The police did not renew her residence visa, accusing her of trying to spread religion in her classes.

These are just two cases of foreign believers regarded by the authorities, in one "restricted access" country, as being "under-cover" religious workers. From the point of view of the host country, these "tentmakers" were seen as being dishonest. For a country that does not allow Christian missionaries (for religious or political reasons), is this not perfectly understandable?

Some have defined a tentmaker as "a missionary in cross-cultural ministry who has been called by God, prepared for service and who has a secular identity in the land in which he or she serve." Some even use the term "tentmaker missionary" - clearly linking the two. It is not surprising that the authorities in some Islamic countries are on their guard against so-called tentmakers. In China too the authorities regard such people as "undercover agents" trying to use their profession as a smoke screen for secretive religious work.

Even if one uses a more neutral term such as "Christian professional" (as opposed to the term tentmaker), could it not be argued that those who have a hidden religious agenda, while serving as professionals in a given field of expertise, are being dishonest? Are not honesty and integrity essential parts of our Christian life and witness? I believe they are.

Those who go overseas to serve in their profession should see their job as the legitimate vehicle for their life and service and not as the excuse for it. They should see their job and their not as two separate concerns but as part of an integrated whole. They should be committed to their profession and through it demonstrate their commitment to Christ. Biblically speaking they are "called" and "sent" (as is the missionary) but hopefully they can be unashamed knowing that they fill a legitimate role among those who they serve. Of course, they need great wisdom and sensitivity in an often hostile environment.

In professions such as teaching, social work and medicine there are many opportunities in the everyday work place to show the love and Christ and sometimes to speak of him too. In many restricted access countries it is not illegal to be a Christina, and the foreign expert is often able to share his or her faith in a natural and low-key way. Proselytizing is illegal but friendship is not.

Foreign believers working with agencies providing emergency relief and implementing development programs can not only bring practical help to hose in great physical need but can, without strings attached, offer much more. Hearts are touched, lives changed.

Thomas Hale, a medical doctors who worked in Nepal, write:
 

"Some may ask why we have come to Nepal if not to 'proselytize'.... Our reason for coming, besides the fact that God has called us here, is to communicate the love of God to the Nepali people through our service and through our lives. There is no pressure, no enticement, no ulterior motive, not effort to undermine the many wonderful aspects of their own culture, which we not only admire but from which we have learned and profited."
 

I began by mentioning two "tentmakers" asked to leave their host country. One of them has since been welcomed back. Many others have, over years of dedicated service, built up a solid reputation for excellence. Some have even been given official recognition by the government.

Far from being hindered by the responsibilities or sensitivities of their position, wise and skilled tentmakers often have strategic opportunities to make a contribution to God's kingdom. Those, however, who come with less than sincere motives and with a hidden agenda may find their welcome short-lived, with little impact made for Jesus.

- Peter Anderson is the international director of the Jian Hua Foundation in Hong Kong, China.