American culture in proverbs

Bob and I just finished listening to the book Crossing Cultures with the Gospel, by Darrell Whiteman. Even after more than 18 years of living outside of our home culture, we needed to hear the research, advice, and examples of this anthropologist about how to bridge cultures well. As we listened to the book we had many conversations about how to be intentional in learning and adapting as we prepare to transition to another new place.

 
In the final section of the book, Whiteman says that most of us are not conscious of our own cultural assumptions and values, which can cause discomfort and miscommunication when cultures clash. The first step in intercultural relationships is knowing ourselves and our own culture. He writes, “One way to discover worldview assumptions and help a person become aware of their cultural baggage is through proverbs.” Whiteman cites a book by Stan Nussbam that uses proverbs to characterize American cultures and values. Here are Nussbam’s “Ten Commandments” of American Culture (along with my own comments)

1. You can’t argue with success.
That is, achieving success is more important than how you achieve it.

2. Live and let live.
Americans value freedom and privacy, so we are reluctant to interfere or criticize the way someone lives.

3. Time flies when you’re having fun.
Having fun, pleasure, and leisure are important to us!

4. Shop till you drop.
This demonstrates the high place of consumerism in American culture, and that shopping is a form of entertainment.

5. Just do it.
We value action and decisiveness.

6. You are only young once.
Youth is idealized in American culture, along with seizing opportunities.

7. Enough is enough.
This phrase often represents the importance of justice or rights in America.

8. Rules are made to be broken.
Individualism and free choice is more important than following rules.

9. Time is money.
Think about phrases like “wasting time”, “spending time”, “saving time”—efficiency is a high value in American culture.

10. God helps those who help themselves.
I have heard people say that this phrase is in the Bible –is it really? This idea reflects our worldview of expecting people to always seek to improve their economic, social, or educational position. If someone is not working hard to improve themselves, why should anyone else help them—even God?

What do you think? How accurate do you think this characterization of American culture is? How many of these proverbs do you think you identify with? Are there times when you have experienced the discomfort of confronting a worldview very different from your own?

We leave you with an Oromo proverb from Ethiopia, as quoted by Darrell Whiteman:

“Because the baboon cannot see its bald bottom, it laughs at the defects of others.”
(That is, people can easily overlook their own glaring deficiencies and self-righteously criticize others.)

Grateful!

 We have been humbled and encouraged by many people in response to our news about next steps. We are so grateful for the conversations and the opportunities to share with many people and churches who are partnering with us in this journey of ministry as we transition to Ghana next year.

Sharing a ministry update at Grace Church in Normal, IL

We prayed at the beginning of our discernment process that God would lead and continue to confirm his direction for our next steps. And God provided many trusted friends and mentors to encourage and affirm our direction along the way.

One particular recent event stands out – a colleague from South Sudan traveled to Accra, Ghana, for a conference in November. He contacted Bob when he arrived to see if he could visit ACI, the school where Bob will be teaching. The leadership of ACI helped to facilitate his visit and welcomed him, and the rector was particularly interested and burdened for South Sudan, even saying a heartfelt prayer for the people of South Sudan. We are grateful for God affirming this connection that we hope will continue to grow and be a source of equipping leaders in South Sudan and also Ghana.

As we transition to a new organization, we are grateful for the 15 years that we have had with PC(USA). The colleagues and partners we have connected with are truly a gift that has taught and inspired us and with whom we hope to maintain connection. And we are grateful for the ways that we have been supported this year through the transition.

Mission co-worker colleagues, gathered for debrief this
summer at New Wilmington Mission Conference

We are also grateful for the time that Bob has had to focus on writing this year, and the great progress he is making on his dissertation. We are also grateful that I could take a few classes on trauma as part of further equipping for ministry. The time with family and friends this year and the rare treat of reconnecting in person is another gift. We could go on, listing many more blessings this year that we are grateful for, but that could go on for many pages. Mostly, we want to say that we are grateful for you, and for the beauty and love that we experience as we pursue God’s Kingdom together.

Enjoying the Thanksgiving season

“…Since we heard about your faith in the Lord Jesus, we have not stopped giving thanks for you, remembering you in our prayers. We keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray also that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened in order that you may know the hope to which he has called you, the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints.” - Ephesians 1:16 - 18

Our new call to Ghana...

After praying and discerning for the last several months, we finally have some news to share about our next steps. Drumroll, please....!

We will be moving to Ghana next year, hopefully around the end of May. We look forward to being back in Africa and getting to know new people in a new region. Why Ghana, you ask?

Bob has been invited to join the faculty of the Akrofi-Christaller Institute of Theology, Mission and Culture (ACI). Bob has known of this institution for many years, and has been inspired by their vision for equipping Christian leaders to effectively connect the good news of the gospel with their cultures and to grow into faithful disciples of Jesus Christ. In 2024 Bob spent a month at the school doing some research, and appreciated the spiritual focus among the faculty and the collaborative community among the faculty. The students come mostly Ghana, but also across Africa and even beyond.  

Rector of ACI engaging with a traditional chief

(photo from ACI's website)

Kristi will continue serving with the Healing Hearts, Transforming Nations ministry, which is the approach that we used in South Sudan for healing and reconciliation workshops. Kristi has been invited to join their international planning team, supporting teams doing healing and reconciliation ministry and training facilitators in different countries. She also hopes to support local teams in Ghana and West Africa who are beginning this work of healing and reconciliation, helping churches to bring God's healing power and love to people who have been traumatized.

A tangible activity symbolizing giving over our pain to God

We are joining a new sending organization, The Antioch Partners (TAP). We are grateful for TAP's vision to equip followers of Jesus Christ to serve others and make God's grace and love known around the world. TAP will handle all donations towards our ministry and support. We are now beginning the process of raising funds for our transition to Ghana and for ongoing support as we move there next year. We would appreciate your prayers as we move in this new direction. If you are interested in financially supporting us this year and/or moving forward, please let us know and we can send you details. You can donate online directly at this link.

Our first backpacking experience

In August we had our first experience of backpacking in the Cascade Mountains. It was an amazing experience of soaking in the beauty of nature and slowing down in the absence of technology and the normal demands of life. We are grateful to Tiffany and Steve for introducing us to the unique experience and world of backpacking –the planning, the packing, lending equipment, and then hiking together and commiserating over sore muscles afterwards.

Day 1: We left Whidbey Island in the early morning, took the ferry and then the crowded freeway about 3 hours into the mountains. We started our hike towards Pete Lake and enjoyed the slow progress and accomplishment as we plodded forward and balanced 30+ extra pounds on our backs. It was a treat to pick and eat huckleberries and thimbleberries on the side of the path as we walked through the forest. When we reached our destination, the view of Pete Lake surrounded by mountains was delightful and satisfying. And the food and hot tea always taste wonderful after a long hike!

Day 2: we made a longer trek up to Spectacle Lake, an alpine lake high in the mountains. We had to wade through an icy cold river with a strong current on the way. There was a light rain all day, so we had our rain gear on, but got progressively soaked. We walked through a forest of tall evergreens, then entered an area that had been burned by wildfire several years before. Now the hillsides that had been burned were covered in a colorful display of wildflowers, including purple fireweed, along with new tree growth. We slogged up about 2 miles of switchbacks as we climbed higher into the mountains, encouraging each other to persevere. “We are getting close!” Finally we stepped into view of Spectacle Lake, nestled between many mountains. The wind, rain, and cold helped us decide not to linger and enjoy the view too long. We hiked back down the mountain, cold and wet but still enjoying the view and the company. Dry clothes never felt so good! We were very grateful for a break in the rain in the evening and some hot food and tea to warm up with. The hike was about 12 miles that day – the longest day hike we have walked in several years.

Day 3: we packed up our wet clothes and wet tent and put on our wet shoes for the hike out. The sun was shining and we could savor the view of the bright flowers and the tall trees as we walked through the forest. The three days seemed to have gone too fast; our legs and feet were sore, but we also felt like we wanted to continue the hiking and camping in the forest. We enjoyed lunch in a small town on the way home, then re-entered the world of traffic and freeways and technology.

Great memories, and we are already dreaming of where we can go next!

The blessing of presence

Last week we attended the New Wilmington Mission Conference (NWMC), a gathering for people of all ages focused on learning about how God is at work around the world. We have been able to attend, participate, and share our own stories in mission several times at NWMC over the last twelve years. We always appreciate the connection with people, the spirit-filled worship, and the inspiring testimonies. 

Evening sessions of worship and teaching

in Anderson Auditorium

 This year was unique in that the board members of NWMC and the organizers of an initiative called “With You Always” provided space for those of us whose role as Presbyterian Mission Co-Workers (MCWs) has recently been concluded to come together, to share our communal lament, and to orient ourselves towards hope and new beginnings, connecting with other mission-sending agencies and connecting creatively with presbytery and mission network leaders. 

It was a great gift to be able to connect with colleagues in person, particularly because of the experiences and connections that we share and the significant transition that we are experiencing. The technology to connect over zoom or WhatsApp is wonderful, but it can not fully replace being physically present together. 

 

Mission co-workers gathered at NWMC

For those of us former MCWs who were able to attend, the gathering felt like “a giant bear hug” from the church as the healing balm of God’s goodness and mercy washed over us individually and collectively. We could not be more grateful for this initiative and what it has meant to us. Thank you NWMC and to the many churches and people that made this possible.