Johnhwilburn.com

A few weeks ago a friend had someone from England come for a visit. After introducing me to her, the friend asked “where are you from?” I told her, and she said “I thought you were from Ireland since your accent sounds Irish.”

I had to laugh at that since my accent most definitely DOESN’T sound Irish….

But since I’ve lived in Saint Vincent for seven years, it’s hard to tell where I’m from!

I will always have a southern accent (and proud of it) but the strength of that accent has weakened because of years spent overseas. My accent also changes because Vincentian words become part of my dialect, so in a way I’m creating my own language!

During a medical furlough in 2021 my family members told me I’d lost my accent. This DEFINITELY wasn’t true! Instead, what they were saying is my accent wasn’t as strong as it used to be.

This is totally okay

Because a big part of missions is adapting to the culture of the mission field. And in a way becoming less American.

Of course, I am not embarrassed of my American heritage. I will always be incredibly grateful for the privilege of being born in the United States. At the same time, I cannot cling to the American culture or way of life, but instead adapt to the Vincentian culture.

About four years ago I began going to a local prison every Wednesday to sing, listen to their testimonies, and preach the Word of God. It was a wonderful experience, but the singing time was a little difficult for me. The prisoners would sing praise choruses they learned as children instead of hymns (there are no hymnals in prison) and I didn’t know any of them.

It felt strange wanting to join these men in their praise and worship, but not being able to, because I didn’t know the songs.

So I dedicated myself to learning their praise choruses.

In a very basic way this illustrates the adapting to another culture. It isn’t about coming and saying, “this is how you do it” (forcing the American culture) but instead asking “how do you do it?” (Blending with their culture).

Yes, sometimes there are Biblical convictions we must take a stand for…..

But usually we are dealing with cultural preferences, which can (and should) be changed.

This understanding and adapting of the other culture goes a long way towards strengthening your testimony.

Last week I had the opportunity to lead worship in our prison service. It was honestly a joy to blend my American voice with the voices of Vincentian believers in songs they had learned from chidhood.

And I didn’t miss a single word!