Language study is a big hurdle when entering cross cultural ministry. You have to be able to communicate the Truth in order for It to be heard. You have to be able to interact in order to build relationships, upon which brotherhood and discipleship can begin!
Huge Hurdle.
Because we need to learn French
and the tribal language, we have a lot of work ahead of us- Our preference would be to get to Burkina A.S.A.P and learn language as we go. One move, immersion in African culture right away, and French study in one fail swoop...
That scenario made sense to us
from this side of the Atlantic Ocean! But...as with most things that seem simple, language study is not quite so simple. Of the 4 families on our team, all 4 have advised us to study in France (and many others who are 'in the know'). We didn't like these recommendation, and we protested
a little-
a lot!
Unhappy with our options, we prayed and waited.
Lots of research, reading and talking with experienced people who have walked this road, led us to more questions than answers-
but prayer led to a solution!
We will begin language study in Georgia (U.S.A), and then in September, we will attend a language school in France that is specifically for missionaries working in French speaking countries.
While in Georgia, a wonderful woman, who happens to be a French professor has invited us into her home where she will tutor all five of us twice daily! Options for a whole family to learn language are slim- so this is an enormous gift she is giving.
The story of how this came about is miraculous, and we'll share it in person when we see you, but we are so blessed and want to PRAISE GOD for His hand of provision! We never could have imagined this solution... yet the Lord did! ...again!
We are immensely grateful to Miss Fio for welcoming our family into her home and her life~ She is serving the Lord into her seventh decade of life, and we are thrilled to know her!
Accepting this season of language study has felt like an unwelcome season of waiting because we are so eager to be in Burkina, but we are slowly coming to realize that this time of language study is vital to ministry. So we will accept the path lying before us and remember that the Lord has ordered our steps perfectly! Each day is a day to minister, savor and serve Him.
Every country, language and situation is different; in our case, we have to learn the tribal language from French, not from English, so it's not an option to only learn one language! It is super important to share the Gospel in the "heart language" of a people group, so that the good news that we have to share will be heard, understood and received on a deeper lever, by the grace of God.
It was daunting to even consider ministry in a country that would require us to learn 2 languages- but it's AMAZING to see the Lord provide for our learning needs in such incredible ways. He is God, and He is Good! The burden of language is feeling lighter today, and we are constantly reminded that He has called us and He is with us every step of the way!
I will give thanks to you, LORD, with all my heart; I will tell of all your wonderful deeds. Psalm 9:1
