How are you going to explain this?

Have you ever found yourself at a loss when trying to explain something? Have you reached that point where you just don’t know how to make it clear?

Most often, it’s not because you don’t know what you’re talking about. It’s not because the people you’re talking to are stupid. It’s not because the language is limiting you.

When you find yourself at a loss, it’s usually because the experience and perspectives of the people you are talking with are very different from yours.

So you can identify with the task Scott Flaugher and Jareb McClain had this week.

They flew into a village in the Elseng tribe of Indonesia, where they have been invited to minister, in order to make clear exactly what they are planning to do – plant a church.

I don’t always know what people are talking about when they say, “plant a church.” Can you imagine how tough it will be convey that concept to the Elsengs?

A lot of folks in the USA and other Western nations can’t understand that missionaries go into these tribes with the intent of making the sacrifices necessary so the people can hear the Good News. They think the missionaries must be trying to get something. Don’t you think the Elsengs are thinking that way too?

The Elsengs have undoubtedly seen that villages where missionaries work have material benefits. There’s usually some level medical care. More trade goods may be available. People might be able to read and write. Do you think that may be affecting the Elsengs’ motivation for inviting missionaries?

So please pray that Scott and Jareb can break through the language and cultural barriers, and make clear what they intend to do, so their ministry can be built on a foundation of clarity and trust. If the Elsengs have different expectations, it could undermine everything Scott and Jareb and their families are there to do.

Could you also pray for us? One of the biggest hindrances for our ministry is that it’s pretty abstract, and people have a hard time connecting it to what folks like Scott and Jareb are doing. That’s real missionary work, most Christians seem to think.

Has this article helped you understand and connect the work Scott and Jareb are doing? I think – and I hope you agree – that writing in a way that helps you and others understand and connect with the work that Scott and Jareb and other missionaries are doing is important too.

It’s a very different world out there, and we’re glad to be able to help you connect with tribal missions.