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Men of Integrity, Sep/Oct 2001
Learning and Teaching the Lingo
Theme for the Week: Investing Internationally—1 Thessalonians 1-3
Monday, October 22
Key Bible Verse: With the help of our God we dared to tell you his gospel in spite of strong opposition (1 Thessalonians 2:2).
Bonus Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9
The grand opening of China, begun in the late seventies, still widens by the week. Almost any outsider with a college degree can find a job teaching English at a university or a work unit. Chinese students have a passion to learn English. "People sit down beside you on a bus to talk to you," a new teacher said. "When you're trying to buy onions or cabbage, for example, they'll walk up to you and say, 'I speak English. Can I help you?' They'll do anything to learn it. It makes teaching enjoyable."
Two short-term mission trips to India expanded Benjamin's view of the world. An occupational therapist, Benjamin packed his guitar and headed for China. He has a good ear not just for chords, however, but for the tones of Mandarin, and an excellent memory for the thousands of Chinese characters.
Those who, like Benjamin, take the time to learn the language find a rich reception from natives who expect they'll have to accommodate the foreigner. "When I speak to my Chinese friends in their language," one businessman put it, "it communicates powerfully that I care about them and their country."
—Ron Wilson in East Asia's Millions
My Response:
One way I could convey to people of a different background that I care about them is . …
Thought to Apply:
If your goal is to become a belonger in your new community, learning the language will prove a great means to that goal.
—Tom Brewster (linguist)
Adapted from: East Asia's Millions (Spring 01) with permission.
Copyright © 2001 by the author or Christianity Today, Inc./Men of Integrity magazine.
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September/October 2001, Vol. 4, No. 5
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Prayer for the Week |
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Father, I want to be a tool in Your hands to reshape the lives of people for whom Your Son died.
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