardvard Business Review

The article raises a similar point though for us who pursue mobile ministry (#mobmin). Is the ideology of mobile ministry what you run after? Or, is it the opporunity to improve the practical lifestyle of people through the application of mobile tech (devices, services, or experiences) where your ministry opportunity lies? In both cases, what about mobile ministry remains practical in this age.