https://doi.org/10.1177/0091829618764860 Missiology: An International Review 1–17 © The Author(s) 2018 Reprints and permissions: sagepub.co.uk/journalsPermissions.nav DOI: 10.1177/0091829618764860 journals.sagepub.com/home/mis Resource use as hindrance to sustainable overseas development intervention: A view focused on Pentecostal Christianity Jim Harries Global University, USA Abstract The use of outside resources (and global languages) seriously curtails the ability of intervening agents at engaging with non-western societies at an ontological depth. As a result the unhealthy, socially destructive, presuppositional level of people’s lives may not be challenged. Intervention in the lives of the poor using outside resources can obscure the need to engage with people at ontological depth. A case study illustrates how engagement without resources can challenge deep presuppositions associated with poverty. Deep theological engagement with preexisting ontologies from a position of understanding is advocated as the means to premeditated sustainability. Keywords theology, mission, development, Africa, poverty, language, resources He told them: “Take nothing for the journey—no staff, no bag, no bread, no money, no extra shirt.” —(Luke 9:3) Jesus’ response when he discovered that people were wanting to follow him because they perceived that he had resources was to withdraw alone to a mountain. —(John 6:15) Corresponding author: Jim Harries, Global University, 1211 S. Glenstone Avenue, Springfield, MO 65804, USA Email: jimoharries@gmail.com 764860MIS 0 0 10.1177/0091829618764860MissiologyHarries research-article 2018 Article