Stupid Foreigner

“But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the surpassing greatness of the power may be of God and not from ourselves” 2 Corinthians 4:7, NASB.

My job is to tell the story of what God is doing in the Pacific Rim. I travel to many places in the region and walk among many Unreached People Groups (UPGs). Because my main task is to gather pictures, video and interview local believers and co-workers, I’m often at a loss when it comes to local language. I know how to say thank you in several languages. I also know the word for foreigner in several languages, which is how I know when people are talking about me!

I’ve learned in my job not to take myself too seriously. I’m often wide-eyed and animated when I’m out among the people. Not knowing the language is actually a benefit in many situations, because it allows me to stay focused on my work. I’ve often thought that people have said some not-so-nice things about me, but ignorance is bliss!

Recently I was on a trip to visit one of the hundreds of UPGs in our region, taking pictures in yet another open-air Asian market. My co-worker was trying to find me, so he asked several stall owners if they had seen me. When he found me he said, “Many people noticed you. They often said, ‘Oh, you mean the stupid foreigner with the camera?’”

Had I mentioned that ignorance is bliss? I’m not sure that I wanted confirmation of my suspicions. This was one of those moments when I had a choice to make. I could feel hurt and offended, or I could laugh. I laughed. “Yup,” I said. “That’s me, the stupid foreigner with the camera!”

If in some small way I can help mobilize believers in the United States to pray, give and go so that the lost peoples of the Pacific Rim can hear the Gospel, then I’m willing to be the “stupid foreigner” a thousand times over. It doesn’t matter what people think of me, because the work I do isn’t about me. It’s about God receiving glory from all the nations. He is infinitely worthy of worship from every nation.

What a privilege that He uses “stupid foreigners” like me to accomplish His eternal purposes to bless the nations! Perhaps God is calling you to be one of His cross-cultural workers. I pray that you will answer His call.

Pray that:

Both short-term volunteers and long-term cross-cultural workers will keep a good sense of humor and not be easily offended.

The love of Christ will shine through cross-cultural witnesses and cover over all the cultural mistakes that are made.

God will be worshiped among all the nations of the Pacific Rim.

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