Learning through culture shock
CMS worker K is serving in a city in South East Asia where she is learning language and culture and teaching English. In this article, she shares reflections from her first term on location, including some of the challenges of starting ministry in a new cultural context.
‘My constant prayer is that my Sovereign Father would redeem my mistakes and show himself to be glorious, loving and powerful.’
Many years of friendship with and ministry to people from Asian countries led me to the conviction that God wanted me to be involved in cross-cultural work of some kind. My question was not really if I should serve God cross-culturally, but where?
‘Wired’ for South East Asia
When I approached CMS, there was a lengthy discernment period, including about where, specifically, I might be placed. Ultimately it came down to where was the best fit for me, primarily in terms of skills and personality. Even though there are aspects of life here that sit uncomfortably—which is the nature of living and working cross-culturally—I’m convinced that this placement was the right one. I’m a slower-paced, relationship-oriented person, and this is a slower-paced, relationship-oriented culture.
Experiencing culture shock
In my first year on location, I was happy enough thinking of South East Asia as my new home. But when the excitement of those early days had passed, that feeling changed. I was not at home. I missed my family and friends. I missed the familiar, and the convenience of the familiar. The contrast between me and the people and culture I was surrounded by felt starker. My struggle to understand and be understood grated on me.
I was experiencing culture shock. When I was training for mission at St Andrews Hall, we were told to expect it. It’s a normal part of the cross-cultural experience, which passes. This gave me hope, and with God’s help I persevered.
Learning culture takes time
It takes a long time to understand people at a deep level. It’s like pulling back the layers of an onion, and I have found that (like an onion) the process can bring me to tears! It takes humility, patience and grace. I am still growing in my understanding of the people in my city, both as my language ability grows, and as I spend more time in their presence.
Loving people here requires tangible expression, actions and behaviour. The adage, ‘actions speak louder than words’ is particularly true here, where people are highly skilled at reading between the lines and taking their cues from body language and context rather than from verbal communication. A high value is placed on spending time together, and sharing meals is a must in building relationships.
The challenge of being a learner
This culture also values reciprocity and sharing with others. Gift giving is reciprocated according to one’s means—a large gift may be repaid by a string of smaller gifts or the giving of one’s time and resources in service of another.
I am learning that engaging in this give-and-take is another fundamental part of relationship building in this context. My constant prayer is that God would redeem my mistakes and show himself to be glorious, loving and powerful.
Rethinking needs and wealth
I’m often confronted by the poverty of people around me. I’ve never considered myself rich, but apparently, I am—whether I like it or not. There are many needs here. Like-minded workers are involved in drug rehabilitation, development projects relating to agriculture, water supply, health and education, running businesses that train and employ locals, teaching English and other valuable skills to assist employability. These endeavours provide a platform for international believers to remain in the country and
Life in South East Asia still feels foreign to me. Maybe this will change, or perhaps this will always be the case. But I’m reminded that God has authored the story of these people, as he has with people all over the world. His good news is for people of every nation, tribe and tongue, so I can trust him to find a way to communicate this, even through my awkward actions and stammering lips.
PRAY
Pray for comfort, wisdom and God’s guidance for CMS missionaries in their early years on location, as they adjust to a new way of life. To sign up for missionary prayer points, get in touch with your local branch.
