What I Liked About the Latinos in North Africa

Posted by: Jeff Adams in Ministry Musings, December 2, 2008.
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I continue to reflect on my recent visit to North Africa, seeing a dream fulfilled before my eyes. For 30 years I have said that Latin Americans have the potential to be wonderful workers and representatives of Jesus Christ in places like North Africa. Let me give a couple of specific examples of why I liked what I saw. . First, Latin America culture is normally very warm and personable. Latin Americans who have relocated to places like North Africa seem to have a relatively easy time of making friendships and mixing with people in the context of the local culture. North Americans and Europeans often struggle in this area, being used to guarding their “personal space.” It seems to be much more difficult for them to jump in and mix with the local culture. . Second, many of the Latinos have a wonderfully mature understanding of the doctrine of vocation. They don’t need a “cover” or excuse to live an Islamic culture. Many of them would view this as dishonest or giving the impression that they are there merely to “convert” people. My Latino brethern seem to be very comfortable with who they are and just as they are. Whatever vocation has opened the door for their presence in their guest culture is a legitimate part of their personal identity, and they believe it their biblical responsibility to serve God through that vocation while making a genuine contribution to the community with no expectation of receiving something in return. Seeing the tranforming influence that many of them have garnered as a result is very encouraging indeed.