In Africa, we couldn’t walk anywhere without a small group of children chasing after us, yelling, ”Mzungu! Mzungu!” Even in the dark, our white skin stood out. Everyone wanted a chance to get our attention, to get a handshake or a high five. In Kenya, our ministry was mainly speaking at high schools, which meant we’d often walk into cafeterias filled with hundreds of students cheering for us, simply because we’re from America. After our sessions were over, we’d be surrounded by dozens of students asking questions about life in America. Some even took pictures with us. It was my childhood dreams of being a rockstar come true, only I was there to preach rather than to play music.
Surrounded by a group of children in Tanzania
All over the world, I’ve been given special attention, and often special treatment, simply because I’m white. People have graciously welcomed me into their homes to hear what I had to say. In India, I was even stopped in a mall and asked to take a picture with a baby, and my only guess as to why is my skin color.
In Kenya, my squadmate Ashley wrote a blog smartly titled, ‘I Didn’t Know Mzungu Meant Jesus.’ The title is enough to really make you think. In America, I’m pretty ordinary, but around the world, I stand out. I attract attention. People care what I have to say. James chapter three talks about the power of words. Much of my year has been spent on words, from preaching in front of schools and church congregations to praying for people in the street to visiting people in their homes. I have had an incredible number of chances to influence people.
“So also the tongue is a small part of the body, and yet it boast of great things. See how great a forest is set aflame by such a small fire!” James 3:5
I know this verse is talking about times the tongue is used to destroy, but wouldn’t the same thing happen when a good word is spoken? Just as the tongue can destroy, can’t it also bring life? Could a whole community be set ablaze for God by one word delivered in faith? We read of that countless times in the New Testament.
With my Cambodian friend, who we call Boo.
Never in my life did I realize how privileged I was to have white skin. I say that not with an air of superiority, but with opportunity. No person is any better than another because of their race, let me make that clear. But never before had I realized the influence I had simply by my skin color; I understand now that people will listen to me talk about Jesus, that they will care what I have to say. Intentionally or not, my race has made me a celebrity in several small villages around the world. I was able to intentionally use that to make Jesus even more of a celebrity.
My Race is winding down, but many people are about to begin the journey to change a lifetime. You are about to become celebrities all around the world. People will assume that because you are white, you must know Justin Bieber and President Obama. But people will also trust that whatever you have to say is worth noting. Remember that this isn’t about you; its about showing the world God’s live. So if you ever get annoyed by the seemingly endless number of African children following you, yelling, “Mzungu!” speak out Jesus, because I promise you, they are listening.
