Ballyhoo

White Etiquette

For many years America, and yes including the American church, has exhibited a superior attitude toward the rest of the world. Our American culture has stated that we are the most powerful, most technologically advanced, the richest, the brightest, we attend the most sophisticated schools, have the best athletes, are the greatest military power, and leader of the free world. In a sense, "If everyone was as good as we are then the world would be "okay"." RIGHT!

It has been noted that many native people have stated that even missionaries exhibited this, "quality" or "virtue" we call it. Many, if not most, non-white American cultures have said that if, "missionaries did not think or express that they were more superior than us. Then they would be more effective ministers of the gospel of Christ". Wow, what a statement! If those are natives of other cultures in other countries saying that, then what do other cultures say about us in our country? Well, not really our country because none of us are truly native Americans. Few, a very few, of us may be 12-15 generation natives. And due to the assimilation of a plethora of cultures our American culture has been defined by us as the best of the best", "the survival of the fittest", "the strongest succeed". I agree with all of these implications and enjoy the opportunities and experiences interacting with a number of different cultures but believe that we, even I, possess an arrogant aura when ministering.

Now, please do not mistake such bold statements as judgement and/or success on my part. I have made the same mistakes. Actually, I have done it a lot. At work, in my neighborhood, on the football field, on the mission field, in Sunday School, in my church, in my small group, and many other areas of service!

I understand that in my passionate desire to serve, as a missionary, I have expressed this bold, arrogant "I am going to conquer the world and beat the stronghold of hell down" attitude and hindered the work of God the Spirit to move. Duane Elmer put it this way in Cross-Cultural Servanthood, "Superiority cloaked in the desire to serve is still superiority." He also said, "That good intentions are insufficient when entering another culture." What the heck! How dare he call me out! Wait a minute! Hold the phone! He is right, but in a much broader sense. Our new "Christian values and culture" can be offensive to other cultures and even our own, old culture. Take the inner-city for a moment, how many multi-cultural, multi-ethnic, multi-color churches do we see. I am not saying that there are not any. I am not saying that someone has not done a good job of understanding various cultures. I am not saying some local churches have not succeeded to allowed the culture of God, not personal preference, not personal positions, not personal comfort levels, but God's culture to flourish in this new culture, new people, new nation, new Kingdom, this new God-humanity.

To serve effectively within any culture, local, global or even "internalocal" (international + local), we must understand that culture (s), period. Jesus is not exempt from this! He willingly choose to abandon His rights of being God and he became man (Phil. 2:6), he lived in a religiously overbearing, harsh culture, to understand us, (Heb 4:15), and did not sin (2 Cor. 5:21).

Living Simply or Simply Living

Being a missionary- a faith based missionary family, the beginning of every month can be, usually is stressful! WHY?! 

Well, because we hope that the month prior yielded support funds so we can live this month. Don't get me wrong, I am very thankful for the mercy bestowed to us by the will of GOD, because of the intercession of CHRIST, through the work of SPIRIT, on my family's behalf, moving others to give and be merciful to us, also. Whoa!, that is a brain full! Not sure I understand what I wrote but I feel it!

Though, a question arises in my mind or maybe my flesh. At, what level of the "quality of life" should my family live in? 

Upon surrendering to the Lord, my family either sold or gave everything away that we had and vowed to GOD to "live simply" and trust in Him. And He has been faithful to provide!!! Yet some days -most days, we fell that we are just "simply living". Enjoying every moment of it! 

Even in the midst of "simply living", Peace encamps my family, Joy defines our life, and Contentment subdues anxiety. 

But I have trusted in Your  mercy; my heart shall rejoice in your salvation. I will sing to the Lord, because He has dealt bountifully with me. -David, King of Israel