Humility

At the bottom of this post are two examples of the things we have been discussing and praying about at CIT. I have heard similar examples and thoughts before, but they are still challenging and heartbreaking. (Watch the video if you have a chance, I think it is worth it.)

I pray that God will work in my heart so that I might be the kind of missionary described in Philippians 2 (text below), considering others better than myself in humility. I often I operate out of pride and think that I have the answers and can solve problems. I even got a degree in engineering to learn how to solve problems. I considered the culture, took classes on appropriate technology, and learned about better answers for Africa, but all of this was done with out ever going to Africa to listen and learn. I knew that I had a lot to learn about engineering in Africa, about missions, and about sharing the gospel in another culture before I got to CIT. Now 'a lot to learn' seems like a huge understatement.

One of the books I read last week has this to say about cross-cultural ministry:
"We must consciously release our attachments to home, income, security, convenience, significance in work or ministry, and even comfort of family. We must enter a new community of strangers, often without many if not most of the comforts and symbols of home, and begin as children, learning at the feet of those we have gone to serve. We must be willing to become world Christians. The challenges will shape us; the changes will trouble us. Our bodies will get sick, our minds will suffer fatigue, our emotions will sweep us from ecstasy to depression. Yet the love of Christ will sustain us so that we can identify with Paul who said, "I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some. I do all this for the sake of the gospel, that I may share in its blessing" (1 Cor 9:22-23)" ~ Ministering Cross-Culturally, Lingenfelter

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I think the video is worth watching and it is only about 5 minutes long. It is promotional trailer, but has many clips from the series.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pg_zPsElsK4&feature=related

"...if there are two qualities that mark North Americans, it is your ability to solve problems, and your assertiveness. You are quick to speak your mind. But your greatest blessing may be your greatest curse. Because when you come to Africa, you want to fix Africa. Well, you can’t fix Africa. You must learn to come as listeners and as learners. I often say to American missionaries on the continent of Africa, “When we go into this meeting, please do not say anything. You see, the reason is that you come from a dominant culture. And when the American speaks, the conversation is over. So do not say anything. Instead, listen and learn.”" - Oscar Muriu, transcript Urbana 2006

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Philippians 2:1-16

If you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, being one in spirit and purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests, but also to the interests of others.

Your attitude should be the same as that of Christ Jesus:
Who, being in very nature God,
did not consider equality with God something to be grasped,
but made himself nothing,
taking the very nature of a servant,
being made in human likeness.
And being found in appearance as a man,
he humbled himself
and became obedient to death—
even death on a cross!
Therefore God exalted him to the highest place
and gave him the name that is above every name,
that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow,
in heaven and on earth and under the earth,
and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord,
to the glory of God the Father.

Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose. Do everything without complaining or arguing, so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life—in order that I may boast on the day of Christ that I did not run or labor for nothing.