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Being Thoughtful to Students From Korea

3/29/2019

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The Bible is full of one-another statements—love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, etc. Our behavior towards one another says so much about who we are and what we value. We want to be thoughtful ambassadors for Jesus when we encounter people, especially visitors from other countries. Look over the bullets below of ideas how to be thoughtful to students from Korea:  
 
  • In initiating a greeting, the junior person will bow slightly. The senior person will extend their hand to shake hands. Elderly people are highly valued so greeting them first is expected as is complimenting them on their health.

  • Wait to be introduced to another at a gathering; avoid introducing yourself but use a third party if there is someone you want to meet.

  • People of the same sex may hold hands, but do not put your arm around another’s shoulder.

  • Beckon someone with the palm down and scooping motion toward yourself.

  • Blowing your nose in public is considered gauche. Go into another room to blow your nose.

  • Cover your mouth when using a toothpick or yawning.

  • Intermittent eye contact conveys sincerity and attentiveness.

  • At a meal in a home, transfer food from the serving dish to your plate before eating it. Leave some food on your plate to indicate you are finished.

  • Do not be surprised if Koreans ask personal questions. They are the most direct of all Asians.

  • Modesty is very important to Koreans. Do not enter a home/office until invited to do so and wait to be invited to sit.

  • Social chit-chat is very important first to bolster the relationship. If you need something or need to tell something, do so after a bit of chit-chat.

  • Saving face is important, so interpreting “No” is done by paying attention to the subtle gestures as the verbal may be what the person thinks you want to hear. If you are unsure, ask if the person would like more information so they can give you more clues.

  • As in many Asian homes, remove your shoes when entering.

  • Koreans eat a lot of garlic, and smells are significant. Be aware that your eating red meat and drinking a lot of coffee may impact the smells you give off.

  • Be careful not to overly admire something as they may feel obligated to give it to you.

  • Know the difference between Korean history and the history of other countries in Asia. Confusing their history is insulting.
 
Principles cited in this blog: Many dos and don’ts to remember in order to be thoughtful.
 
Application for ISI ministry: We desire to be winsome and thoughtful to our guests from other countries. Learning a few small customs can make a big difference! 
 
Next blog topic: Special announcement
 
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson

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Being Thoughtful to Students From China

3/15/2019

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The Bible is full of one-another statements—love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, etc. Our behavior towards one another says so much about who we are and what we value. We want to be thoughtful ambassadors for Jesus when we encounter people, especially visitors from other countries. Look over the bullets below of ideas how to be thoughtful to students from China:  
 
  • Humility is a virtue to the Chinese. Bragging or exaggerating is considered very rude.

  • Expectations of time commitments are to be prompt and on-time.

  • If you are a guest for a meal in a home, bring a small gift of fruit; never eat before the host.

  • When eating rice, it is customary to hold the bowl close to your mouth.

  • When finished with chopsticks, place them on the chopstick rest. Do not leave them parallel on top of your bowl or standing straight up in your rice bowl. Try not to drop them.

  • Serving dishes in a Chinese home are not passed around. Everyone just reaches to the dish.

  • Never take the last bit of food from a serving dish (it indicates you are still hungry).

  • Fruit is typically served at the end of the meal.

  • If you do not want refills of tea in your cup, leave some in the cup.

  • Greetings typically involve a nod or slight bow, but the person may offer a hand to shake.

  • Names can be tricky, so just ask the student what they desire to be called and introduced as.
  • Avoid exaggerated hand gestures, and do not touch people you do not know.

  • Use an open hand to point instead of a finger. To beckon, use the hand down and scoop.

  • When giving a gift, use both hands. Gifts are not usually opened in the presence of the giver. Use red when wrapping a gift (considered lucky).

  • Some Chinese decline three times even when they want to accept something. Offer at least three times.

  • Casual clothing should be conservative.
 
Principles cited in this blog: Many dos and don’ts to remember in order to be thoughtful.
 
Application for ISI ministry: We desire to be winsome and thoughtful to our guests from other countries. Learning a few small customs can make a big difference! 
 
Next blog topic: Being thoughtful to students from Korea.

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Being thoughtful to students from India

3/8/2019

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The Bible is full of one-another statements—love one another, encourage one another, serve one another, teach one another, etc. Our behavior towards one another says so much about who we are and what we value. We want to be thoughtful ambassadors for Jesus when we encounter people, especially visitors from other countries. Look over the bullets below of ideas how to be thoughtful to students from India:
 
  • The traditional Indian greeting is “namaste” (ˈnäməˌstā). To perform it, press the palms of your hands together (as if praying), place them below your chin and over your heart and gently nod or bow as you say the greeting. This is preferable when a handshake is not comfortable.

  • If you are invited to dinner in an Indian student’s home, be 15-20 minutes late. Wash your hands both before and after the meal. Eat only with your right hand (and do not touch anything with your left). Bring a small gift of fruit, chocolates, or flowers when you arrive.

  • If feeding students, ask if they are vegetarian. Many Hindus do not each meat and Muslims to not eat pork. Vegetables are always safe, but chicken or lamb may be acceptable depending upon the student and their background. You have to ask!

  • Students may not say “thank you” at the end of a meal you provide as it is considered a form of payment. Inviting you to their home for a meal means they value your relationship.

  • Many Indians consider the head to be the seat of the soul, so never touch a student’s head.

  • To beckon someone to come toward you, do so with the palm of the hand down and the motion being a scooping motion with the hand. Anything else is insulting.

  • Naming conventions are changing in India, so it is best to ask the student how to address him or her. Sometimes long names are shortened, and students sometimes take western names.

  • The standing distance between Indians varies by culture but is typically three feet. Standing tall with your hands on your hips is considered an aggressive stance.

  • Pointing with a finger is considered rude. Indians point with their chin.

  • Whistling is considered impolite and winking may be misinterpreted. Don’t do either.

  • Gifts are not opened in the presence of the giver. Set it aside until the giver leaves. Do not use black or white paper to wrap a gift as it is considered unlucky.

  • Men should wear long pants and women should keep upper arms, chest, and back covered. Wearing leather (belts, jacket, vests, purses) may be considered offensive.

  • Do not share food or drink after someone else from the same glass. If you must share a water bottle on a hot day, pour the water into your mouth and do not let the bottle touch your lips or mouth.

  • Do not kill ants or bugs in the presence of an Indian student.
 
Principles cited in this blog: Many dos and don’ts to remember in order to be thoughtful.
 
Application for ISI ministry: We desire to be winsome and thoughtful to our guests from other countries. Learning a few small customs can make a big difference! 
 
Next blog topic: Being thoughtful to students from China
 
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson

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Report on the Returnee Conference in Asia

3/4/2019

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Susan and I had the privilege two weeks ago of spending four days with 18 Chinese Christian returnees (former international students who have returned to China). This was a conference in Asia that ISI staff and Ministry Reps planned on discipleship. The theme was “Every Disciple a Multiplier.”
 
There were presentations on M28, MAWL (model-assist-watch-leave), and the missions history of former university students impacting the world for Christ. The Bible teaching part was an in-depth look at the practical applications of Romans chapters 5-8. In addition, a goal was to network these future Christian leaders with one another to serve in China—which is increasingly difficult as the government is suspect of western influences on China through Christianity.
 
Below are a few of the participant responses when asked to write down their take-aways from the training and days together:
 
I have received love, understanding, encouragement, joy, knowledge, motivation and strength. God has spoken to me several times during the training both through brothers and sisters, and during my prayers the message is hopeful and joyful. I feel like I have found a strong family and supported by wonderful, experienced workers. This trip also left me with beautiful memories to share with my parents and other friends. Bless the Lord! 
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For these couple few days, God reminded me of my dream and vision. I was disappointed that God didn’t lead me in a way I expected, but God strangely brought me to Thailand and let me know that He has something for me and hasn’t forgotten about me. I will continue to lead the small group as I did in USA. I will keep loving and caring for people that God has brought into my life. I will not be afraid of what will my life be because it is all in His hand. He never forgets about me. 
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This is my first month back in China after 5 years in the US. It is really by God’s grace and bigger plan that I met so many returnees here and now. I’m really encouraged to learn what’s going on in many cities in China and how the gospel is spreading under the restriction and persecution. My biggest take away from this conference is my identity in Christ as a saint instead of a sinner.  Still growing and will always grow to glorify God and benefit others. 
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I thank Jesus Christ for saving my life, giving me the Holy Spirit, giving me a new life and joining his great commission of making disciples of all nations. Lord Jesus is my savior and hero. He also brought so many great pastors, spiritual leaders, spiritual mentors and bros and sis to me. I am so grateful for it. I am very excited to be a disciple and am making disciples with God. God have me a vision when I returned from the US to Shanghai in 2016. I saw so many tall buildings and God says, “I will raise up that many spiritual leaders in this city.” This meeting truly helped me to open eyes and see God’s work globally.
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It is such a tremendous grace to attend this conference. I really thank you for your great love and care for the ministry work in China. The most enjoyable part for me is to see so many young international graduates share the same vision on discipleship. We shared and exchanged experience, thoughts, and encouraged each other. I cried when Dr. Shaw and Mrs. Susan prayed with us. I felt tremendous love God for us, and I know God loves the other nations as well.
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Although the world is dark, there are still many bright lights shining. God loves the world, and the world need us. Every one of us can be a multiplier, we can influence others.
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Rejoice with us! Special thanks more than 300 people who prayed for this event and to a donor who provided for the housing, meals, and meeting venue for these former students and future Christian leaders. Another similar event is planned for later this spring for former south Asian international students. Please join us in asking the Lord to do this again!
 
Doug Shaw with Derrah Jackson


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