Expatriates

Expatriates in countries whose customs and perceptions of personal freedom differ greatly from our own are admonished to be respectful of the mores of their host country. The lovely lady in the following photo apparently did not get the memo.

It's not easy to conform to rigid standards that defy the concept of liberty when the expatriate is from a nation where the concept of freedom is one of the founding blocks of his nation, yet, for the sake of being a respectful guest in the host nation, it should be of utmost importance to the visiting party.

When there is only one religion allowed in the host country, the practice of ones own faith becomes a very private matter because proselyting is a criminal offense. Wearing a cross, if you are a CHRISTIAN, is something that is taboo.

Yet, there are circumstances in which the visiting believer may find himself that compel an outspokenness that could be punished if the wrong ears hear.

When living in a rigid mid-eastern country, a CHRISTIAN couple had the opportunity to attend a dinner whose guest list included a high-ranking government official who expressed an interest in the new-comers to his social circle.

The wife was an out-spoken woman of faith who gladly answered his questions about her faith. The gentleman was intrigued. He said, "I've heard preachers on TV when I've visited America, but 'THIS WOMAN!'"

More visits were arranged, more discussions of faith were pursued, more questions were asked, a commitment to CHRIST was made.

That wonderful event inspired this poem:

"The Traveler's Song" (also called, "The Missionary Song")

The earth is my Father's
And where're I am
I know that I dwell in the palm of His hand.
No matter how far
His wide earth I roam,
I rest in His keeping and know I am home.
When demon or devil
Dare challenge me sore
I flee to my Father,
Press in to Him more.
Though enemy mortal
Or spirit I face,
His wing covers me.
I'm safe by His grace.
No minion from hell
Need my heart e'er fear--
Whenever I call,
My Father is near.
In sweet land of freedom
Or warfare and strife,
My heart is at rest,
For He guards my life.
The earth is my Father's
And where're I be,
I know I'm at home--
He lives here with me.