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8 September 2007
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new set of dangers - John 16:33
"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world."
One of the most difficult aspects of living in another country is the fact that you often stand out like a sore thumb.
Now I am a white skinned, blonde haired, blue eyed, skinny, 5 foot 9 Englishman and normally walk around the UK unnoticed. However the majority of the population of Bolivia where I had chosen to live were dark skinned, black haired, brown eyed, stocky, and under 5 feet tall. Inconspicuous I was not!
At first I felt ridiculously visible, eyes burned into me as I walked along the street and it seemed as though I couldn't have stood out more if I had taken off all my clothes, hired a brass band and walked through the centre of town singing Lily Allen while giving out $10 notes. Ok, perhaps that would have made more of an impression and I don't think I would have remained on the mission field for long.
The point is that not only did I stand out, but I was a target. As a foreigner, and a distinctly western looking one at that, it would be assumed that I had money and therefore I was obvious prey for beggars and thieves alike. I was faced with a choice; to stay in my home and hide, or live my life to the full despite my concerns trusting that God would protect me.
It is the same situation for us as Christians wherever we live. By standing out from the crowd and declaring that we are different, we become a target for both human and spiritual opposition. But we have a choice, to hide away and cease to live, or to move ahead despite our fears. Which will you choose?
Father, thank you that you have chosen me. As a result I know that I am called to live differently to others who do not know you. This is a privilege but also makes me a target. Please protect me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and give me the courage to take a stand for you in the knowledge that you never leave my side. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope, Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
Part of a themed week on "Challenges in mission".
A new set of dangers - John 16:33
"I told you these things so that you can have peace in me. In this world you will have trouble, but be brave! I have defeated the world."
One of the most difficult aspects of living in another country is the fact that you often stand out like a sore thumb.
Now I am a white skinned, blonde haired, blue eyed, skinny, 5 foot 9 Englishman and normally walk around the UK unnoticed. However the majority of the population of Bolivia where I had chosen to live were dark skinned, black haired, brown eyed, stocky, and under 5 feet tall. Inconspicuous I was not!
At first I felt ridiculously visible, eyes burned into me as I walked along the street and it seemed as though I couldn't have stood out more if I had taken off all my clothes, hired a brass band and walked through the centre of town singing Lily Allen while giving out $10 notes. Ok, perhaps that would have made more of an impression and I don't think I would have remained on the mission field for long.
The point is that not only did I stand out, but I was a target. As a foreigner, and a distinctly western looking one at that, it would be assumed that I had money and therefore I was obvious prey for beggars and thieves alike. I was faced with a choice; to stay in my home and hide, or live my life to the full despite my concerns trusting that God would protect me.
It is the same situation for us as Christians wherever we live. By standing out from the crowd and declaring that we are different, we become a target for both human and spiritual opposition. But we have a choice, to hide away and cease to live, or to move ahead despite our fears. Which will you choose?
Father, thank you that you have chosen me. As a result I know that I am called to live differently to others who do not know you. This is a privilege but also makes me a target. Please protect me physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually and give me the courage to take a stand for you in the knowledge that you never leave my side. Amen.
Written by Adam Pope, Volunteer Coordinator for Latin Link
