One of the first tasks our missionaries face during pre-evangelism is language learning. They have to learn the national language so they can do business, deal with government officials, etc. Often the first year of service is dedicated to this task.
Our missionaries quickly discover that language and culture learning requires an immense amount of discipline and energy. New words and customs constantly appear during that first year in the field.
Why is this necessary?
Read what the Pewitts have
to say about this critical phase.
Once our missionaries learn the trade language they relocate to
live among the unreached people group they came to evangelize. Many
times this move requires our missionaries to learn a second language to be able
to communicate with the intended people group. Like Jesus, they have to earn
the right to be heard. Like Jesus, they need time to study the lifestyle and
beliefs of the people so they can adequately share the Gospel in a way that makes
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