This was
not a comfortable situation for the kids from either culture. What would they
say? How would they connect?
It didn’t
take long to find out. Minutes after they arrived, a soccer match began as a
number of the US students engaged some of the Jamaican teens in spirited
competition.
The soccer
match was a great icebreaker as the kids kicked the ball around and got to know
each other. After the game, conversation was easier and friendships were
established more quickly because of a common interest.
In Acts
17, the apostle Paul demonstrated how to break through barriers and establish
dialogue. He talked with the Athenians about something of common
interest—worship. In a similar way, we can use sports talk with a co-worker or
lawn conversation with a neighbor. The possibilities are endless.
To reach
out to people who need to hear about God’s love, look for common language—and
watch the barriers fall.
God’s
love can break down barriers. (RBC)
