Learning from other cultures

I heard a great quote referenced in a discussion on culture issues among our Exposure participants.  I thought I’d share it here.  It’s from an article by Jim Thomas, called “What’s culture got to do with it?“

 

“No single culture truly reflects the Kingdom of God.  Rather, every human culture is flawed by hearts that run from God.  But not all is lost.  Every culture also provides some insights into God’s kingdom.  From the Christians in China, for example, we in the west can learn about living sacrificially, for many of them are willing to suffer prison and abuse in order that the word of God’s kingdom might spread.  From a Christian in Kenya, we can learn God’s extravagant generosity.  From the family in Afghanistan, we can learn of hospitality.  If we are to more fully understand and experience God’s kingdom, we need people of other cultures to challenge our cultural assumptions and identify our blind spots.  We also need to learn from their insights into God’s kingdom.” (Jim Thomas)

Pictures from May COP

Donnie teaching a session to the candidates

Highlight of our year

Insider language abounds in Pioneers. Spend any time on the inside of our organization and you’ll quickly be confronted with many words and acronyms that refer to ideas, values, events and processes. COP is one of those. Standing for “Candidate Orientation Program” it refers to the four-day event that we host for those interested in applying, or simply learning more about Pioneers. Pioneers Canada hosts on average two COPs year, and for our office staff, they usually prove to be a highlight.
We had our largest Canadian COP yet this past week, with 14 people taking part. Our whole team is involved with the event, enjoying the opportunity to get to know these new people. We love to hear more of how God has been leading in their lives, and to get an idea of their passion and calling. I personally appreciate this time because we’ll be interacting with most of these people in significant ways in the coming years. This provides a beginning of relationship, and lays the foundation for that.
Most of us on the Pioneers Canada team end up teaching a session or two, and the orientation aims to help the candidates through a process of exploring this calling of theirs to serve in cross-cultural contexts. We go through everything from team dynamics to support-raising issues.
It’s hard to summarize what this experience is like for us. You might say, that it’s a reminder for us that our day-in, day-out office jobs are worthwhile.