The shoreline stretched long, the waves were high, and the weight of my heavy skirt tried to pull me under. I loved every minute of it.
The culture within this North African nation includes dressing more modestly than in any other culture I have been in. I was wearing a t-shirt and a flowing ankle length skirt with leggings underneath to the beach, when I was overcome with the need to jump in the ocean. Though it was uncomfortable, it was incredible. I have loved entering into this place and preferring them. I have had a chance to heap honor on another culture, expressing my appreciation of the beauty by being like them and not forcing my personal beliefs in the freedoms I may have felt entitled to in the past.
My job is not to change another culture to be like my familiar American culture. Separately and more importantly, I am not here to transform others to live as Western Christians. My role is to share Jesus and trust that the seed of truth, the Gospel will take root all in due time. In fact, I get to join in with the Gardener at whatever point in the process He places me in: introducing the name of Jesus for the first time, teaching that Jesus paid it ALL, pointing others to discover that Jesus came for the Jews and the Gentiles, being the twentieth encounter with a follower of Jesus, or leading someone in a prayer of salvation.
One of my heart’s desires is to see the aroma of the knowledge of Christ grow into a fragrant perfume, permeate every area of this nation, and fragrantly display within this distinct cultural context. Skirts, long shirts, and ankle length dresses on an 80 degree beach day is a simple example. Preferring other cultures is a small price to pay in order to play a part in the beautiful story that continues to unfold.
1 Timothy 2: 1-6
I urge you, first of all, to pray for all people. Ask God to help them; intercede on their behalf, and give thanks for them. Pray this way for kings and all who are in authority so that we can live peaceful and quiet lives marked by godliness and dignity. This is good and pleases God our Saviour, who wants everyone to be saved and to understand the truth. For,
There is one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus. He gave his life to purchase freedom for everyone.
This message God gave to the world at just the right time.
