"He must increase, but I must decrease."
By a SEND missionary in Europe
Someone recently told me that to become a missionary, you simply have to be stubborn. Otherwise, you'd never make it to the field. Now, I like to think of myself as incredibly humble – perhaps even the most humble person you’ll ever meet. But I can't deny there’s a grain of truth in that statement. Stubbornness probably played a significant role in my wife and me actually making it here.
Back home, I was involved in several ministries. And, not to brag (because, remember, humility is my strong suit), I was pretty good at them! My success relied heavily on my ability to communicate effectively with people. Here? Well, that's a different story. Theological conversations, Bible studies, singing worship songs in church – even something as simple as ordering cookies (we tried for six, ended up with six cakes; not the worst outcome, but still!) – are all hindered by our current inability to understand and be understood.
Fortunately, thanks to my potent combination of stubbornness and humility, language learning is going great! (Mostly.)
When Your "Skills" Don't Translate
Still, there’s this nagging feeling that the skills and talents I had in the States simply might not translate to life here. Will my ministry be as successful? Will I inspire people with my words or enlighten the masses with my intellectual prowess? Will my humor land in this foreign language the way I sincerely hope it's landing with you right now in English?
I was wrestling with these questions when I recently read John chapter 3, and a stark contrast between two characters really jumped out at me.
Nicodemus vs. John the Baptist: A Tale of Two Approaches
Nicodemus comes to Jesus under the cover of night, admitting that he (and presumably other Pharisees) believe Jesus is the Messiah. Jesus then tells Nicodemus that everyone must be "born again" to enter the Kingdom of God. Nicodemus doesn't understand, and Jesus points out that if Nicodemus can't grasp earthly things, how will he understand heavenly ones? Nicodemus seems concerned about his status as a Pharisee. He comes to Jesus in secret and appears hesitant to support Jesus' rise if it means losing influence himself.
Later in the chapter, John the Baptist and Jesus are both baptizing in the Jordan River. John's disciples are concerned that Jesus is "stealing his thunder." But John, in broad daylight and in front of his disciples, acknowledges Jesus. He tells a parable, openly rejoicing in Jesus' coming. Then he declares those powerful, humbling words: "He must increase, but I must decrease."
The Humbling Reality of "Decreasing"
Coming to this new country, many of our once-familiar skills and abilities feel like they've been stripped away. But in some ways, I'm genuinely thankful for that. Needing help to write a simple letter or not knowing how to ask for toilet paper in a public restroom is incredibly humbling.
It’s a constant, gentle reminder that it’s not about me. I’m not here because I'm more skilled, more righteous, or more capable than anyone else. I am here so that Jesus may increase.
And in order for that to happen, I must decrease.
May we truly rejoice in that humility.
Why Language and Culture Matter in Missions
Language learning and cultural adjustment aren’t just checkboxes for missionaries. They are vital to building meaningful, lasting relationships. These efforts require time, humility, and perseverance, but they make it possible for the gospel to be shared in ways that are not only understood but deeply felt.
Because of our generous supporters, missionaries can invest the time needed to listen well, build trust, and communicate God’s love in ways that resonate with hearts across cultures.
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