While Christian life is never without its challenges, when we add the cross-cultural component the challenges unquestionably take on a different shape and hue. It becomes vital to face each with a strong faith and sense of adventure to ensure we don't overlook the blessing.
Blessed are they of good standing
It should go without saying that primary to any attempt in providing any Christian ministry is building a reputation of credibility and integrity. However, this often seems to be far down the list of considerations. We have been saddened to see how some of our national brothers and sisters have met us with suspicions lying only just below the surface of their smiles. The few foreigners who have left a marred reputation have made it hard for those who seek to present the truth in purity of heart. Stories have gradually reached us of affairs and failed marriages, of unfair business dealings and financial practices of those that came before us in the name of ministry. The local brothers and sisters have often questioned as to our proposed long term commitment to seeing our stated vision implemented. As this concern has been voiced in many ways in different settings it leaves one wondering as to the legacy left by our forerunners. Those that stayed have been the ones with a solid reputation and integrity intact and to these we look in gratitude for guidance.
Blessed are the patient
Add to these facts the language barriers and cultural interpretations which lead to a differing set of priorities and methodology from the locals, and we have a strong case for slow and prayerful groundwork. Often our cultural indiscretions are unintentional and even undiscovered in this polite society which sees direct talk or correction as a sign of bad breeding.
Misconstruing the governing guidelines in many cases is purely a result of frequent changes in benchmarks and supporting papers required for applications. Sometimes the confusion is simply caused by dealing with a different government official than your last visit.
In this cultural setting it can be quite frustrating if we maintain a western attitude of 'let's get on with it.' As with many Asians, the Thai are quite laid back and often afflicted with a 'she'll be right' demeanor manifesting as apparent apathy. There just seems to be no urgency in anything. This applies frequently even in business settings. A recent example was a simple print job that was promised within the week. Four weeks later we had our product.
One fundamental key is found in locating helpers and interpreters who have been down this road before. Networking with other missionaries sheds illuminating light as we compare experiences and learn how to utilize our resources avoiding the redundancy of reinventing the wheel. In many cases these shared times help us to remain optimistic. We can be reassured that we are not alone in the frustrations afforded by limited understanding of the mindsets surrounding us.
Blessed are the bridge builders
Let's also consider the need assessment. Cooperation by the locals can often be hindered when we have failed to communicate our intended purpose adequately; or on the other hand are seen by the local Christians as putting money and effort into what to them is not an issue. Do they share the same concept of need? Has this been tried before and if so what were the various outcomes? Has there been a series of broken promises in relation to the felt need? Are we struggling against a history of much talk and little fruit?
Blessed are the loyal
In our own experience we have discovered that drawing our team from within the body of local believers has happened slowly as we are introduced first to this one and then another. It often boils down to a 'who knows and trusts who?' in the Christian community. As we learn the art of friendship that constructs the necessary mutual trust we are better able to walk the fine line towards unity in purpose.
The fact remains we cannot go on and produce a successful service facility for local Christians without their input on committees and as representatives before the ever present government. We dare not. And so a measure of trust must be in place as each committee position is filled and maintained. Who better to understand the full implication of the local laws and its many shadows and changes than a native Christian with experience dealing with these transactions in the business world? Loyalty must be earned but it is always a two way street and we are not the only ones risking all here.
In the case of establishing a Foundation in Thailand it is the local Christians who will make up the founding board. Should the country turn towards closing it's boarders in the future it will be they who carry on the work of 'our' God given vision. It is also they who will lose their financial credibility and risk much should the Foundation fall due to our lack of judgment or stewardship. However as outsiders we will always risk intended direction being diverted by such future committees who may begin to view the original need as no longer valid and want their own agenda or passion implemented. We are mutually interdependent to the vision and as such must maintain transparency and accountability.
Local land laws and regulations make it impossible for a foreigner to own land although buildings can be purchased. It is viable as an option to take out a long term lease on a property but then what risk when so much is invested only to possibly be reclaimed at some later date? Logically all the laws relating to land and property are set to protect the Thai from exploitation from foreigners; but these laws must be understood and interpreted by a trusted lawyer before making those all important decisions. This point is a topic in itself.
Blessed are the creative
The challenge of fundraising for an overseas venture is always one to be creatively approached. How does one keep the vision before a distant audience in new and inspiring ways without physically flying between continents to present in person for that elusive dollar?
Then there are the inevitable questions from those who see such a small segment of the whole picture and can't comprehend why completion takes so long and can't be accomplished with the speed and efficiency delivered in their own country. Sadly these are usually the people that have the resources to help but not the experience of travelling outside the comfort of Resort living. They often have an unrealistic picture of what it takes to live and work with the other three- fourths of the world's population.
Blessed are the ones who persevere
Along the way the missionary seeking to better the life of the indigenous Christian community may often feel neglected by his own, after all his is not primarily a ministry of evangelism. He may also suffer discouragement through seeming inaction and even a loss of focus in trying to maintain the balance between his family and personal needs and the pace at which the Asian world travels.
The bottom line is always that we work for a Higher calling and without the challenges we would be the poorer in character and practice. While we cannot wave the banner of conversions of the masses, we can humbly attest to the faithfulness of God and the few who share the vision through prayer. Blessed are those who labour for our poorer Asian brothers and sisters so that these may be better equipped physically, emotionally and spiritually to serve their own people as they too have been called.
