Every person lives within and takes on culture - a way of seeing and interacting with the world and people around them. Missionaries have the difficult job of delivering the gospel to cultures, often very different from their own. They work cross-culturally. Below are two photos of missionaries experiencing someone else's culture.
You will also find a link to the profiles of the missionaries who captured the moments so that you can learn more about them and their ministry!
Photo by C.G., SEND Southeast Asia
While traveling in Japan, I captured this moment on Mt. Fuji. Many Japanese consider Mt. Fuji a sacred place and core to their identity and spirituality. Mt. Fuji is a powerful natural icon deep in the national psyche and so many Japanese aspire to climb the 3,700-meter-high peak as a metaphor for ascending in cultural awareness and pride. For most it is a religious experience. This mountain is a symbol of beauty and perfection that has influenced Japanese culture, so to climb it is to connect with the honor of the past and future.
Photo by D.K., SEND Southeast Asia
Pictured are three friends taking in the beauty of the green hills and a flowing river that meets the sea next to the area's Grand Mosque. These friends gave us a tour around this city after attending a wedding. It is a city where Islam influences the majority of culture. Snacks, building names, music played, event times, and more are all influenced by their culture, desire to seek God, and "follow the straight path".
Check out these photo contest winners from past years!
Were you inspired to go on mission by these photos from our missionaries? Talk with a coach today! We want to come alongside you and your local church as you explore missions, to help you discern how God might be leading you to be a part of his work around the world. Let us help you get in the picture!
