As Dan and I, along with the Lees, attempt to blast away at the language barrier and get closer to each others’ hearts, God allows us painful and encouraging moments like today…
Jae and Enoch, a couple from Korea, have two of the cutest kids you’ve ever seen, and today Enoch and I were talking about them as moms everywhere seem to do. Enoch and I have a special friendship; we get together and really enjoy talking about what God is teaching us. She has worked diligently in English, and she is nearly fluent, but admits that she would prefer to speak Korean if she is thinking through spiritual matters or matters of the heart.
So what about the children?
They are so young and seem completely comfortable in a totally english environment; and it’s only been two years! With more years ahead they will only improve. It may be that these two children grow up and have a different heart language than her and Jae. We talked about how this might make them feel, and she had already been considering this. She assumes her children will be fluent in two languages, perhaps three. But while they would be multilingual, if they preferred to share their deepest thoughts (spiritual truth) in English rather than Korean, it would be a challenge for them to feel fully connected.
They have chosen to come and receive training for tribal missions, knowing the cost may be that they are raising children to become something very different from what they are, and even what they would prefer. Yet they are confident that God will meet this very deep need should it arise.
Can you imagine sharing the gospel with your very own child in a language that isn’t your heart language? As they mature, they will want to talk about deeper things and Jae and Enoch may have to communicate in a language that isn’t their mother tongue, simply to reach the hearts of their children. They will have to trust God to meet them in this situation. They could quit. They could return to Korea and never have to deal with this. But they continue here.
Man, the sacrifices these families are making exceed my imagination!!
And God says He sees the sacrifice, He will reward. His grace is sufficient, and He provides for all our needs. I am so thankful that is true!!! Jae and Enoch are taking God at His Word, counting on Him to be faithful.