How Do You Reach People for Christ?
Recently, I have been learning about cultural differences and, almost simultaneously, have been experiencing cultural stress of my own. This can leave me exhausted at the end of the day, not to mention discouraged about the work ahead. The questions in my head are: Am I cut out for this? Can I really do this? And how am I supposed to change the lives of those around me in a context and culture I don’t understand?
It is daunting to say the least. I have knee jerk reactions to what I think should be changed and how those around me should live their lives differently, but God has graciously put people in my life those who remind me that I have no idea where Cameroonians are coming from culturally. And in those rare moments of clarity, where I am out from under the weight of thinking I have to do everything right, I realize that the lasting, sometimes slower process of sharing our lives with Cameroonians and bringing them God’s word in their own language is vastly more beneficial than telling them how they should change. For it is not our work, but the work of the Holy Spirit that changes hearts and if we move forward, following the example of Christ in patience and love, we will not fail in bringing brothers and sisters into the fold. Praise God for the freedom he gives us to allow him to change the hearts of men.
Nate
