Pickin' up the pieces

God has a great sense of humor. I am never at a loss for words – unless I can’t speak the language. In our ministry, my husband and I travel all over the world. I am more often than not in a situation where I cannot speak the language.

We minister often in Poland. I don’t speak Polish. We go frequently to Spanish speaking countries. I can’t speak Spanish. Although we lived in Germany, I only learned a small amount of German (I sometimes revert to the little German I know even in countries where it is not the national language). We spent a year ministering in France, and I don’t speak French. We have traveled to Austria, Portugal, Italy, Ukraine, China and countries in the Middle East where English is not the national language. Not once could I do what I do in America – meet people on the streets and in the shops and carry on a conversation.

Although I would very much like to get to know people I meet on these trips, I am handicapped because I can’t communicate in their mother tongue. I often give locals who want to practice their English a workout, but I would rather speak to them in their own language. I wish I had a gift for languages. I don’t.

The common denominator in all these places is that someone I work with speaks excellent English. I must rely on them for all the information about the area, how to conduct myself, how to shop and use the transportation system, etc. For those dear friends who are gifted in multiple languages, I pray that God will especially bless them for their service. I couldn’t do what I do without them. I am able, however, many times to get my point across without using the local language. There are a few things that transcend the language barrier, especially in the church.

In a special service in Poland, for instance, I had a meaningful worship experience even though I didn’t understand a word that was spoken. What I did understand, through song, message, testimonies and tears, was a love for God and a desire to praise Him. The language barrier was transcended by the common bond I have with the family of God. His Spirit was with us all.