BARBA’RIAN, n. – A rude, uncivilized person unacquainted with the language, laws & manners of those around them. (1828 Webster’s Dictionary)
I don’t know about you, but I certainly don’t want to be classified as a barbarian! Especially when it comes to proclaiming the glorious Gospel of Jesus Christ to those around us! But, how do we avoid being a barbarian?
“…except ye utter by the tongue words easy to be understood, how shall it be known what is spoken? Therefore if I know not the meaning of the voice, I shall be unto him that speaketh a barbarian, and he that speaketh shall be a barbarian unto me.” (1 Corinthians 14:9 & 11)
In the passage above, Paul is instructing the believers at Corinth concerning speaking in the assembly using languages unknown to the hearers. His point is clear. How will they understand you if you don’t speak the same language? Paul strongly emphasized that everything should be done to edify, or build up, the hearer, not ourselves (verses 4 & 12).
But, what about those outside the church who’ve never heard the Good News that Jesus died for their sins & freely offers them salvation from an eternity separated from God? Concerning them, Paul had this to say:
“For whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. How then shall they call on him in whom they have not believed? and how shall they believe in him of whom they have not heard?” (Romans 10:13-14)
Considering the importance Paul, directed by the Holy Spirit, placed upon speaking understandably to others concerning the Gospel, shouldn’t we take great pains to communicate the Gospel clearly to others in a language they fully understand? Indeed, people’s destination in eternity depends upon them understanding their sinfulness & need for a savior, as well as, Who that Savior is!
If we are not absolutely clear in communicating these Truths, misunderstandings occur & the Truth is diluted or made of no effect in people’s lives. To be reconciled, or made right with God, a person must understand that it’s not what they do, but what Jesus did on their behalf. It boils down to Who they are putting their trust in for salvation, not what. This must be clearly communicated. Simply assuming people understand this is not good enough.
Hence, the importance of being able to communicate the Gospel clearly in a person’s heart language, in other words, the language he first learned. That’s why New Tribes Mission places such importance on our missionaries becoming highly capable in the language of the people to whom we minister.
This is also why we’ve been working so hard to improve our Spanish language abilities. It’s mandatory for an effective ministry. Although Sherri has graduated from the Spanish-language program here on the field, David’s still in it. But, the end is near. With the Lord’s help, David will graduate & transition into his full-time ministry no later than next May.
In the meantime, field leadership has asked David to put in up to 50 hours per week in Spanish study. That includes time studying, reading, writing, listening to & speaking Spanish. That’s a lot of work! But, it’s important to David’s upcoming ministry of overseeing the safety & security matters of the field. Without a high level of Spanish language ability, David might miss something that’s critical to the ongoing work of our missionaries here in Mexico.
It’s vital that David develop relationships with Mexicans at all levels of society. That takes a serious understanding of the language. But, it yields an accurate understanding of the potential issues we face as a mission, as well as, a doorway through which to share the Gospel with them. Your prayers for us in this regard are much appreciated.
Leave a Reply
You must be logged in to post a comment.