tips and insights
We all start our journey with our own pair of American glasses; things that base our own culture and persona. Remember when viewing other cultures to take off your glasses and try to look through others.
Some years ago at a language and culture learning workshop in East Africa, a missionary asked me if I knew anything about elephants. When I replied that I did not, she asked more specifically if I knew what happens when a herd of elephants approaches a water hole that is surrounded by another herd. I replied that I did not know what would happen. She then proceeded to explain that the lead elephant of the second group turns around and backs down toward the water hole. As soon as his backside is felt by two of the elephants gathered around the water hole, they step aside and make room for him. This is then the signal to the other elephants that the first herd is ready to make room for them around the hole. When I asked what point she was trying to make, she stated simply and powerfully, "We didn't back in." The continuing movement of mission in the world today may require missionaries to "back in" to their host communities.
- Donald N. Larson "Closing the Gap"
- Donald N. Larson "Closing the Gap"
Learn as much as you can before you go. It might not sink in until you get there but it helps to prepare you for what you might see.
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If you don't know, ask questions.
Don't assume. Context clues are key. Know that it is okay to slow down from your "normal" pace. |
Be able to laugh at yourself and know that you will make cultural mistakes, so just learn and laugh about it.
Always expect the unexpected. Keep expectations low. |
Be a constant learner of the culture.
You will never know too much. Be intentional and observant. Everyone you talk to will have a different perspective. Listen. |
During your project, you will have the opportunity to partner with nationals and missionaries. Look at your time with them as a partnership. If not for them, you wouldn’t be on the project, and they need your help with sharing God’s message with people around them.
Here are a few tips for forming a partnership:
- Be helpful; expect to work hard without complaining.
- Learn all you can from them.
- Participate in ongoing projects with the missionary.
- Watch your expectations.
- Be respectful of their long-term investments in the local community.
- Remember that bad missionaries are the exception.
Here are a few tips for forming a partnership:
- Be helpful; expect to work hard without complaining.
- Learn all you can from them.
- Participate in ongoing projects with the missionary.
- Watch your expectations.
- Be respectful of their long-term investments in the local community.
- Remember that bad missionaries are the exception.
Above all, remember that our purpose is to bring God glory as we lead the nations to worship God within their cultural context.
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