More from the local folks

I mentioned that if you had any experience in talking with local leaders as to their opinions of how missionaries could be more effective in their countries that I would love to hear it and pass it on to others. Here is what Grant had to say:

I interviewed pastors while I was in Thailand and asked them what I could do to better train missionaries to serve in that part of the world to be a blessing rather than a hindrance. They told me that some of the chief complaints they had about the Westerners serving there were:
1. They hadn't made concentrated efforts to learn the language.
2. They didn't seem to work very hard compared to the national pastors.
3. They lived at a much higher standard of living than the national workers.
4. They usually came in with a plan of how to change the country rather than a servant and learner attitude.
In general, they didn't have a lot of positive things to say about missionaries. It was definitely hard to hear, but we need to be good listeners as missionaries, especially to the local people who are our best allies when it comes to understanding language, culture, strategy to reach their own people, etc.

Wow, this just gets more painful doesn't it?
Proverbs 27:6 - Wounds from a friend can be trusted, but an enemy multiplies kisses.