African-American Missionaries

[Bridget]

Hello Everyone,
I recently have been browsing through this web page and I love it. I am interested in going on my first missions trip ever. I would really love to go overseas to places like China, Russia, or Africa. Since I have never been on one I was wondering about how other cultures feel about African-American missionaries? This isn't meant to be a racist question just a question for someone just starting out and who is clueless about missions work.

Thank You and God Bless You,

[Peter]

Dear Bridget,

Great question! Let me share my limited knowledge on the topic:

The number of different cultures amazes me. While God can
definitely use a person from any culture or race to take the gospel
to any other culture or race, there seem to be some combinations
that are more effective. Or to put it another way, sometimes the skin
color and nationality of the missionary can affect how well they are
received in the culture and nation they go to.

As a Caucasian, I am most aware of the limitations of my own
roots. As I understand it, there are some countries (especially the
Middle East and North Africa) where my white face will be a barrier.
Why? Because those countries and cultures have had bad experiences
with Anglos (i.e. the crusades). In other countries it is the perception of
wealth associated with Americans that becomes a barrier. In other places
the U.S. culture gets me in trouble. My individualism, free speech, and
voice volume appear loud, rude and obnoxious.

Does that mean I shouldn't go to the places that my cultural baggage
gets in the way? Not necessarily, however, it is something I need to
be aware of and seeking the Lord about.

As far as cultural response to African-Americans goes, just as a Caucasians
skin color and culture produce both postive and negative responses, I imagine in
some countries an African-American's roots will erect barriers and encounter
limitations and in other instances, the doors will be opened wide and acceptance
will come more quickly. For instance, I have a friend who went on a
mission trip to Cameroon with an African-American teammate. She said
that the people from Cameroon assumed her teammate was one of them
and would come up to her speaking the local language, thinking she
understood it. Consequently, the teammate was able to integrate into
the culture and connect with people much more quickly than the rest of
her team.

Generally, I believe most cultures will accept African-American missionaries
in the same manner they accept Caucasian missionaries. I also, get the
impression, that in many cases African-American missionaries will be accepted
better than Caucasian missionaries.

You picked a great topic to discuss. I hope you get more interaction.

Sincerely,

Peter

[Bridget]

Dear Peter,
Thank you so much for your response. It was a great response and wonderful insite. I really desire to go on mission trips because I love people so much. However, I will continue to be prayful about where I go. And since it's my first time going on a missions trip, I'll be led by God as to where to go first.
Thank you so much and I hope to here more wisdom from you and others

Your Sister In The Lord,
Bridget

[mitzi]

Bridget,

Your questions reminded me of a situation that we had recently here in Chicago. I work for an international mission agency - meaning that we send Americans, Australians, Romanians, Latinos, Filipinos - from everywhere to everywhere. It is an exciting place to be. Recently one of our innercity teams in Chicago told us about a girl in their neighborhood. She is Latino and really interested in missionary work. However, she felt guilty because she really wanted to go to London and she felt as a Latino she was limited to going to Latin Countries only. Would you believe that there is a huge population of Spanish speakers in London? We were glad to dispel her guilt by saying that God was definitely leading her there for a reason - and that her being Latino would be a huge blessing to that ministry.

The message of the gospel is a message we have all been called to share. In the past, missionaries have been the white faces in the foreign land. And if you look at the past, you will see that our message has been tainted by the white culture these missionaries brought with them. We need diversity! We need African Americans! The gospel of Christ isn't complete without the diversity that God has given each one of us - together we have the complete gospel - and we need that completeness on our mission fields as well!

If God has given you the desire to serve, then don't let your fears keep you from going!!! Just do it (:

[Tim Heaton]

That is outstanding Bridget!!! It reminds me of the Bible verses in Revelation 5:9-10 where John is writing about the song that the elders in heaven sang to Jesus.
"And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation; And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth."

The Lord can certainly use you in building His church. Keep following Christ, Bridget!!!

God bless you. Your brother in Christ, Tim JN.14:27 Rom.5:8

[Bridget]

To Mitzi and Tim,
Once again, I am encouraged even more by the letters you both have sent me. Thank You ever so much. May God Bless you both.

Your Sister In The Lord,
Bridget

[Lim Tong Hong]

Drawing our attention to the final paragraph of your article, I like to respond and say that no not all countries will accept "missionaries".

1. Firstly, going on a mission trip whether a short term or whatever does not make you a missionary. A missionary have to be commissioned, provened servant of God both in your own country and in the other countries. So whether one will be accepted as a "missionaries" really depend on many other factors including your ability to skillfully handle the culturally sensitive matters. knowing the cultures doesn't yet proved that you are capable of relating and accepting the culture. once you can't accept the culture your tendency to want to change it is subtly strong and that is where you may offend.

2. Many countries do not officially accept missionaries anymore; like china, myanmar, malaysia, etc. hence you will never be welcomed as a missionary in that country. Before we handle cultures, we would need first to overcome the country's rule about your coming in. For example, many mission teams going into china have to go in as a english teaching tour, visiting the underground churches activities and hopefully tries to share the word to some students, because China do not welcome foreigners to come into her country in the pretext of tour and try to evangelise the people. If caught and confronted you will be repartriated.
So if you want to go as a mission team for visit, you should contact the churches so that they can arrange the schedule for you. So to respect the law of the country is to understand the culture of the land.

[Ida]

Hi Bridget,
I am African American. I am a missionary. I have been to 5 different countries. The opinion vary. When I went to Kenya the people that I worked with were surprised that I was Black. I go to a church that is mostly white. I think that is the reason that I think of mission work in other countries. Most Black churches think of working in the community.
When you go on your trip, remember that is not your home. You will be coming back. When I went on my trips many peolpe assume that I was going to change the world. I knew that was not going to happen. Go with a "sweep the floor" attitude, meaning you are willing to help them continue the work that they are already doing. With that attitude you will see mighty works of God.
In His grip,
Ida

[angela Pack]

wow,I was just asking the same question about african american missionaries. i was looking for testimonials online. In the phillipians,I think afro americans might have trouble but I feel like if God is working in the situation it doesn't matter what race you are. Also black people come in all colors. A darker skinned black might be view differently than a lighter skinned black depending on what culture you are in. God will help you. Keep your eye on the prize. If He has called you then you will go....right? It really doesn't matter what we think,get into the will of the Lord and it will unfold for you.

[Nan Boesel]

Hi Bridget. My husband and I lived and worked in the Philippines for 21 years. I want to tell you that African-Americans are very well rec. in the Philippines! GO!

[Dennis]

I am a Kenya Missionary in training. I will heading a team of african American Missionary back to my country and I would love to hear experiences of people that have been there. I believe this will help me equip and better prepare the team for KENYA!

I will be hoping to hear from you soon!

Until the Nets are full,

Dennis

[ikenna kanu]

thanks you for been a missionary