Becoming Native to Win the Natives

In the author's ten years living in China, Chinese friends and foreign friends alike have told him that in many ways he is more like a Chinese person than an American. He sees himself as an ""egg,"" which is white on the outside and yellow (Chinese) inside. For cross-cultural ministry, we learn from the apostle Paul: ""I have become all things to all men so that by all possible means I might save some"" (1 Cor 9:22). Paul's purpose in becoming all things to all men is so that some may be saved. We can see this displayed in his preaching to the Athenians in Acts 17, how he becomes a local by relating to them through their culture. This book first looks at how we are to imitate Christ's love and humility to effectively love the locals to whom we are ministering. Then the book covers many specific aspects of life abroad and how we can better live like the locals in many areas that some may be saved. Though this book is particularly targeted for those readers who are ministering cross-culturally, it is also a very beneficial book for Christians aiming to be light in their home country. ""It is one thing to know these post-colonial principles as head knowledge, it is another thing to concretely live them out in the mission field. Mr. Laughlin has purged even the last bit of condescending demeanor, and become 'one among us.' As a theological educator who grew up in mainland China, I recommend this book to anyone who's interested in cross-cultural mission."" --Zhiqiu Xu, Associate Professor of Theology, Director of Chinese Seminary Studies, Columbia International University  ""While many Christians are aware of the cross-cultural mandate imparted to us by our Savior, few are aware of the complexities involved in the process. Laughlin's book provides practical insights to Christians from all walks of life who sense a calling to crossing cultural and linguistic boundaries for the sake of the Kingdom.""   --J. Scott Bridger, Author; Associate Professor of Global Studies & World Religions, Criswell College ""In Becoming Native to Win the Natives, [Laughlin's] honest words offer practical help for missionaries in any context. Rather than settle for mere principles, he gives perspective that will shape a missionary's head, heart, and hands. This is one of the first books I'll recommend to people wanting to work cross-culturally."" --Jackson Wu, Author, One Gospel for All Nations and Saving God's Face ""As one who lives cross-culturally for the sake of the Gospel, I am deeply appreciative of Tabor's book and it's contribution to the Great Commission. This book is a great primer for anyone crossing cultures."" --Dirk Canyon, Nineteen years in China reaching Tibetan Buddhists Tabor Laughlin has been living in China for ten years. He's the leader of a small missions organization there, overseeing about twenty workers in three cities. He got his bachelor's degree in Aerospace Engineering from Oklahoma State University, and his MDiv in Islamic Studies from Southern Seminary in Louisville, Kentucky. He blogs occasionally on both China Source and Desiring God. He lives with his wife and daughter in China.