Ongota is one of the world’s rarest languages. Only twelve people speak it. I doubt you will ever need to learn it.
But if you needed to for gospel advancement, would you? Would you truly put out the effort and make the sacrifice–for only twelve people?
Last October, Mark Zuckerburg addressed an audience at Tsinghua University in Beijing. He spoke for thirty minutes and answered questions–in Mandarin. He’s been studying it for four years, and admitted that his language level is “really terrible.” He said he wanted to learn the language because his wife is from a Chinese family. Some folks said such learning also involved a marketing strategy.
Watch a couple of minutes of his talk here. See the response of the audience when a foreigner speaks their language in a “terrible” fashion. Yes, I’m sure some of the reaction had to do with his reputation and the setting. However, much is communicated when we attempt to communicate in someone’s heart language.
If Zuckerburg can get to where he is in four years with his motivation, what will you do to learn the language of the people to whom you are called? What are you willing to put off and put out to speak to their hearts?
But I’m staying here, in this English-speaking country.
Great! There are at least 360 unreached people groups in the United States, 180 in Canada, 73 in the United Kingdom, 43 in Australia, and 21 in New Zealand (Strangers Next Door). Pick one. Just one.
Connect with them. At least learn some greetings. A few sentences.
Yes, they need to learn English. But, wow! What does it reveal to them about your love and care, and the Jesus you serve, when they hear you speak to their hearts?
How far are we willing to go to learn Ongota?
Zuckerburg says he did it for his family.
For whom are we willing to learn it? For the One Who revealed His Word in our heart language?
Good post! I am actually learning Mandarin. My wife and I adopted two Chinese teen girls almost two years ago. Even though their top educational priority is to learn English, we want them to maintain their Mandarin. We want to speak their native tongue, not just for their sake, but for any other future social interaction with other Chinese speakers here and abroad. Numerically Mandarin has more native speakers than any other language. China’s world influence is accompanied by further proliferation of Mandarin. China’s trajectory positions them to be an even greater super power than they are now. And there are MANY Christians in China (I will opine — more than in the US). Perhaps one day God will orchestrate geopolitical strategies along with internal changes to position China as the next great missionary-sending country! It seems that now (or perhaps yesterday) is a good time to be able to speak truth and grace to China’s fine people; both here and abroad.
Great word, Jim. Thanks!
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THIS is the reason I am learning Spanish in the area where I live and preach/teach/live the Gospel. And I am open to learning another language as HE reveals the need! Hallelujah. Great article J.D.
J.D.Payne
Milford CT
Excellent!
…and excellent name, too!
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