Happy 2022 everyone! We’re not totally sure how it’s already March… the beginning of this year has been packed full of cool things, so grab a cup of coffee or tea and buckle up. I’m so excited to share with you all that God has been doing.
In January, we traveled to Nairobi, Kenya, to attend Africa Based Orientation (ABO). EMI requires all of its missionaries to attend some kind of cultural training. We had the option to attend a general training in the States, or to attend ABO which is Africa-specific. We of course opted for the Africa-specific option, particularly because it is hosted by Africa Inland Mission (AIM). The training is specific to their organization, but they allow other organizations to attend (so we excitedly agreed!). AIM’s mission is “Christ-centered churches among all African peoples.”
We are extremely grateful for this great group of people that we were able to get to know during our time at ABO.
The key phrase in that statement is “Christ-centered”. Not western-centered, or doctrinally-focused, or Christianese-speaking, or teaches-like-us, dresses-like-us, or worships-like-us. There is a huge challenge that comes with entering into a different culture and teaching something. The temptation is to teach the way you would in your home culture. And worse, to impose your opinions about things that aren’t based on the gospel, but are based on your worldview or culture. There’s this concept out there that our western, individualistic culture is superior to other societies or world views. That’s simply not true. But looking back through history, we can see where so many western missionaries do this wrong (and this is why we go to training!). But in the words of one of our many great teachers during the training: “Just because it’s different doesn’t mean it’s wrong.”
Now we know that in our heads, and it seems like a really simple concept. No one at our training argued this or said “But the western way of doing things is so much better!”. But in practice, it can be challenging to handle situations where there are conflicting worldviews. Let me share a couple examples with you.
Polychronic View
-Multitasking is great
-Involving people is more important
-Time is flexible
-Finish whatever the event is before moving on
-“There is always more time-what’s your hurry?”
Monochronic View
-Do one thing at a time
-Schedule is important
-Time can be wasted, lost or killed and therefore should be managed and planned
-“Time is money!”
-“Don’t waste my time!”
Indirect Communication
-All about being friendly
-Saving face, avoid embarrassment
-Yes doesn’t necessarily mean “yes.”
-Try not to offend, use a 3rd party if need be.
-Beating around the bush
Direct Communication
-Yes is yes & no is no
-Short & direct is showing respect for a person’s time
-Say what you think
-Relaying information, no hidden meanings
-“Tell it like it is!”
Can you see how some of these differences may cause conflict within a multi-cultural team? I sure can. In fact, we frequently have moments of misunderstanding. It’s easy for me to long for the days where I worked with a team of all landscape architects who for the most part had a very western worldview! Both my communication style and my professional responsibilities were accepted and understood by everyone. It’s not like that in a multi-disciplinary, multi-cultural office! I am constantly explaining myself and my work, and it can be discouraging at times.
We especially enjoyed getting to know Emma and Esther, who were on the ABO staff. They are Tanzanian missionaries with AIM. It was great to hear their perspective on cross-cultural missions.
So why is diversity so important? As a designer, I will tell you that a diverse team produces stronger, more effective, and more sustainable designs. As a believer in the gospel, I will tell you that it is a commandment that we pursue diversity and unity.
“And Jesus came and said to them, ‘All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.’”
Matthew 28:18-20
“For in Christ Jesus you are all sons of God, through faith. For as many of you as were baptized into Christ have put on Christ. There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.”
Galatians 3: 26-28
This is why one of our core values at EMI is Diversity. Now when I first think of a diverse team I think, “Well that’s nice.” Diversity is a noun, it’s “the state of being diverse.” But that state of being takes work! There is conflict, there are mistakes, there are misunderstandings. But Jesus not only calls us to diversity, He calls us to unity (1 Corinthians 1:10). How do we achieve this unity? Through observing what Jesus has taught us. To love God, and to love people. “Rejoice in hope, be patient in tribulation, be constant in prayer.”
“I therefore, a prisoner for the Lord, urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling to which you have been called, with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, eager to maintain the unity of the Spirit in the bond of peace.”
Ephesians 4:1-7
Pray With Us
We are so grateful for your prayers and support! Please join us in prayer for the following:
Please pray for EMI Uganda as we navigate all of the challenges that come with being a multi-cultural team.
Please be praying for the interns that we have this term! Pray that they adjust quickly and that the Lord would be working in their lives.
After a year of transition and travel, we are at a place where we will be staying put for a while! Pray for us as we form new routines and habits. Pray that God will be glorified in our daily life.
Praises!
Praise the Lord that we were able to travel safely to and from Nairobi! We are extremely thankful for the time we were able too spend there and all that we learned during the training. We were also able to see a lot of Bruce’s family during our time there.
Four of the guys here on staff popped the question within a month of each other! We are so excited for them as they begin wedding planning.
Stay Connected
Each year, EMI’s people complete over 100 development projects which serve the poor and proclaim the Gospel of Jesus Christ. To keep these design services affordable for Christian ministries, professionals like the Arensen’s on EMI’s staff are responsible for raising their own salaries. We are so grateful for God’s provision through the generosity of donors. Would you prayerfully consider partnering with the great things God is doing through the Arensen’s ministry at EMI?