When missionaries first move to a new country, they begin with language learning. The impact a missionary has is significantly improved when they can communicate in the heart language of those they’re speaking with. What’s amazing, is the way God uses these early weeks, months and years. Even as missionaries are barely able to speak the language, God finds ways to create connections and start relationships that lead to Gospel conversations. Sometimes, it’s as simple as asking someone a question.

God’s amazing ability to turn Language Learning into Life-change

A Story from Missionaries serving in Italy

Sitting in a coffee shop, trying to decipher Italian, we found ourselves stuck on one word. My wife felt a nudge to lean over and ask the family next to us. With a smile, they told us they were not Italian and also learning the language. They were from Russia. The husband said that he attends a language school and eagerly offered to take us in a few days to show us. We went and checked out the school and were quite impressed, but we didn’t feel it was the right one for us. Our Russian friend said there was another school that we may like and he took us there a few days later.

The missionaries have their new friends over for dinner. Isn’t God amazing?

When we walked into the school, we were greeted by a very sweet Italian woman. She began to help us register, and for some reason, we knew this was the school. Before we knew it, we were sitting in class, learning from the sweet Italian woman, and my wife knew God was wanting her to pursue a relationship. My wife began one-on-one language learning with the woman and soon she was able to share her personal testimony and Gospel truths. Not long after, I got to meet her husband for coffee.

We invited them over for dinner. This dinner was an amazing night that provided the opportunity to share the Gospel with them and see their hearts and minds. They want to know more! So much more they want to study the Bible with us!

We were invited to spend time in the hometown of our new Italian friends this upcoming weekend! We are really looking forward to this time with them. Please pray for direct conversations about our faith that would result in time spent in the Word.

How is God calling you to say yes to a nudge in your own heart?

Do you see how God uses each simple act of obedience to create an amazing outcome? What if you asked a simple question to a stranger? Would you accept a stranger’s kindness? Could you pursue a friendship with someone unexpected? Maybe you can invite someone to dinner? They’re all simple opportunities. They’re all opportunities we have every day. When we pursue simple opportunities with obedience and intentionality it can lead to life-change. How could we impact the people in our own communities if we simply said yes to a nudge?

God has called all Christians to help fulfill the Great Commission. Do you want to be a part of our work to reach the remaining 3 billion unreached people? It can happen in our lifetime. Whether God is nudging you to go, to send, or to pray, we can help you get started and stay on track. We’re here to help if you have a question, we’d love to hear from you.