Cross-cultural challenges

I ponder my own ethnic background with interesting emotions. I have pride, gratitude, and a sense of obligation. God birthed me into my Native American heritage. I am Navajo. God made me Navajo.

As I seek to lead others to engage in cross-cultural missions I need to consider what I am asking them to do. I need to equip them to engage stepping over boundaries--their own boundaries and leap out of their own comfort zone.

I received a link to a short article which informs me how I can help others engage in cross-cultural ministry. Jeff Yourison shares how to open the door to diversity. He gives some simple things to consider or to answer as each person engages in cross-cultural ministries:

1. Take stock of your current attitudes.
2. Be aware of your own ethnicity.
3. How do you act when you are the minority?
4. What biblical truths help you engage those of a different culture?

He cites two other articles which you can read for further insight. Both articles take the perspective of college campuses however you can apply them to the city or county at large.

God is prompting me to learn more about diversity and reaching out to the lost and the lonely who need God's love and God's people to make them feel and be included in God's forever family. The lost and lonely only need an invitation. Step out of you comfort zone and minister to those around you.

Try, try again

As I begin this new day, i confess that sharing Christ with new friends is challenging. There is a fear factor involved. At least there is in my life. I marvel at the Apostles who prayed for boldness and courage.

In Acts 4:8, the Bible says that Peter was filled by the Holy Spirit. I too, must be filled with the Holy Spirit. Later, in verse 29 the believers pray together for boldness, for fearless confidence. They asked God to empower them to speak boldly His word. Then God visited them with empowerment from the Holy Spirit and they began to speak the word of God with boldness (verse 31).

I spent an evening with some close friends who don't know God. We enjoyed a meal. We laughed. We shared. But I did not bring God up! Shame on me. Sure, I feel guilty for not speaking up, but I can grow from this. I can continue to build up confidence as I find the opportunity to bring up Jesus and His Good News. My guilt can paralyze me. Or it can motivate me to engage the next opportunity. I pray that God would keep bringing opportunities to share Christ before me so that I can trust Him and can confidently speak the word of Christ into the lives of those around me. I want to get better at this everyday. May God grant me, His bond-servant, all confidence to speak His word. In Jesus' name, Amen.

New Year Starting

The new year has started and I want to know God better. As I reflect on my personal spiritual goals I desire the following:

As a man of God I will honor God in my life by continuously developing a deepening love for God so that my family remembers me as a fully devoted follower of Jesus and as a patriarch of faith in Christ for positive influcence towards their own salvation and for godly impact towards their own growth in Christ.

My heart is excited for the new ministry opportunities awaiting me this coming new year. I plan to read a chapter of Proverbs each day and five psalms per day. I need input from God's Word to properly focus my life.

I'll keep you up to date on what God is teaching me throughout this transition year.