A cross-cultural habit I learnt in Korea
Before I tell you the cross-cultural habit I learnt in Korea, I want to share with you two emails I received this week:
Gerhard pointed out that he was unable to install the Bi-lingual Four Spiritual Laws-App on his phone because ‘ it was developed for a former android version’. Looks like I need to rewrite it in a more modern form. In the meantime you might want to use an app called GodTools.
Glen wrote: It is -19 here in Kansas. We packaged up a bunch of coats, scarves, and hats and gloves to take to the homeless shelter. Nancy aske me, “did you check the coat pockets for money?” I said no. Well I went out in the cold garage and checked the coat pockets for money and then I had an Idea. Why not put a Bible tract in a coat pocket of each coat? I think I must have put in a dozen tracts. I then prayed that the Holy Spirit would prepare the intended recipients before getting their clothes so that the Bible message might get through to them. Amen.
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Now for the cross-cultural habit.
My first overseas missionary experience was in Korea.
My official job was a science teacher at the international missionary school, but I let people know that I wanted something more.
One day a Korean university student came to my home to challenge me to lead the English Bible Class at his church.
I said, “I will think about it”.
He said, “Then you can start next week”.
What? When I said “I will think about it”, I meant that I was still considering whether or not I wanted to do it.
He heard, “I am considering WHEN I will start”.
Confusing. Yes. Cross-cultural ministry is full of confusion and miscommunication.
A few months later I invited the class to my home for a meal.
Looking back, I imagine they were expecting a Western home and an American meal.
But I was trying to fit into the culture, so I had installed tatami mats and a low eating table. I prepared a proper Japanese meal with rice, like my mother had taught me back in America.
Problem: I did not cook enough rice for the group.
One thing I have since learnt about Korean culture. You NEVER finish all the rice in your bowl. It sends a message to the host that they did not prepare enough.
But I did not know this. My family taught me to finish everything on my plate.
So I encouraged someone to empty the serving bowl of rice. You should have seen the looks that passed around the room. This was a definite no-no.
What is the lesson here? If you are going to be involved in cross-cultural ministry you are going to make a LOT of mistakes.
This is hard for me. I am a perfectionist who not only likes to do things right, but also likes to do the right things.
As a cross-cultural missionary there are many times when I don’t do either.
But that is OK. I’ve discovered that if people know that you love them, they will extend grace.
Your best response is to laugh and learn.
So let’s pray:
“Lord Jesus, thank you for the amazing privilege of being your ambassadors to people who desperately need to hear the message of salvation. Thank you for your direction and grace. Let me and the person reading this email extend grace to ourselves when we do the wrong thing or do things wrong. Thank you that you are committed to building our character. Let us be humble so that others can respond to the message you have entrusted us with. Amen”.
So now you have four habits:
- Love the people you are talking to
- Restore relationships quickly with team members
- Always carry something that helps you share the Gospel
- Laugh and learn from your mistakes
Next week we will look at the 5th habit.
Have a great week helping to connect people to Jesus and other believers.
