Can’t Finish

“And to know the love of Christ which surpasses knowledge, that you may be filled up to all the fullness of God.” Ephesians 3:19, NASB.

When Celeste* was new to her people group she didn’t realize that in the host culture it’s polite to finish whatever your host offers. In Celeste’s American culture it is polite to offer more than anyone could possibly eat so they will feel free to eat as much as they like.

The first time Celeste had a friend over for a meal she set out a heaping platter full of meat, along with large bowls of side dishes. The woman who had come to dinner was in her twenties, and very petite. She dug into dinner. Celeste was surprised, but thought, “Oh the poor thing must be starving.” So she did what any American would do, she got out more food!

The woman kept eating, and eating until she could hardly breathe she was so full. She finally stopped and said, “Celeste, I’m so sorry but I cannot finish all this food.” Celeste looked at her guest, whose stomach was distended because she had eaten so much, and realized her mistake. She said, “It’s no problem, I didn’t expect you to eat everything.”

After being excused from the table the woman gratefully moved over to Celeste’s sofa to lie down. As Celeste looked at her overstuffed friend she realized that God was taking her on a journey of discovery so that she could offer spiritual food in culturally appropriate portions!

*Name changed for security reasons.

Pray that:

Last Frontier personnel in the Pacific Rim will have wisdom and insight into the people that God has called them to reach.

Celeste’s people group will become hungry for Jesus, who alone can satisfy their spiritual emptiness.

Pacific Rim personnel going through culture shock will not be discouraged, but will draw strength from God to persevere in language and culture learning.

Pacific Rim is a region of the International Mission Board, SBC.