Reaching Asians in America

By Ron Berrus

Val and I took our oldest son Josh to dinner at a local Chinese restaurant, where we were waited on by a young Asian woman named Lilli. She repeatedly apologized for her lack of English, although we were amazed at her fluency after having been in the US for only two weeks.

Her loneliness was evident as she told us about herself. We learned that Lilli's husband Shawn is a graduate student at the university in our town, while she graduated from an Asian university.

We think of missionaries facing culture shock, but here was a newlywed, transplanted into a totally new culture and employed as a waitress while her husband worked on his graduate degree. Like most of us, the young couple faces the stress of hectic schedules, plus the added burden of homesickness, adjustments to married life, and culture shock.

Before leaving the restaurant, my wife and I gave Lilli a tract-with a generous tip-and our address and phone number. She immediately responded with similar personal information. We prayed for Lilli and Shawn for a week, then invited them to our home for a meal.

Lilli had never used a fork before, and imitating Ron proved difficult. Finally she asked, "Do I HAVE to use my left hand?" We all burst out laughing! Ron is left-handed and never gave a thought to that as he demonstrated the technique. Ron has tried to learn the art of eating with chopsticks, but would starve if he had to use them regularly, right-or-left-handed.

We gave Lilli and Shawn a CD recording of a Cedarville College singing group. Josh's solo in the song, "It Was Enough," impressed Lilli. She told us, "The idea that 'it was enough' gave me such a feeling of peace. I want to know more." Shawn asked many questions about God, saying "I want to seek after Him." Then he asked Lilli, "Don't you want to, also?" Lilli hesitated, "This is all too new. I don't understand."

We offered to meet together for Bible study to explain what the message of the Bible is all about. A few weeks later, the couple agreed enthusiastically. For months now, we have met with Lilli and Shawn twice a month. We have discussed creation, sin, sacrifice, holiness, and the prophecy of a Savior. While discussing Isaiah 53 Lilli asked, "How can we get back to God and be forgiven?" Verse 6 of that chapter answered her question, and it seemed as if a light went on.

Many other ethnic transplants live in our university town. Some vibrant ethnic churches exist, but many foreigners are unwilling to attend a church, even one made up of their own countrymen. Many internationals, however, are willing-and eager-to meet ordinary Americans. As we share about our families, up-bringing, customs, culture, hobbies, and traditions, we discover how different, yet how similar we are. Believers need to be willing to listen, to try to understand, and to become involved in the lives of the pockets of people right on our doorstep.

Like most universities, the one in our town has a council that is looking for Americans to befriend internationals. We have had numerous opportunities to share the gospel with the international community. You, too, can reach out to the international community: the students, shopkeepers, and business people living in your own backyard.

NEWS FLASH: Just before press time, the Berruses reported that Lilli and Shawn both accepted Christ as Savior and are eager to grow in their new-found faith.

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