Cultural Awareness

The book that we are reading as a part of our training is called "Serving with Eyes Wide Open" Doing Short-Term Missions with Cultural Intelligence. It has been so great to read and discuss it with our team. Some of our discussions this week touched on expectations we have of the trip, what we will accomplish, and what fruit we will see. Expectations largely influence the experience that you have. We concluded that we wanted to expect to be used by God is whatever shape that may be. The author writes "Honesty about what does and doesn't occur through short-term missions allows us to see our trips as an integral part of our lifelong journey of following Jesus, rather than just a two-week project."
Another topic from the book is that many times we have a tendency to generalize about the culture we're working in. We need to resist this temptation and instead have an open mind about each person and situation. A desire to understand our surroundings will enhace our ability to learn and serve. We cannot bust into another culture and insist that we as Americans have the best way to do ministry, better techniques, better whatever....we must strive to be servants.
I am really excited to encourage those working in DR Congo for World Relief. They are the ones in the trenches each day of the year, and the ones who will hopefully see the fruits of their labor. Yes, we are planning to construct 3 homes for widows among other things, but our most valuable task may be the support we give to the national staff.
I could type so much more, but will leave it at that for now. Please continue to pray for us as we prepare spiritually and physically.