Three consecutive letters can mean any matter of things. CSI, FYI, LOL… we simplify for efficiency. Categorizing and sorting to express an organization or idea with minimal effort. The truth of a situation can be expressed with simplicity, but meaning often requires further articulation.
I spent a month and half serving with and learning from two inspiring missionaries in Estonia this past summer. They are raising their family amidst a cold culture with an extremely difficult language. Determined to work themselves out of a job, these individuals focus their attention on relationships and investing in Estonians who will serve and lead.
You are probably wondering why this pondering is titled XXX. An acronym known to represent sex, lust, even debauchery in America… what relevance could it have in cross-cultural ministry? Something weighty and indulgent in one place may be insignificant and anecdotal in another. Please keep an open mind as I explain how vodka purchased at a triple X store could have positive purpose. My young friend, a child of the missionaries, developed a swollen ankle as we were traveling around the country. I recognized it one evening and mentioned it to his parents. Shocked we had not noticed sooner, they decided to take him to the emergency room. What prescription did they leave with? Vodka soaked socks, ladies and gentlemen. Vodka is like the windex of Estonia (watch My Big Fat Greek Wedding if that reference did not click), a cure-all for swelling, sorrow, and any manner of suffering. We decided to follow the doctor’s orders and make a trip to the local grocery store – Maxima. In America we have general grocery stores and if they are massive, supercenters. The Maxima chain in Eesti comes in three sizes: X, XX, and XXX. So there we were, missionaries in a foreign country, purchasing Vodka from a XXX store for the purpose of healing.
Not the day I pictured. Not the picture I imagine anyone has when they think of a Christian missionary. The experiences that fill our days are not always what they seem and rarely fit into a religious box. Religion cannot save us from ourselves and this world’s incessant depravity – there is only one Savior. We are utterly alone if our appearance sources our security.
If I told you Jesus died, I would be speaking truth while neglecting all meaning.
If I told you a portion of a mission trip was spent in a XXX store purchasing Vodka, truth would be shared but incorrect meaning easily assumed.
I know I am guilty of assuming meaning where only fragmented truth has been revealed. I shudder at the actions of some and rejoice with others without understanding the intent or purpose behind such living. Listen for meaning before speech. Search for truth before assumption. With patience, truth in love may yet be known.
