Culture Shocks

A Word Before We Begin

Disclaimer: “Whoever has ears should listen to the Holy Spirit.” This is my prayer for me and for you. This post has been reviewed by multiple people both in Africa and America. With a lot of discussion, no revisions were made, but this disclaimer was added.

Discovering Myself Through Africa

We all know that when we are offended, it exposes something in us. Something we need to take to God. Without knowing where we are, we can never formulate a path to get where we want to go. This is what I discovered through multiple trips to several countries in Africa.

Observing Cultural Realities

While foundations were laid on the first trip, subsequent trips have confirmed and expanded some critical pieces of information when ministering to and loving the people of Africa. Whether wealthy or poor, black or white, there are definitely cultural rules to be aware of.

As Americans, we typically classify people as Male or Female. At least it was that way when I was growing up. In Africa, people are classified as White, Black or Colored. It is not a racist thing. It is a factual thing. This was shocking to me at first, but over and over again I have witnessed this reality.

There are definitely mixed race babies who are considered the dominant color of their skin. This race as defined by the color of your skin in Africa determines where you are safe to live, shop, visit. In many ways, who your friends are and who will help you. In Africa it is culturally unwise to mix races without a proper introduction and mutual friendship.

Love, Boundaries, and Social Codes

The result of this, intentional or not, is separation, distinct groups of racial homogeny. A big word for indicating that the preferences of individuals tend to be alike. Generationally, the young are taught not to intermingle with people groups outside of your own. However, within the people groups, they love well. They will give, share and support right up to their classification meaning “I will love you and give but not allow you to surpass me.” In short, entrenched race wars at the deepest levels.

As a mother, I want my child to surpass me in success, education, finances, and spirituality. They want everyone to be equal at whatever level that is. My friend calls it love with limits. It is not conditional love, but it is also not unconditional love. It is an interesting concept to consider. I will love you, support you, share with you, but you can not better yourself beyond me and I will not help you to accomplish that.

Unexpected Generosity and Divine Nudges

An interesting observation I had was with a group of homeless people. They had one sandwich and each person took one bite of the sandwich and passed it on so everyone got some. The person who received the sandwich did not hoard it all for himself but shared what he was given.

On a Friday evening, there was a person waiting outside the grocery store. I sensed the Lord asking me to buy $40 US in food. After some questions, he waited outside, able to take fresh meat and vegetables, rice and bread. They had cooking facilities (a fire). I learned most of the food, if not all, would be cooked and eaten that night. I threw in some cookies and sweets as well thinking it would be a treat. I don’t know if it was or not, but I do know that he was respectful and grateful.

Worship, Tradition, and Spiritual Conflict

Africans are traditional. They respect their culture, their ancestors and their traditions even when they are in opposition to the Bible. This is inspiring, but also a stumbling block to an unhindered relationship with God.

Many don’t have Bibles. Therefore, they get the word as passed down from family members, pastors and friends. As you can imagine, this can greatly distort doctrine. Even many pastors don’t have complete Bibles or are compelled to teach what people want to hear as opposed to the truth. This is not confined to Africa as many pastors feel the pressure to keep the seats filled through scratching itching ears.

The traditions of the family and culture bleed into how they worship, again both good and bad. I would guess from what they have seen and experienced, they are way more open to the spiritual world. Ancestral worship is rooted in a spiritual world, although not a holy one.

There is a fine line of respecting the spiritual realm and staying in a healthy and holy place.

Generational Sin and Sexual Brokenness

The history of Africa has opened up generational sin. This too is not just Africa as America is experiencing this as well. However, with roots in slavery and ancestral worship among others, it becomes a breeding ground for sexual immorality and many of the things we are warned of Biblically. Unfortunately, in many instances culture overrules Biblical truth and things are done the way you are taught by your family and not necessarily the way God has instructed us. This too, is not limited to Africa but is evident around the world.

As a result, many young girls are raped before they even know what sex is. I wonder if intimacy, the way God created it, will ever be realized in a relationship in their lives. Prostitution, rape, control and manipulation are common ways of life.

These attacks come from family members, neighbors and strangers. It seems that those who are supposed to protect you are right there in the mix violating you. They are often used in rituals and cultural activities which may be unknowingly serving Satan and not God. And then there is just the blatant evil and sin.

The Cry of Women and Girls

Women are warned not to get in a taxi alone. Not to walk alone. Girls take Saturday school at very young ages to begin to learn how to keep themselves safe. Long before these little ones should have these concerns, in my opinion.

Gang rituals, culturally acceptable practices and perceived lack are incredible influences on the women and the young. Many believe they have no other choice. This is just the way it is.

When God Enters the Story

It would seem they are effective as the women, girls, babies and their stories are horrific and gut wrenching. As I have had the honor of ministering to many women in the states with these unthinkable pasts, it has allowed me to hear their stories, remember they are humans and be in awe that God has provided a way for these females to survive. Additionally, he is providing a pathway for them to thrive. His love. His hope.

This is where we get to enter. Each of us doing our part allows God’s light to shine. Hope to be seen. Lies to be broken. Freedom to reign. We know that when you are free, you are free indeed, regardless of the circumstances.