Today's photo shows some of our interpreters in Tanzania. They are pastors and members of the church there. Today our study for preparing for a mission trip is about telling your story. Some people are great storytellers by nature. Others have to work at it. But one thing is sure, people love to hear a story. Telling stories is a way of life in many cultures. When you show interest in the story of someone you meet from another culture, you may win a new friend. Find an interpreter, if you need one, and listen to people’s stories. Then be ready to tell your own.
When you visit other cultures, people are curious and will want to know why you have come. How will you answer this? “To work on a building” or “to teach a class” may be appropriate answers, but perhaps there is a better answer. Maybe this is an opportunity to articulate more than the obvious. Maybe this is an open door to share the spiritual dimensions of your answer. Sometimes telling your story may include how Christ has motivated you to serve.
Another situation that may occur as you visit a church is that the pastor may ask you to “give a greeting.” Your group might be tempted to stand up, wave and nod, and then sit back down. However, in most places, this request if for far more than that kind of greeting. It means that someone from your group will be expected to go up front and speak. How are you going to respond to this opportunity? The best response would be to count it the perfect time to not only bring a greeting from your country, but have someone share his/her story or testimony.
Read 1 Peter 3:15, and write out the encouragement from Paul.
In 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Paul challenges his young disciple, Timothy. In what ways was he supposed to be an example?
Take some time over the next few weeks to work on your story. It may be about how you first came to Christ or possibly some later event in your journey of faith. It is always good to think of your audience. As you begin to work on your story, think of the things you have in common with those you are going to serve. There are many universal aspects to life like family, school, work, marriage, etc. There are also the universal themes of life like the pursuit of happiness, peace of mind, individual dignity, security, etc. There are negative themes that plague all of us, like the host of sins that we deal with or feelings like fear, anger, or disappointment. These matters touch everyone…regardless of your place on this planet.
So, as you reflect upon your life, you will want to ask the Lord for wisdom and help you as you write your unique yet universal story.
When you visit other cultures, people are curious and will want to know why you have come. How will you answer this? “To work on a building” or “to teach a class” may be appropriate answers, but perhaps there is a better answer. Maybe this is an opportunity to articulate more than the obvious. Maybe this is an open door to share the spiritual dimensions of your answer. Sometimes telling your story may include how Christ has motivated you to serve.
Another situation that may occur as you visit a church is that the pastor may ask you to “give a greeting.” Your group might be tempted to stand up, wave and nod, and then sit back down. However, in most places, this request if for far more than that kind of greeting. It means that someone from your group will be expected to go up front and speak. How are you going to respond to this opportunity? The best response would be to count it the perfect time to not only bring a greeting from your country, but have someone share his/her story or testimony.
Read 1 Peter 3:15, and write out the encouragement from Paul.
In 1 Timothy 4:12-16 Paul challenges his young disciple, Timothy. In what ways was he supposed to be an example?
Take some time over the next few weeks to work on your story. It may be about how you first came to Christ or possibly some later event in your journey of faith. It is always good to think of your audience. As you begin to work on your story, think of the things you have in common with those you are going to serve. There are many universal aspects to life like family, school, work, marriage, etc. There are also the universal themes of life like the pursuit of happiness, peace of mind, individual dignity, security, etc. There are negative themes that plague all of us, like the host of sins that we deal with or feelings like fear, anger, or disappointment. These matters touch everyone…regardless of your place on this planet.
So, as you reflect upon your life, you will want to ask the Lord for wisdom and help you as you write your unique yet universal story.
Some questions to answer as you work on your story:
· How did I realize my need for a Savior or how did Jesus meet me in my time of need?
· How can I clearly explain how to accept God’s love and forgiveness through my story?
· What difference have I experienced in my life because of accepting God’s love and forgiveness?
· What are some of my negative attitudes, actions and motivations that have changes?
Practice your story and ask for feedback. Keep it simple, don’t use exclusively Christian or popular jargon that won’t translate, and practice speaking in short phrases since you may be giving your story through an interpreter.
· How did I realize my need for a Savior or how did Jesus meet me in my time of need?
· How can I clearly explain how to accept God’s love and forgiveness through my story?
· What difference have I experienced in my life because of accepting God’s love and forgiveness?
· What are some of my negative attitudes, actions and motivations that have changes?
Practice your story and ask for feedback. Keep it simple, don’t use exclusively Christian or popular jargon that won’t translate, and practice speaking in short phrases since you may be giving your story through an interpreter.
No comments:
Post a Comment