When was the last time you had jury duty?
I had to report Monday, and I was a little concerned. I’m not really familiar with the way the court system works here in Florida. It’s a foreign world to me, with its own way of operating, its own way of viewing things, its own code of conduct, its own language.
What if I did something I thought was innocuous that turned out to be really really bad?
I didn’t need to worry. Seminole County does a great job of orienting jurors and helping them fit into the courthouse culture. All the clerks, judges and bailiffs I encountered were helpful and friendly.
But what if they hadn’t been? What if they just assumed that since this is everyday stuff to them, I and the other jurors should know it already?
Some places are like that.
More to the point, tribes are like that.
To tribal people, missionaries are really stupid.
Doesn’t everyone know that you aren’t supposed to walk past the rubber trees at dusk?
Even our children can speak our language, and they can’t get it.
And who on earth wipes their nose and then puts it in their pocket? Are they saving it? Why? Never mind – I don’t want to know.
In some ways, the Stupid Factor helps. People are willing to tell you things, so you can learn about the way they think.
And while having people laugh at you certainly keeps you humble, it also hurts.
Would you please take a moment today to pray for missionaries who are struggling to adapt to and live in a culture that is foreign to them?
Thanks, and thanks for the role you play in our ministry!
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