CROSS CULTURAL EVANGELISM: THE YALA PEOPLE OF SOUTHEASTERN NIGERIA (A DESIGN FOR OUTREACH)

In the late 1950's the Evangelical Lutheran Mission began work in four ethnic groups in southeastern Nigeria. This study focuses on one of the four groups--the Yala people--and suggests a strategy for the evangelization of this people group. In developing the strategy for evangelism the relationship between Yala culture and evangelism is carefully examined.;Part Two--The Lutheran Church of Nigeria includes, in the form of a case study, a description of the LCN. A description of the work of the LCN in its Ogoja District, and a brief description of the early work among the Yala people is provided as well.;Part Three--Yala Cultural Themes, examines Yala culture in light of three cultural themes: Supernaturalism, the Need for Orderliness and Group Identity. The felt needs which these themes reflect form a basic component for the strategy suggested in Part Four.;Part Four--Strategy for Evangelism, examines the relationship between the felt needs of the Yala people and a strategy for evangelism (Chapter X). Chapter XI describes the basic steps that must be taken if the goals included in this strategy are to be attained. It also indicates what will be required in the way of resources if this strategy is followed.;Part One--Perspective, provides a brief description of the methodology, terms and concepts used throughout this study. This section also includes a description of the Yala people as well.;Chapter XII--the Concluding Chapter--focuses on the Ogoja District and suggests some steps that should be taken if the growth trend that has been established is to continue. Suggestions for growth in the other districts of the Lutheran Church of Nigeria are included in this final chapter as well.