As we have been preparing for the mission field, we have been given tools to help us—books to read, research papers to write, etc. Through these assignments, my eyes have been opened to principles of cross-cultural evangelism and problems that missionaries have to deal with.

In our culture, we take much for granted, and we understand our expected roles. But when we step out of that situation and place ourselves in the middle of another culture where the social rules are different, we find ourselves having to decide what role we are going to take. How the local people view us is important. Their society does not send missionaries, so when we tell them we are missionaries, they may ascribe a role or meaning to the word missionary that may not be positive.

God has opened up some exciting witnessing opportunities simply because we have chosen to be missionaries for Him in another culture. For example, Laurie works for a public university hospital where religious materials of any kind are forbidden. But her coworkers are fascinated by her decision to leave not only her place of employment but her culture, as well. Other people who have been intrigued by our decision include our secular-minded workman and our “heathen” (their own words) neighbors, whom we love dearly.

Maybe God has been preparing your heart and life to step out and do something radical for Him, like becoming a missionary. Thank you to those of you who have committed to supporting missionaries in foreign lands.

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