I was having a meeting with a colleague who is South African and I asked, “Can I set up camp here?” The blank look back at me was a clear indication that I had just used a phrase that she hadn’t heard before.
After I explained what it meant, she came back with one for me.
“I have an apple to peel with you,” she said. Touché. The ‘please explain’ shoe was then on her foot and I learnt that in her country of birth, this means that the person has a bone to pick with you.
I often get amused and astounded at the diversity we see within the walls of our church community. Over 20 countries are represented in our family, with heritage stretching from Sierra Leone to Colombia, and from England to Trinidad.
The thing I love the most about our motley crew is the fact that we celebrate our differences rather than allow them to divide us. I’m sure we can do it better, but our hearts are always to include rather than to exclude, and to embrace rather than to resist.
We see Kingdom culture above any other kind of culture—including our own Aussie ways! These common values and convictions are at the centre of our very beings, and they are what drives our unity. Grace, Truth, Generosity, Honour. The very heart of Christ.
I personally get a kick out of our diverse family!
Psalm 103:19 (NIV)
The Lord has established his throne in heaven, and his kingdom rules over all.