This is a prayer to be said by those going to and coming from immersion mission trips. It is a reminder to hold sacred what others trust you with, especially their hearts.
The warning is given – tread lightly
Not our culture – but respect it
Not our fare – but eat it
Not our way – but follow it
Not our custom – but honor it
The curiosity mounts – inquire softly
Not our home – but we’re embraced
Not our protocol – but we submitted
Not our manner – but we mirrored
Not our purpose – but we acquired
The welcome is offered – extravagantly
Not our language – but we heard
Not our timing – but we endured
Not our food – but we feasted
Not our music – but we danced
The weavings are shown – artfully
Not our colors – but we adored
Not our patterns – but we marveled
Not our labor – but we valued
Not our soulwork – but we sanctified
The dead are honored – reverently
Not our pain – but we felt
Not our sorrow – but we wept
Not our torture – but we hurt
Not our tomb – but we knelt
The scared is shared – trustingly
Not our words – but we repeated
Not our images – but we captured
Not our dance – but we imitated
Not our song – but we retained
The lessons are learned – painfully
Not our poverty – but we profit
Not our resource – but we devour
Not our oppression – but we bully
Not our land – but we exploit
The battle is joined – collaboratively
Not our fight – but our calling
Not our sin – but our salvation
Not our solution – but our alliance
Not our life – but our lifework
Our faith is invoked – redemptively
And we praise God – thankfully
Amen
Rev Andy Little
MINISTRY FROM TWO POLES 
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