Rob Zapotoski, International Field Coordinator for Slavic Missionary Service, shares some interesting tips when traveling to another country for ministry. Whether leading a missionary trip or traveling for specific Christian ministry, one must always be prepared to represent the Christian community by following the example of Christ.
1. Learn about the culture, customs and character of the people to whom you will witness or with whom you will work. Some topics to research before traveling to a foreign field are religious persuasion, popular trends, traditional foods, historical heritage, famous people, vocations, favorite sports, hobbies, and superstitions or taboos. "Respect what is right in the sight of all men" (Romans 12:17). Having things in common helps the beginning of the "bridge" to likeable and lasting relationships. "Give preference to one another in honor" (Romans 12:10).
2. Appreciate the differences and the interesting details of the specific country and the people to whom you desire to reach for Christ. "I have become all things to all men, that I may by all means save some" (1 Corinthians 9:22). Be very careful not to cause your actions or words to be an offence or stumbling block to the Gospel. "You do not know what kind of spirit you are of" (Luke 9:55). "Therefore let us not judge one another anymore; but rather determine this — not to put an obstacle or a stumbling block in a brother's way" (Romans 14:13).
3. Listen to the foreigner's views or understanding of religion (Christianity) before you seek to persuade that one to change his (or her) views or proclaim that there is a better view. "And seeing the multitudes, He felt compassion for them" (Matthew 9:36).
4. Patience is extremely necessary and vital when working or witnessing to foreigners. Most foreigners "absorb" conversation literally. Therefore, try not to use slang, idioms or abstract ideas when communicating. The humor of the country also may be entirely different than the humor of your country. "Let your statement be 'Yes, yes' or 'No, no' " (Matthew 5:37).
5. Do not challenge, criticize or complain about anything until you comprehend the mood, motive or "make-up" of the person to whom you want to reach for Christ. Watch how the individuals interact to get a better understanding of how you should act or respond. (Notice if the person is reserved, affectionate, professional, casual, modest, talkative or only comfortable communicating with their own sex — male or female.) "However you want people to treat you, treat them" (Matthew 7:12).
6. Do not "verbally" compare your way of life to the foreigner's way of life with explanations that your way is better. (Keep those thoughts to yourself.) Lead the conversation always to Jesus or to genuine Christianity, which is the best "Way, Truth and Life." "With God all things are possible" (Matthew 19:26).
7. Share the LOVE of Christ. "Jesus felt a love for him" (Mark 10:21). "For the love of God controls us" (2 Corinthians 5:14). Selfishness or self-centeredness has no place on the mission field. "Is not life more than food and the body than clothing?" (Matthew 6:25). Learn to live with the bare essentials. "I will not" or "I cannot" should not be part of your vocabulary. Be very flexible. "And I do all things for the sake of the gospel" (1 Corinthians 9:23). And always remember that plans or schedules may change. "Tomorrow will care for itself" (Matthew 6:34).
Before your journey, read the stories of Jesus and the Samaritan woman (John 4:6-45), Jesus and the paralytic with his four friends (Mark 2:1-12), Jesus and Zacchaeus (Luke 19:1-10), Jesus and Nicodemus (John 3:1-21), Jesus and the rich young ruler (Mark 10:17-22), Jesus and the widow of Nain (Luke 7:11-15); and Jesus and the Syrophenician woman (Mark 7:24-30). Consider the interaction of Jesus with each individual. Note the similarities and differences in each story. Pray that God will help you to be a "blessing" with each new contact, not a burden to be endured and then avoided. Your purpose should always be to glorify God.
