It was quite an education.
As I reflect back on the past 13 days in which we traveled from one end of the Middle East to the other, mot
oring to 15 different cities by plane, taxi, bus, train, van or whatever else we could get our hands on, here are 20 things I have learned:1. The North African culture is much different to other Middle Eastern cultures- although they are Muslim and have many things in common, their European influence makes them distinct and uinque.
2. We have much to learn from the historical collapse of Christianity in the early centuries in the Middle East North Africa regions. For starters, it is incumbent upon us to pass on our Biblical faith to the next generation in compelling and effective ways. Also, we must alway proclaim the gospel in the heart language to the people.
3. Just because a restaurant is a McDonald's, it doesn't mean they will get the Big Mac right.
4. When your crossing the border into Israel, it's better not to be with a group of guys who have Morocco, Dar fur, Dubai, Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Sudan stamps in their passports. This is a good way to get stuck for over 5 hours. Israel is VERY picky about who they let in their country.
5. If you have an urge to peak in the windows of the U.S. Embassy in Tel Aviv after dark- submerge the urge. Those Israeli security guys have no sense of humor- and they come out of nowhere.
6. Don't ever laugh at a Syrian border guard.
7. Leave your typical American sensibilities about space and manners at home. You will get pushed, y
ou will get honked at, and even when people use their normal voice, it sounds like their yelling at you. It isn't because they don't like you, it's just their way of communicating.8. Don't try to sneak into the cave of the Nativity when the Greek Orthodox priest is holding services.
9. Don't ever try to jump onto a camel. They are quicker than they look.
10. In the Middle East, it is considered a terrible insult to show the bottom of your foot. Crossed legs can get you stopped by the police and kicked out of Syrian Orthodox churches.
11. Eat whatever is offered you for the glory of God, but pack a lot of Tums.
12. Most of the Christians in the Middle East are Palestinian. Most of them don't think American Evangelicals are rooting for them.
13. The Arabic word for "eat" is "kuhl" and the word for "worms" is "duhd". "Cool, dude" doesn't translate well. This fact is emblematic of the challenge of cross-cultural ministry.
14. Everyone should go on a mission trip! It is a great way to expand your global vision and see what God is doing around the world. The church needs more believers who think globally.
15. Every bit of the support and prayer we provide for our missionaries is worth it. We need to pray and give more.
16. Most of our stereotypes about people in Muslim countries are completely wrong. And most of their stereotypes about Americans are also completely wrong. This is why it is wonderful when we get together.
17. Some of the most effective missionaries are missionaries kids.
18. Most of the world does not live the way we do or even remotely relate to our lifestyle. Parents should work hard to expose their children to a variety of cultures.
19. It is obvious when you travel to places like India, Morocco, Dubai, Jordan and Israel, that God loves diversity- both in his creation and in His creatures.
20. Christianity will continue to spread throughout South America, Africa, China and South Asia and will one day penetrate the Middle East. I believe that will complete the circle of the spread of the gospel from West to East and will be the fulfillment of the Lord's Great Commission.
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