What happens when an expatriate missionary is thrust into a context where the standard of living is so divergent that perceived or actual wealth suddenly becomes the strongest draw of attraction? What actual message is communicated through the wordless witness of the Western Christian missionary lifestyle? Is attention to so-called good news now so financially focused that other foundational issues become overshadowed? This issue becomes even more complicated when the missionary arrives clueless about personal privilege, ignorant of the envy of others, and carries the mistaken attitude that others think similarly. SEANET proudly presents Complexities of Money and Missions in Asia for all who are asking such questions. From seven different indigenous and expatriate perspectives this volume deals with the perceptions of money specifically from those seeking to serve obediently in the Buddhist contexts of Asia.

SEANET serves as a networking forum wherein groups and individuals can meet to reflect and strategize together on topics particular to their collective mission. SEANET does not promote one particular strategy or one particular theology but seeks to learn from models of hope that show what God is doing around the world. Each year the annual SEANET conference brings together over one hundred and fifty practitioners who are privileged to live and serve throughout the Buddhist world. The chapters of this volume represent seven of those voices from the network.

Contents:

1. Buddhist Perceptions of the Christian Use of Funds in Sri Lanka – G. P. V. Somaratna 
2. Personal Reflections on Financial Responsibility of Missionaries and Indigenous Churches – Alex G. Smith 
3. Money and Missionary Lifestyle in the Buddhist World – Andrew Thomas 
4. Possessions, Positions, and Power: Material Asymmetries and the Missionary Call  – Jonathan J. Bonk 
5. Partnerships, Money, and Dialogue in Buddhist Contexts – Mary T. Lederleitner 
6. Speaking of the Unspeakable: Money and Missions in Patron-client Buddhist Cultures  – Paul H. De Neui 
7. Effective Partnerships for Church-Multiplication and Insider Movements – David S. Lim

The Editor Paul H. De Neui holds a PhD in intercultural studies. He has spent nineteen years enabling indigenous organizations to facilitate holistic and culturally relevant ministries that direct people to Christ within the context of a Buddhist country in Southeast Asia. He is the professor of intercultural studies and director of the Center for World Christian Studies at North Park Theological Seminary in Chicago, IL.