One of the things I noticed being on the World Race is how easily I am by default lumped into the general population of Asians who are actually nationals of Asian countries, though I am actually American! Here in North Africa, I’ve been consistently greeted with a “ni hao,” the Mandarin Chinese greeting for “how are you” to which I’ve always just awkwardly replied back with a “hello” or “hi.” It was just such a revelation for me due to having grown up Asian-American, that people in other parts of the world aren’t necessarily used to living in a racially diverse country or seeing a team or group of people united under one purpose that allows for ethnic diversity. Nationally, my team is made up of a New Zealander, an Australian, and Americans. Ethnically, we are Caucasian, Asian as well as Mexican. This just struck me as it made me realize how unique Christianity is in that it is a faith that has spread so rapidly in so many parts of the world and spans racial and socio economic lines. If one were to examine Islam, Hinduism, or Buddhism – one would still find a large concentration of adherents in a certain geographical hub. The multi ethnic nature of the Body of Christ is something quite unique to the faith. And it was in fact something that the father of one of the households we met had commented on. He said that the world would be wonderful if it was united in the way that our team of the different nationalities and ethnic make up was. What a striking and profound comment he had made! As Christians, we are united under the banner of Jesus, and under Jehovah-Nissi, our banner!
Exodus 17:15
Moses built an altar and called it The LORD is my Banner.
Psalm 86:9
All the nations you have made will come and worship before you, Lord; they will bring glory to your name.
