The Right Accent

I was once asked by a Christian leader - who I will not name, but whose initials are C. John Steer - if I ever had to "fire" missionaries. When I responded in the positive he said, "Good. At least I know that you are doing your job." Since this particular leader was born and educated in the UK, he can say this type of thing. I have found that you can say anything you want to if you have the right accent. 

By God's grace I rarely need to recur to dismissing a missionary. In fact, it is one of the great blessings in my life that I have the privilege of working with a number of very talented, "Jesus-hearted" people. I am honored to serve alongside servants like these.

This past week I spent time visiting with a new couple in Masatepe, Nicaragua. Brandon and Hannah Weidman are just getting their feet on the ground. Right now they spend most of their mornings studying Spanish - hard work, if you are going to do it right. They are also investigating the needs of this rural community located among the "pueblos blancos" south of Managua. 

As I walked along the streets (paths?) of the town with Brandon and Hannah, I was impressed by how many relationships they have already formed. We were invited into a doorless, windowless home to share churros and arroz con leche. It was obvious that Brandon and Hannah had spent time there before. I drank a lot of coffee with people visiting in their home. I observed how many people talked to them when we went to an outreach street soccer tournament organized by the youth from their small church.

I was also impressed by the type of local leaders already surrounding them. These are Nicaraguans who have a vision to reach out into their own community - and are willing to allow us to do this together with them.

I would appreciate your prayers for the Weidmans. As we spent time prioritizing the task before them, it was clear they have a lot of hard work and adventures ahead. Masatepe provides few employment opportunities for youth. Many children suffer from malnutrition. Basic health needs are often unmet. Families have suffered a breakdown - most children are being raised by their overworked mothers with no father on the horizon.

Ultimately, we hope that Brandon and Hannah learn to speak Spanish with an accent - a "Galilean accent." If they can be disciples who reflect the character and priorities of Jesus, we may have the privilege of seeing Masatepe transformed by the power of God.

Like I said, the right accent can make all the difference.