Intercultural 101: RESPECT
by David Arrol Macfarlane
by David Arrol Macfarlane
Only those who live far off the beaten track might not recognize how immigration is just beginning to alter the social fabric of Canada. As is happening in many European countries, there is likely increased immigration headed our way bringing with it an unprecedented opportunity for each local church to intentionally reach the mission field that is coming to their neighbourhood.
“I am finding that it is far easier to reach an immigrant for Christ than a Canadian” said a friend of mine who leads one of the largest multi-ethnic churches in our nation. Could God be behind this wave of Immigration? In Psalm 107: 4-7 it says: “Some wandered in desert wastelands, finding no way to a city where they could settle. They were hungry and thirsty, and their lives ebbed away. Then they cried out to the LORD in their trouble, and he delivered them from their distress. He led them by a straight way to a city where they could settle”. Is God leading people to your city so that they can hear the good news of the gospel through you? Yes, I think this is part of His master plan. In Acts 13: 47 it says: “For this is what the Lord has commanded us: 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.'” Now “the ends of the earth” are coming to us!
So how can we most genuinely reach those coming in this Immigration wave for Christ? There are lots of great programs like ESL and others but, as an immigrant to North America myself, I can say categorically that the key is: Respect! When we genuinely show an interest in an immigrant and ask questions about his or her homeland, customs, food, journey and really listen and care we build a bridge to them over which, in time, Jesus can cross. Immigrants are often scared and lonely – respect is the first step towards friendship and genuine friendship can lead to talking about the love of our savior.
When doing Intercultural Symposiums across Canada we heard from a pastor in a major city of what happened when the Korean church leaders that rented their building invited the Caucasian board members to dinner. Half way through the wonderful meal prepared by the Koreans one of the Caucasian leaders said: “Hey, we are eating with forks and knives. I thought that you guys ate with chop sticks!” To this the Korean Pastor graciously responded: “Yes, we do eat with chop sticks but today we are using forks and knives out of respect for you and your culture”. Then the Pastor said to all of us at the Symposium: “It shocked us. We would never even have thought of showing this kind of respect for their culture. We have a lot to learn”. Yes we do, but, as we grow in respect we will see more and more of those coming to our country happy that they met us and becoming a part of our loving and embracing Christian communities.
David Arrol Macfarlane Ministry Update
Last month David felt honoured to be the plenary speaker in Oxford, UK, at the King's Center to 1000 leaders form 20 nations. Down the road from the meeting place was where John Wesley preached and C. S. Lewis taught. David's time in Oxford was a wonderful and the response to his ministry was terrific. He also took a few days off in London to visit some of his favourite places.
This has been an extremely fruitful season for David's ministry with many coming to Christ as he ministered in Ottawa, in New Westminster, BC, where he spoke seven times over a weekend at "revival meetings" and over the Easter weekend at Richmond Hill Chinese Church Toronto (some 4000 worshipers). We rejoice over the dozens that are now in the Kingdom! In Calgary David spoke at the Baptist Convention (ABA) and is now off to Charlotte NC for meetings.
With the B.G. "My Hope" campaign coming to North America David will be traveling more than usual across the country teaching and giving leadership seminars. Next week he is off to Ottawa, Edmonton and then Calgary to speak at a denominational convention. Please pray for new doors of opportunity to open where David can make the biggest impact for Christ. We value your prayers greatly!
To contact David call 519 503 8380 or e-mail: arrol.mac@hotmail.com
This has been an extremely fruitful season for David's ministry with many coming to Christ as he ministered in Ottawa, in New Westminster, BC, where he spoke seven times over a weekend at "revival meetings" and over the Easter weekend at Richmond Hill Chinese Church Toronto (some 4000 worshipers). We rejoice over the dozens that are now in the Kingdom! In Calgary David spoke at the Baptist Convention (ABA) and is now off to Charlotte NC for meetings.
With the B.G. "My Hope" campaign coming to North America David will be traveling more than usual across the country teaching and giving leadership seminars. Next week he is off to Ottawa, Edmonton and then Calgary to speak at a denominational convention. Please pray for new doors of opportunity to open where David can make the biggest impact for Christ. We value your prayers greatly!
To contact David call 519 503 8380 or e-mail: arrol.mac@hotmail.com
