This is exactly what I have been experiencing in Fort Collins, Colo. The language is Christianity. The audience is Americans. This summer has been the most challenging yet most rewarding experience of my life. Language barriers are expected when serving in another country, but who would have guesses that a language barrier would exist in the beautiful city of Fort Collins? ?
I never imagined that this summer, I not only would be teaching a foreign language, but also would be learning one. Using the terminology of “Christ, salvation, God’s will, or calling” in an everyday conversation is like speaking Chinese to people here. They will give you the blankest of stares, and their response will be to change the subject or leave you hanging.
At first, I grew very frustrated. I didn’t understand why people didn’t understand what I was saying. But then one day, I realized I was speaking in a different language. The church lingo didn’t make sense to them. Phrases like “salvation, Christ, rock, refuge, calling, died for our sins, and rose again” made sense to me because I was raised in the Bible belt. But coming to a place where diversity is more prevalent, I was just speaking “Churchinese.” I needed to find a way to communicate effectively, so instead of giving up or forcing my language on others. I opted to leave my churchy lingo behind and learn their language. ?
In the past month, I have learned to stop speaking “Churchinese” and begin speaking “Humanese.” And yes, it is easier said than done! I have learned to become more aware of my word usage in my conversations. Instead of putting labels on something, I explain the characteristics of that particular idea, thing or personality type. I have become more aware of reading the verbal and non-verbal expressions of others during a conversation. If a person begins to feel apprehensive, I drop the subject and just pray for God to give me more opportunities in the future. Instead of focusing on concepts like “repentance” and “hell,” I focus on God’s love for the world and his gift to us.
It has not been an easy task, but with God’s guidance this has been the most humbling and rewarding experience this summer. Right now my time, focus, and life is learning a “new language” in Colorado. And just like learning many other languages, bits and pieces of the learning process will carry over into other parts of my life.
Gabby Azua, a student at Tarleton State University, is serving with Go Now Missions in Fort Collins, Colo.
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