November 11, 2008
Shoe on the other foot
There’s nothing like a mission trip to expand one’s horizon. People and churches come alive in a way that we never dreamed of. We see the hand of God in surprising ways. We discover new resources of faith within ourselves. We look differently at familiar situations.
But what happens when the visitors become the visited? Imagine now the shoe on the other foot.
- How does an African prepare to visit the States?
- What does he expect? What does he pack? How does she pray?
- How can Americans improve their manner of welcome?
- How do Africans perceive America? What can be learned from this?
I (Ted) recently came across an article that surveyed perspectives. Because it coincides with what I find here, I’ll share some of the highlights from the article on the Church World Service Web site.
These were question asked of Africans preparing to make the journey.
What do you know to be true about the United States?
Democracy. Developed country. Good education. Clean air. Food is available. Election 2008. White/Christian nation. Jobs. Freedom. Opportunity.
Name an American.
Barack Obama. Condoleezza Rice. Michael Jordan. Michael Jackson. Arnold Schwarzenegger. George Bush. Tupac Shakur, John F Kennedy, Martin Luther King Jr., Ronald Reagan.
What do you fear about coming to the United States?
Terrorism. Culture loss. Gambling. Car crashes. Winter. Religious intolerance. Homosexuality. Guns.
Maybe those last impressions surprise you. Then again, maybe they don’t. Often Sue and I hear Americans talk about their fears in coming to Africa. But as you see, fear can cut both ways. We do well to acknowledge such feelings.
Ted's father recently joined the Church Triumphant. The first and most difficult challenge for most visitors is simply to obtain a U.S. visa. Embassy officers are trained to regard African applicants as potential immigrants. The prospective guest has to convince an interviewer that she or he has a compelling reason to come back home. Statistically, more than 50 percent will be denied. Americans rarely appreciate these hurdles.
Africans, like Americans, worry about how to behave in social situations. “Suppose my host offers shellfish or shrimp?” (anathema to most of our neighbors) “What if I get sick?” “What if they schedule an event for late in the evening?” Given opportunity, Sue and I will gladly work with your visitors on pre-trip orientation. Be aware that most Africans “learn” about America from images that Americans themselves don’t trust. Do you think that soap operas or World Wrestling Federation convey an accurate picture? What about televangelists?
Ted and Sue Wright have been PC(USA) mission workers in southern Africa since 2005.
As we approach the Christmas season, let us remember that Jesus left his home in heaven for the greatest mission trip of all. Personally, I can’t imagine how he felt about conditions—the food here below, the poverty, sickness and sin—but I believe that when you and I follow in his steps we traverse the pathway of love. And whenever we welcome a visitor in his name, when Jesus enters our lives in the person of a guest, it is we who are blessed. It is we who receive, even though we give through acts of hospitality.
Sue and I want to thank you for your kindness all year long. Through notes and prayers, gifts and warm receptions, you have strengthened our hand for the work of the Lord, even during times of loss and illness. Abide in God’s peace.
Faithfully,
Ted
The 2008 Mission Yearbook for Prayer & Study, p. 22 |
