Sometimes, Mission Begins with Listening

A Reflection on Sunday’s Sermon

Last Sunday, a sister in our church shared about her experiences serving in Ireland. What touched me was not simply where she went, but what she learned about sharing the Gospel across cultures.

She shared several simple stories. In Ireland, even the words we use can carry different meanings because of the local culture. The team also learned to respect families and local customs, such as asking parents before taking pictures of children and understanding the meaning behind an invitation into someone’s home.

One story especially stayed with me. After speaking with a woman who was working outside on an island, the sister walked away. Then she felt the Holy Spirit say, “Turn around, go back.” She returned without a prepared message and simply told the woman that God loved her and saw her. What she remembered most was the woman’s tears.

Another woman was deeply moved when she realized that this team had traveled all the way from the United States simply to talk with people about Jesus. Sometimes, what touches people is not a perfect message, but knowing that someone is willing to come, listen, and care.

The sermon reminded me of Philip, who first asked the Ethiopian eunuch, “Understandest thou what thou readest?” (Acts 8:30). Philip listened before he explained. Jesus also saw people and was moved with compassion (Mark 6:34).

This made me think about my own life. Maybe sharing the Gospel is not always about finding the perfect words. Sometimes, it begins with simply listening—slowing down, asking questions, caring about someone’s story, and being sensitive to the Holy Spirit.

The Gospel does not change, but the way we express it can change from culture to culture. As the sermon reminded us: “Stay the course, but learn the culture.”

I want to remember this: Listen. Care. Build trust. Follow the Holy Spirit. Be a witness.

Maybe sometimes the most faithful thing we can say is simply: “Tell me your story. I’m listening.”

Scripture references: Acts 8:30–31; Mark 6:34; 2 Corinthians 5:16.