My dog howled every time I hit a certain note on my bamboo flute. He would lift up his head and cry as if he were calling upon a sweetheart in another village. I am not musically inclined in any form or fashion, but it was about time I learned more about Cambodian music and learn how to play at least one traditional instrument, even if it was only my dog who appreciated my level of playing.
When serving in Cambodia as a vocational missionary, I saw many missionaries come and go. I used to call Cambodia “the spitting dragon,” because it chewed people up and spit them out.
I encourage you to learn the language until it hurts. And when it hurts, don’t give up; push through.
If people speak two or three languages, which language would I recommend a missionary should learn and use?
Cross-cultural learning is not a means to ministry; it is ministry. Learning is generosity—a gift to those we serve around the world.
Was Jesus’ primary invitation to the rich young ruler about giving everything to the poor or about inviting him to become poor for a purpose?
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