Out of Africa

This week on Listening In: Out of Africa. Part one of my conversation with Lutheran pastor and missionary, Rev. Dr. Anthony Steinbronn.

We had a great talk a few weeks ago, about the years his family spent in Africa and the impact it had on their lives together, on their practice of the Christian faith as a family and as individuals, and what it was like returning to the United States-- where our secular and religious cultures are very different from those in Africa.

One of the biggest differences between Africa and the US? Our practice of hospitality. Tony and I compared stories of moving around the country and struggling to break into new communities, find friends, make meaningful connections with other Christians.

In Botswana, he pointed out, that wasn't even a possibility. For the African, Tony said, "Time begins when you're with other people." Life doesn't really begin until you're in relationship with others.

The New Testament writers understand this need for hospitality-- because it serves up God's grace in a simple and much-needed way. And it's something, I pointed out to Tony, that perhaps Westerners could do well to learn from our African sisters and brothers in the faith. Hospitality. Welcoming the other, in the name of and for the sake of Jesus Christ.

When's the last time you did that? I know I could use a refresher.

Check out the show-- and let me know what you think!-- then, come back next week for part two of our conversation.