Why Learn a Language?

OK, Friday's in the books. And it was another great day. We got to pick the missionary's brain about church planting strategy and progress (stuff that's beneficial for me to hear right now), we toured the Osaka Castle, constructed originally in the late 1500's and reconstructed in part in the 20th century. The castle is now a fully functioning eight-floor museum and gave us a great chance to visualize local history and peoples.

But of all we did during the day, our consensus highlight was the Language Exchange, done at the Mustard Seed office in the evening. This is a time when Japanese people wanting to learn and practice English come and spend time in conversation, as well as build relationships with each other and with the American speakers. Tonight we were the draw- four native speakers (like Matt on right) willing to sit and talk one-on-one with brave Japanese learners. With Seth from Mustard Seed leading us, we had six locals arrive and we began some intensive talk time. The format was simple- we would sit and talk to someone until Seth asked them to rotate to the next person...kinda like speed dating for language learning. Our job was simple: ask questions, encourage conversation, and share our lives and testimonies as opportunities arose.

And arise they did. We were able to talk about our lives, interests, faith and focus, and we tried to provoke thought and response about their faith issues and spiritual journeys. There was plenty of interest and enquiry, and a hunger on the part of several. One older lady told Mark that even if she didn't become a Christian she wanted to know how we thought, because she saw us as people willing to love others and reach across cultural boundaries to accept people, and she wanted to be that kind of person. 


The two hours flew by and as we parted, we told our new friends that we hoped to see them again Sunday...and they agreed. We made our way via subway back to our hotel, excitedly sharing our experiences and agreed that this was something we could do each night here! It dawned on me yet again that this whole thing was not about learning to speak a language, but about developing meaningful relationships. I mean, one lady there has an American husband who teaches English, so her need wasn't a better grasp of the language. She was there because of the possibility of community and connection. And I remembered what my seminary language prof said years ago: you don't learn a language just to speak a language, you learn a language in order to know people.


That's it. It's that simple. It's about knowing people. Because we all want to be known, at least by somebody. We want a place where everybody knows our name. And loves us. Respects us. Accepts us as we are. We may not use a tool like the Language Exchange class where we are but we can find ways to get to know people. To let them know we care about them and want to get closer to them. And that's really the emphasis of God's plan for us- He launched Himself into our world through the person of Jesus to allow us to know Him. To reveal His heart for us. To accept us where we are, even as He brings us to where we need to be. And in so doing, He's taught (maybe still teaching) us a new language- the language of unconditional and sacrificial love.


Got anyone who could use a language lesson of love? All it takes is your heart willing to invest a little time and attention. Who knows? Maybe you could become a great language teacher,and someone could meet a new friend...you.


And Jesus.

Matt and Jessica never looked so good!

Osaka Castle

Discussing all things missionally strategic

Our Language Exchange group

Mike and Matt meet an old friend!

The Three Amigos...Samurai style!