A Brigada participant put that question to us this past week and, frankly, we were a bit taken back. There are tons of books about moving to Asia or Africa. But suppose someone from India feels called to move to Australia “on purpose” — for Christ’s sake. What book(s) might prepare him?
7) If You Were Moving to Australia to Live for Christ, What Would You Read?
I’m an US Citizen who has lived and worked in Australia two different times. A friend shared a tremendous resource for Yanks and Aussies written by George W. Renwick and was produced by intercultural press way back in the day entitled “Guidelines for Australians and North Americans” Very helpful tool. I have a friend who trains Aussies to work on cross-cultural teams led by Americans and he has them read this as well.
The Aussie Bible. It’s only portions of the New Testament, but a real insight into the culture. I’m married to an Aussie, we’ve been in ministry for years. He is a Bible teacher. The first time he read something from the Aussie Bible, he cried. Said it just touched his heart.
Even though English is the language of the country, take the time to learn the different words and ways of thinking and speaking. Read the poetry and songs of Banjo Patterson, Slim Dusty, and Henry Lawson.
Learn the history of the country.
Be blessed!
“Madness” by Jossy Chacko, he is from India, lived for many years in Australia.
Brian and Laura thanks for your recommendations! I look forward to sharing these resources, along with what others will share, with my friend. Like the post said, my buddy knows I’m a big reader so he asked me for some recommendations on books to prepare him and his wife to engage missionally in Australia. As I sat down and thought about all the books that have most impacted my life and work among Buddhists, I quickly realized that none of them would necessarily be helpful in preparing someone from the East looking to engage in the West.
Hi. I’m an Aussie media worker based in the UK. I’d recommend this small Lonely PLanet book, for help with cultural/social understanding:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Lonely-Australian-Language-Culture-Phrasebook/dp/1741048079/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=living+planet+australia&qid=1580815995&sr=8-2
I personally found it ‘eye opening’ reading the observations about my own background culture ;)