When a group of people see a snake there can be any number of responses - fear, terror, panic, bravery... and hunger?
The outside observer might be surprised to know that we have had over 45 different tribes represented at ARCC from 9 African nations. This creates an extremely diverse student body where students are daily faced with the challenges of living in a cross-cultural setting.
On Friday during our Community Day you couldn't help but notice the difference. A group of students came upon a snake measuring over 2 meters in length. While some quickly ran and cried out in panic another group swooped in for the kill. But the story does not end there - the students who captured the snake also requested to eat it!
You'd be surprised how much controversy this kind of request can create. One group of students and staff refused the idea not even wanting the snake in the kitchen, while the other side pleaded in earnest for a taste of home. A compromise was struck when the students agreed to cook it themselves in their own pot.
The dining hall was filled with curiosity as students gathered to see who would take a bite and who would refuse.
As a missionary I loved every minute of this encounter because it was an opportunity for our students to receive some missionary training of their own. When a missionary enters a new culture often eating the new food can be a big adjustment. People all over the world eat food that some of us would never consider like ants, grasshopers, snails, frog legs, rats, animal intestines and snakes. Part of entering a new culture is showing your willingness to adopt the new manners, customs, greetings and food that you are offered. Refusal to greet in an appropriate way or to eat the food you are served can be seen as offensive to your host and be a hindrance to the spread of the gospel.
I truly believe that our students have the ability to reach the nations for Christ and on Friday many got their first taste of entering a new culture!
The outside observer might be surprised to know that we have had over 45 different tribes represented at ARCC from 9 African nations. This creates an extremely diverse student body where students are daily faced with the challenges of living in a cross-cultural setting.
On Friday during our Community Day you couldn't help but notice the difference. A group of students came upon a snake measuring over 2 meters in length. While some quickly ran and cried out in panic another group swooped in for the kill. But the story does not end there - the students who captured the snake also requested to eat it!
You'd be surprised how much controversy this kind of request can create. One group of students and staff refused the idea not even wanting the snake in the kitchen, while the other side pleaded in earnest for a taste of home. A compromise was struck when the students agreed to cook it themselves in their own pot.
The dining hall was filled with curiosity as students gathered to see who would take a bite and who would refuse.
As a missionary I loved every minute of this encounter because it was an opportunity for our students to receive some missionary training of their own. When a missionary enters a new culture often eating the new food can be a big adjustment. People all over the world eat food that some of us would never consider like ants, grasshopers, snails, frog legs, rats, animal intestines and snakes. Part of entering a new culture is showing your willingness to adopt the new manners, customs, greetings and food that you are offered. Refusal to greet in an appropriate way or to eat the food you are served can be seen as offensive to your host and be a hindrance to the spread of the gospel.
I truly believe that our students have the ability to reach the nations for Christ and on Friday many got their first taste of entering a new culture!
i pray for such boldness (to be able to eat anything without hesitation) too when i get to do missionary work.
ReplyDeleteI think we can try one and feel how it tastes. If there is anyone ready to prepare, am also ready to taste!
ReplyDelete