Seems like, by now, we’d have this down pat. But in a recent conversation with a good friend, his response came back like this: “I fear we are still mobilizing Americans to go to countries where colonialism and recent foreign policy has pretty much burned the bridges for Americans to serve there. People in the heart of the Muslim world are in their hearts resistant to Good News when delivered by Americans. How do we better utilize the money from the West but send workers from cultures closer to those where the remaining UUPGs live?” No my response was, “It varies. In some parts of the Muslim world, we might be despised. But in other parts, they constantly say, “You are American? You are my friend. You might not be the friend of my government, but — hey — I’m not a friend to my government either!”
So what’s your take? Are you in the first camp? (the “bridges are burned,”) or the second (“You’re American? You’re my friend.”). Which do you believe most accurately portrays the people where you live? To respond, just click in the “Comment” box below. And thanks, in advance, for sharing your opinion.
Doug
I say, God is a God of wonders and is not limited by international policies and perceptions. If He send you to a certain country, I think that that would be a good place for you to go. Of course, it would be wise to be certain that He has called you to that certain place. (Ah, the tensions of living by faith.)
There is a third response group. A couple years ago when national coworkers introduced me to recently baptized Muslims from among a “backward” minority in their country I was greeted with only looks: “Who are you? What are you?” … There are still people in UPG’s that know nothing of the Camp #1 and Camp #2 experience.
I understand both camps with my human reasoning, but when God calls (no matter where) I need to obey and follow.
Just a few other thoughts.
1. The Western world does not need another excuse to drop out of “Go therefore and make disciples of all nations”.
2. The gospel will always be an offense, no matter who brings it.
3. I feel that the more cross-cultural involvement, the better, as it reflects the global body of Christ working together.