Portland, Land of the Green and Home of the Different

After a great day at the coast and visiting some more good friends, Kameel and Rachel Kilada, we began our course at World View Institute on cultural understanding. It was intense, but immensely practical. They had a good balance between class room sessions and “field trips.” The interaction with fellow CrossWorlders was so beneficial and mutually enriching. One of the main concepts we were taught was the “12 signals system” or “12 languages of culture.” We went to several places in the Portland area to make observations and take extensive field notes using this 12 signals system. Later on, we went into studying the culture of China from many different angles. This included a trip to the “Portland Chinese Gardens.” We especially appreciated the teaching of Dr. and Mrs. Don Smith, who have developed this unique approach to learning cultures. Many special relationships were developed through the month with staff members of World View and other Cross World missionaries. The principles we learned should revolutionize how we do our ministry. More about this next time...