Depth of joy

For most of my life, I have interacted with different cultures and have been fortunate to travel to various countries. I found them interesting. However, it was not until I was involved in Cross-Cultural Ministry in the Lutheran Church that I was able to really appreciate the simplicity and complexity of different cultures.

My involvement brought a depth of joy that I had not experienced before, in addition to some heartaches.

My heart ached for the individuals I saw struggling and my limited capacity to provide support. I found that many people in Australian communities have limited understanding and are quick to judge from the periphery.

The joys came from the South Sudanese, Burundian and Congolese communities as we laughed and listened to each other. We shared meals and knowledge between cultures in a way that built our mutual trust.

The biggest impact for me is recognising that the needs of all people are the same. Everybody wants to be loved, have friends that can support them, be given respect, and be good citizens in a community, no matter what culture they are born into.

Galatians 3:28: ‘There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.’