No Hablo!

One of the things that confounds me about certain international missions and their workers is how some of them absolutely refuse to learn the local language or adapt to the local culture.

I know of certain foreign pastors, missionaries, and other Christian workers here in Peru who spend all of their time solely with other foreigners, speaking English, and eating at TGIFridays.

They make no effort whatsoever to learn the Spanish language or to embrace the Peruvian culture, except to occasionally quaff an Inca Kola.

It's all slightly bewildering to me, and highly insulting to the locals.

Here are six lessons to learn if you want to fail at international ministry:

1. Only hang out with people from your own country, like you were in some kind of private club.
2. Don't learn the native language.
3. If someone doesn't understand you in your own language, just start speaking louder.
4. Never use the same transportation that the locals use, whether it's taxis or public buses.
5. Ignore local culture, customs, and holidays.
6. Turn your nose up at local food. Ask for a Big Mac instead.

If you follow these six lessons, soon you'll be back at home, scratching your head and wondering why the locals didn't take a shining to you.

Make an effort to learn the native language and embrace the local culture. It'll pay off big-time.