Yesterday I went to a local business to meet some of my husband’s ministry contacts. The ladies behind the counter held some conversation about dating in their culture the drama that often ensues. I wanted to chat with them, to bring up Jesus to them! But I’m from the WASP (white, affluent, suburban, Protestant) Midwest where my friends and I had little overlap in cultural experience with these women. How could I engage these Bronxites in conversation? I tried to smile and make small talk every now and again, but found the comments coming out of my mouth sounded more like a homeschool mom than anything they were saying. Jiminy Cricket, would I like to be able to talk with them! I’d love to feel more natural. You know, sometimes missions is natural. But sometimes the plant has to sit for a while in the garden before the roots get deep enough to be accepted there. It’s missions, folks.
Laurie Salem in NYC
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