by Greg Mundis

Speaking In Other Tongues

Dear Friends:

I had the opportunity this past month to be in Tarragona, Spain, and to be part of a graduation ceremony. No, this was not the graduation ceremony of a university. No, it was not the graduation ceremony of a college or seminary. No, it was not the graduation of a Bible school or secondary school. The graduating class had only two people—actually, they were husband and wife.

Approximately 30 people were in attendance at the ceremony, which was held with a relaxed liturgy and the warmth of a family setting. Yes, certificates and presentations were awarded, but unique to this graduation was the fact that each graduate made a presentation in the Spanish language as verification of what they had learned over the previous six months.

I must admit I was teary-eyed as I saw a young married couple from the Midwest, two individuals who have made their careers in the secular world in graphic arts but who felt compelled by God to go to International Media Ministries to share their talents and skills. Now this couple joins with this great organization as it reaches out to the world with the gospel of Jesus Christ through various forms of electronic media.

My eyes were filled with tears because just a couple of years earlier this young couple from the Midwest had high hopes, dreams, visions, passion, mission, and expectations—and here they were at this language school in Tarragona, Spain, a former Roman colony where the Apostle Paul could have landed if he had come to Spain. Here they were, speaking in another language because of a lot of sweat, tears, and hours of learning. I was so glad this young couple made such a decision to learn another language.

Being a missionary involves all kinds of stretching and flexibility. Probably one of the most challenging things missionaries will do in their life and ministry is to learn another language. I cannot overemphasize how important it is to speak the language of the people where you are ministering. There is no substitute for being able to speak the heart language of someone.

I’ve heard all of the arguments that so many people speak English and that communication is possible, and I agree. But once you get into the heart language of the people, they see the efforts and the understanding you develop because you learned the language, because language conveys more than just words—it conveys meaning. It conveys history, sentiment, understanding, values, and worldview. When a missionary takes time to learn the language, it opens up doors that no man can shut.

So, my wife and I were thankful to be part of such a great ceremony to celebrate the learning of a language, the speaking in another tongue. It is one more sign that our work on the continent can be accelerated by this process of speaking in another language.

Thanks for your heart for Europe.

Sincerely,

Greg Mundis
AGWM Europe Regional Director

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