Question

What were two of the things that kept

Assemblies of God missionaries from taking the
gospel to the ends of the earth?
a) A lack of strategy led to neglect of isolated
peoples, and the development of indigenous
churches required all of the energies of
missionaries.
b) Many missionaries died of diseases contracted
overseas, and not many missionaries were
willing to go to primitive areas.
c) U.S. pastors did not speak much from the
pulpit about the missionary call, and many
people left AG churches and returned to nonevangelical
churches.
d) Money for transportation to remote places was
not available, and missionaries found it difficult to
learn the languages of unreached people groups.

Answer 1

Historically, Assemblies of God missionaries were hindered by health risks due to diseases and logistical issues like fundraising for travel and language barriers. Cultural impositions also caused strife within indigenous communities, yet missionary efforts persisted with the aim of spreading Christianity and 'civilization.'

Step-by-step explanation:

Two issues that historically impeded Assemblies of God missionaries from spreading the gospel to the 'ends of the earth' include health challenges and logistical difficulties. Many missionaries faced severe health risks and numerous perished from diseases contracted overseas, which drastically reduced their numbers and effectiveness. Furthermore, travel to remote and 'primitive' areas presented significant challenges. The costs associated with such journeys were often prohibitive, and even when missionaries could reach these destinations, the learning of local languages and customs was a formidable barrier, hindering their abilities to communicate and share their messages effectively.

Imperialist efforts and the civilizing mission associated with missionary work also brought about cultural disruption and imposition of foreign beliefs and practices on indigenous populations. Missionaries demanded the abandonment of practices such as polygamy and ancestor veneration, causing social strife and alienation for converts within their own communities. Despite these challenges and consequences, the missionary work continued, often driven by the belief that spreading Christianity was integrally linked with bringing civilization and modern values to indigenous peoples.