Culture Shock

Photo credit:
http://www.christiansincontext.com/2013/02
/how-should-we-support-missionaries.html

Writing this blog can be a bit intimidating.  Over the next year or so, the goal is to provide readers with the insights of what it is like to be a cross-cultural missionary - a missionary called by God to a country or people other than his/her own native country or people.  

Writing with the purpose to communicate the reality of being a missionary means writing both the struggles and the joys of missions work, providing a basis for your prayers for me, the people I work with, and the local people.  

Paul was bold in the following statement to his supporters, making them aware of his struggles and his joys as a missionary in 2 Corinthians 1:8-12.

For we would not, brethren, have you ignorant of our trouble which came to us in Asia, that we were pressed out of measure, above strength, insomuch that we despaired even of life:  (9)  But we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves, but in God which raiseth the dead:  (10)  Who delivered us from so great a death, and doth deliver: in whom we trust that he will yet deliver us;  (11)  Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf.  (12)  For our rejoicing is this, the testimony of our conscience, that in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom, but by the grace of God, we have had our conversation in the world, and more abundantly to you-ward.

Paul pointed out that it was God who delivered them, but drew attention to the importance of his supporter's help through prayer.  

Those who support missionaries through prayer need to know the reality of the mission field and the needs of the missionary to provide effectual prayer.

Photo credit:
http://school.discoveryeducation.com/clipart/clip/look---.html

This blog is an attempt to provide you with an inside look at what a missionary does, and experiences on the mission field, both struggles and joys.  However, due to the country in which I work, the places,names, and photos of the people and area are either changed or modified for security reasons of all involved.  

Today, let's discuss culture shock.  I have experienced this many times over the years while traveling and living in other countries before settling in Asia back in Spring 2008.  Yet culture shock seems unavoidable each time.  Here in Asia was not different.  

In the beginning, there is a period of becoming instantly illiterate.  I may as well have been mute and deaf, because I could not read, understand, or speak the local language.  The game of Charades became a way of communicating on a limited level until I began to grasp some of the language and locate local people who spoke at least a little English.  In Asia, it is not just speaking the language that produces illiteracy in a foreigner when they arrive to the country, it is also the Eastern way of thinking, and the cultural differences.  The Eastern way of thinking is very, very, very different than a Westerner may think and act in even the simplest daily activities.  

Culture Shock
Photo Credit:  http://2vancouver.com

Upon arrival in Asia, I also faced financial adjustments, unfamiliar foods, differences in personal hygiene, learning to live without the sphere of personal space Westerners are accustomed to having, changes in living conditions, and so on.  Due to living in other countries, courtesy of being a military spouse in my younger days, I did make the adjustments and continue to learn the language, local dialects of the language, and culture.  



Of course, I had special people like you, praying and interceding for me, making the adjustments easier.  It was and is an encouragement to know that believers back home and around the world pray for me, and the others I work for and with here in this country.

Here are a few ways you can pray for missionaries in this area:  

Don't forget to email encouragement
to missionaries you know.Photo credits:
 http://moreformissionarymoms.blogspot.com

• Pray for travel to the different areas of Asia, and the ability to adjust to the cultural differences within the country itself.  Also, include the ability to effectively communicate with the local people of each area. 
• Due to the country we work within, our church is mobile.  Even our home changes periodically to meet the demands of our work here.  Pray for wisdom and direction in these areas and the adjustments that must be made with each move.
• Pray for healthy and strong relationships with people within the country, our families, our ministry team.  Pray also regarding strong and healthy relationships with our partners, friends, and family back home.
• Pray for continual increase in learning the language and culture; understanding, reading, writing, and speaking.