The Impact of Buddhism
In Asian culture, often anyone who is born in a Buddhist country is considered a Buddhist. It’s not uncommon for people with a strong family identity to consider their family and religion together.
Cross-Cultural
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Saving Face
In Chinese culture the concept of face is a very important part of social interaction and is specific to the group or family to which the person belongs.
Cultivating Chinese Missionaries Faithfully and Realistically
There is a Chinese saying 《十年树木，百年树人》 which means, “It takes ten years to grow a tree but a hundred to cultivate a person.”
Reciprocity—Goes Both Ways and Keeps on Going
Building relationships through sharing resources.
Guanxi
When we lived in Asia, I was constantly asked for things and especially for money. Being a typical American, I was offended with their constant asking. I discovered later that asking for favors was a means of developing relationships.
The Importance of Filial Piety
Our friends in Asia suspected that we did not want to take care of our family members, our parents in particular, and so we came to their country. They couldn’t understand that we had come for any other reason.
Chinese vs American Family
I didn’t understand that by disagreeing with my parents and older people that I was not showing them respect and returning the care they had given me.
Cultural Identity—East vs West
In Asia I experienced a lot of cultural stress but didn’t know why. Not only was I trying to adjust to a different culture, but I was also dealing with unconscious American and Japanese cultural values.
Language vs. Attitude
If you intend to live and work in China, France, or wherever, check your attitude. With an attitude of acceptance, participation, immersion, you will not only develop meaningful relationships, but language acquisition will be enhanced.
Talking about Sensitive Issues
The conversation taught me the importance of relational trust and humility in addressing sensitive historical topics and the vital role of self-critique in forming the most important of connections: ones that bring us closer to our shared sense of brokenness and the need for grace beyond what we can muster.
Learning to Be a Learner
Over the years it has been reiterated that to truly serve the people of China and the Chinese church, one must first be a learner. Adopting a “posture of learning” is essential, but how does one actually do that?
American Factory
A tale of two countries, with a glimpse into China and Chinese culture and insight into cultural differences and warm friendships.