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frequently asked questions
Below are common questions that we get asked. If you do not find what you are looking for please contact us.
What is the purpose of HSI?
What does "indigenous" mean to HSI?
How does the ministry of HSI impact a community or region?
How do recordings get distributed?
Where does HSI work?
How long do projects take?
How does HSI determine which projects to undertake?
How can HSI help us?
What are the costs involved in an HSI project?
How is HSI funded?
How can I give to HSI?
What's an "ethnomusicologist"?
What's an "Ethnodoxologist"?
How can I obtain HSI produced audio and video recordings?
How many people are on a HSI project team?
How long will I be away from home on a typical HSI trip?
I can't be away from home for 10-14 days. How can I help HSI?
I have little or no technical experience. How can I be involved?
What do I need to do to get involved with HSI?
Can HSI help with my studies?
“What is the purpose of HSI?”
HSI exists to help ignite biblically appropriate and culturally relevant heart worship in places where Christ-followers are restricted, persecuted or unknown.
“What does "indigenous" mean to HSI?”
HSI refers to "indigenous" as all that originates in or is native to a country or region.
“How does the ministry of HSI impact a community or region?”
Research shows that emerging churches experience more rapid growth when they have songs in their heart language and music, thereby encouraging worship. HSI exists to facilitate and encourage this process.
“How do recordings get distributed?”
The recordings are most often duplicated and distributed by the national believers with whom we partner.
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“Where does HSI work?”
HSI teams work predominantly in the non-western world, particularly in Asia, Africa and the Middle East.
“How long do projects take?”
The preparation stage for each project can take up to several months depending on the project request. Typically a team will spend about 10-14 days away from home. Post production of projects is done by HSI team members and may take up to several months, depending on the project.
“How does HSI determine which projects to undertake?”
For HSI to consider involvement in a recording or video project certain criteria will be met. Essentially a partnership must develop and exist between HSI and the people we will help. The place or people group needs to be non-western and in a place where the Gospel needs to be lovingly shared.
“How can HSI help us?”
If you haven't already, please read the "About Us" section where this is explained.
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“What are the costs involved in an HSI project?”
Costs vary from project to project. Typically team members are expected to contribute towards the cost of their participation on an HSI team. As much as possible HSI also raises funds for each project. The host, if possible, provides meals, accommodation and local transport.
“How is HSI funded?”
HSI is funded through financial and / or equipment gifts from people, churches and charitable organizations.
“How can I give to HSI?”
Click here to find out how to give to HSI.
“What's an "ethnomusicologist"?””
An ethnomusicologist is a person who is involved in ethnomusicology: the scientific study of music and culture. Ethnomusicologists are part of HSI projects, especially those that involve song writing events or training ethnomusicology interns.
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“What's an "Ethnodoxologist"?”
An ethnodoxologist is a person who focuses on the way people groups worship the living God. HSI works closely with a global coalition of Ethnodoxologists. Relating faith to culture is crucial when dealing with contextualized issues of worship.
“How can I obtain HSI produced audio and video recordings?”
Please visit the media store to preview samples and place orders.
“How many people are on a HSI project team?”
Typically, anywhere from two to six people may be on an overseas project team, depending on the type of project.
“How long will I be away from home on a typical HSI trip?”
Typically HSI project teams are away from home for 10-14 days.
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“I can't be away from home for 10-14 days. How can I help HSI?”
HSI needs audio and video recording engineers to help in the post-production of our projects. We also need ongoing prayer and other help. Please see the Get Involved section.
“I have little or no technical experience. How can I be involved?”
HSI needs both technical and non-technical people. The Get Involved section has more information or Contact Us to see how you can help.
“What do I need to do to get involved with HSI?”
There is an application process to follow in order to be involved with projects. Please review the Get Involved section, which has more details and the application details.
“Can HSI help with my studies?””
Yes. If your course of study requires you to complete field work and / or an internship of some description, it may be possible for you to do that with HSI. Please Contact Us to explore the possibility.
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