Key Bible Verse: Our God gave us the courage to declare his Good News to you boldly, even though we were surrounded by many who opposed us (1 Thessalonians 2:2). Bonus Reading: 1 Thessalonians 2:1-9

The grand opening of China, begun in the late '70s, 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: To help me connect with others at their heart-language level, I could …

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 (OMF International [www.omg.org] Spring 01) by permission.

Prayer for the Week

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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