As you know from my last post, my family and I are currently attending pre-field training at Mission Training International in Palmer Lake, CO. This week we have been attending our final week of the PILAT (Program in Language Acquisition Techniques) program. During this week we have been learning about how to choose a language helper and the realities of life during the language learning phase of ministry as well as more about working language helpers and phonetics.
In the past, language learning has been viewed as a necessary evil (i.e. time wasted) that is an obstacle that must be overcome in order to get on with real ministry. However, in recent years, the concept of “language learning” as ministry has been introduced. At first glance, some might say that this is just a cute way of justifying inefficiency on the mission field. While it is true that when a missionary spends time on language they are not standing before people preaching the gospel, the charge that they are not engaged in ministry is simply not true. For decades, the western church has been enthralled with the idea of preaching the Gospel to huge crowds, thinking that just getting the message out will bring people to Christ. Unfortunately, studies have shown that this is not the case. Some decisions made in the large group situation are genuine, many others not, and many people are turned off by such presentations. Instead, the more effective way of reaching people is through relationship. If you can get to know someone in daily life, opportunities will naturally arise to discuss issues of faith. In this type of setting, people feel more comfortable and they have the experience of seeing Christ in your daily life. Decisions made for Christ as the result of relationship a generally much more lasting and vibrant. This has been found to be true here in the US and even more so overseas. Most non-Western cultures are relationship based – the most important thing in life is relationship.
For the new missionary on the field, the period allotted for language learning is a critical opportunity for developing relationships in the communities where they are serving. Most people, when encountering someone attempting to learn their language, are thrilled. Some people will bend over backwards to help new person who shows interest in their culture and language. For the missionary who is willing to get out into the community, this period of language learning will provide them with innumerable contacts – neighbors, people walking to work, shopkeepers, etc. Overtime, as the new missionary’s language improves, solid relationships will be formed that will provide many opportunities for ministry. Rather than being an outsider who comes to conduct a big tent meeting through an interpreter, the missionary will have earned a place in the community and the right to be heard.
Now having said all that, you may be asking “What does that have to do with enhancing a short term mission trip?” Well, one of the things that make short term mission trips difficult for some people is that they never get over the feeling of being an outsider. Granted, one is not likely to become an integral part of the community during a 10-14 day trip. However, if you could take on the attitude of “language learner” Yyu may find your short term mission experience much more fulfilling. Just as the long term missionary develops relationships with people through contact, the same thing can happen for short term missionaries. Make a conscience effort to get out into the community. Take a walk down the street and greet every one you meet. Stop in a few shops, see what’s for sale and talk with the shopkeeper. If you are with team, be sure that the team leader knows where you are going and how long you plan to be gone. Also, check with your hosts to see if there are places you should not go or cultural things that are important to know. If you do not feel comfortable going by yourself, go with a team partner or with one your hosts. If possible, you should learn a few simple sentences explaining your name, where you are from, and what you are doing during your visit prior to your departure from home. Another way to do this is work with your host by pointing at various things around the room and having them speak the proper word in their language.
These are just a few ideas. Again, you will not become fluent in such a short period of time, but you will feel a much greater connection with the community and the people you are going serve. If you can make it clear that you are learner seeking to know more about the culture you are visiting, you will be surprised how people will open up. So the next time your are traveling abroad, why not try a few of these things and see what happens. I think you will find that you will have much more meaningful and productive experience. If any of you are brave enough to try this, email me some your experiences.
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