The transition into missions work will be easier if you hook up with an established missionary to be mentored. No matter how much you prepare, nothing is as effective as firsthand experience.
And since you won't have any when you go into a new place, you might as well borrow someone else's. We were fortunate that God called us to work with a team of seasoned missionaries. Their help and experience has been invaluable!
Learn the Language
This needs to be one of your first priorities! It is easy when going to another land to rely on a translator for everything.
The German language has been tough for us to learn. (We are in language classes a few times per week.) We took one basic class in the US before moving overseas.
We wish we had taken about ten more classes! Learning the language is faster for us here than in the US because we hear it all the time, but it is more difficult.
Not knowing the language has proved to be a headache for us. As my wife put it, "When we moved over here, we were instantly illiterate." We needed help just to interpret our bills.
We sometimes still need to get out our German dictionary just to help our first grader with his homework! At times it has been difficult just going shopping.
Besides, many of the people I talk to are impressed that an American wants to learn their language and culture.
Another thing...it is wrong to expect the German people to respond to an English-speaking God. Actually, I prefer to put it this way: It is a sin to expect a German person to sell out to an American God. It betrays the heart and actions of God.
Our God speaks not only English; He also speaks German, Swahili, Chinese, etc. Since there are a number of English-speaking people in the Bonn area, we are able minister in our native language.
But our potential will be limited to the number of English speakers here. If however, I learn the German language, the sky is the limit!
Jesus immersed Himself in the language and symbols of first century Palestine. While on the earth, He spoke at least two languages: Greek: the language of the politics, society and culture; and Aramaic: the local language of the His people.
When He spoke to the people, He connected with their hearts because He connected with their everyday lives. He didn't just teach theory. He used everyday illustrations that they were familiar with.
They were an agricultural society, so He used objects they understood as the basis of His teaching.
The Bible, speaking of Jesus, says, "The Word became flesh and blood, and moved into the neighborhood" (John 1:14 The Message). He literally got elbow-deep in humanity in order to reach us.
Jesus' mission was to become what we are so we could discover who God is. In other words, He came to introduce God to us and us to God.
In the same way, we have to become Christ incarnate to these people. They aren't breaking down our doors to find out what we know. So we have to go to them. And in order to do that, we must speak the language of their hearts!
If you are called to the mission field, you are in for an incredible adventure. Just be sure you do the natural things that will allow you to "finish your course with joy" (Acts 20:28).
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