Keith A....If "fundamental evangelism" is not common in Britain, I can see why you wonder at my concern... I repeat: I do understand that 'good works' are being done by some...or even many, if you prefer, but the following quote illustrates MY point.

from this site

"A missionary in a rural area of Indian writes: "A village worker, doctor, or nurse, must be first and foremost an evangelist. If she has only her professional abilities to offer, she will soon become discouraged and defeated in the face of the apathy, indifference, and ignorance." Evangelism includes service, but it is more than service. The missionary who has been gripped by the thrill of evangelism knows the power of the Gospel to convert and redeem."

This IS a quite common attitude. It IS making the basic point of service to be evangelism, even though 'good' is being done. The group who suggests that even modern Japan 'needs' Christianity doesn't even make much attempt at 'service', assuming I suppose, that being converted IS a good all by itself.

It is not necessary to "give way on the value of christian volunteers" to also understand that the primary value should be on the 'volunteer' aspect, and that far too many use that to promote their religion. The Mennonites I saw in Kansas understood that...would that other groups did!