Kristi
Briggs
Cultural Engagement Goal, #1
Because I desire to grow in my relationship with diverse individuals, cultures, and ideas, I will interact with people of other cultures, try to speak their language,
and serve them with love.
Strategy
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I will volunteer at the Central Storehouse food pantry at Central Bible Church.
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Practice “cultural exegesis.” Ask questions of individuals I meet regarding their culture. Try to find out the reasons/sources for their need. Discover why their community has formed in that area. What other needs do they have? How can someone of my culture better understand them and vice versa?
Resources
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My friend, Vicki, who is a regular volunteer at the pantry.
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My pastor, Jon Rhiddlehoover, who runs the Storehouse.
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My friend, Biri, who speaks Spanish and can help refresh my Spanish skills.
Measurements
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Volunteer at the Central Storehouse at least two times by December and an additional two times by May.
Artifacts
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My Thanksgiving Story
For my Cultural Engagement goal, I have submitted a story about our multi-cultural Thanksgiving. This story describes my love for and interest in people of different cultures. Thanksgiving was a fun and interesting day.
Dinner with the Women of the Spanish Church
For my Cultural Engagement goal, I have also submitted a story about the dinner I hosted for the women of Central en Espanol, the Spanish congregation at Central Bible Church. This was a lively event attended by affectionate and kind Spanish-speaking women. Much of the conversation was in Spanish, so I had the opportunity to practice some of my Spanish-speaking skills.
For my Cultural Engagement goal, I have submitted a Spanish copy of my original Bible study on the book of Ruth. This displays my interest in reaching women who speak languages other than English. I'm particularly interested in Spanish translation because there are so many Spanish speakers in the Metroplex.
The women of the Spanish Church are doing the Spanish translation of my Ruth Bible study together.
Cultural Engagement Goal, #2
Because I desire to grow in my relationship with diverse individuals, cultures, and ideas, I will continue to volunteer with women outside my church.
Strategy
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I will teach Bible study at the Metroplex Women’s Clinic in Arlington.
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I will continue discipling women at the Metroplex Women’s Clinic through the “Let’s Talk” discipleship program.
Resources
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Holly Tate, the Director of Client Services at the Metroplex Women’s Clinic
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Julie Stohler, the Director of Spiritual Programs at the Metroplex Women’s Clinic
Measurements
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Teach the Bible study in the Fall of 2022 and Spring of 2023
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Discipled at least one client by December and another by May
Artifacts
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Pictures of my interactions with the women in Bible study.
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Copy of the Bible study I have written for the Metroplex Women’s Clinic.
For my Cultural Engagement goal, I have submitted a copy of the Bible study I wrote specifically for the Metroplex Women's Clinic. This Bible study demonstrates my ability to teach Scripture to people of all different spiritual maturities. I wrote this study for women who are young in their faith and new to the study of Scripture. I want the clients to see that the Bible is not too hard for them to study and understand, and it applies to them personally. I have led this Bible study three separate times for the Clinic.
Jesus Is... Bible Study
written by Kristi Briggs
for teaching at
Metroplex Women's Clinic
Learning Reflection
As I developed and demonstrated cultural engagement abilities, I learned how much I have in common with people of other cultures. If the other person is also a follower of Christ, I have more in common with her than with the nonbelieving American. We are truly sisters in Christ. Yet, there are some fun and interesting differences in cultures. The dinner with the Spanish-speaking women was very lively and filled with kind words. These women are deeply affectionate and effusive with their displays of love. People would probably call me a "hugger," but this was beyond just hugging! There were kisses and hand holding, and of course hugs. I tried to keep up with the conversation, but I missed a lot of what was said. However, I could tell their words were filled with encouragement and kindness. I felt very loved by these beautiful women.
I do have to be careful not to take on a superior American attitude with people of other cultures. It seems like Americans in general consider our culture and way of doing things the best way. This is not true. Rather than trying to teach my friends the "best" American way, I need to listen and learn to how they do things.
An interesting result from these interactions with women of other cultures is a great respect and compassion for them. I have heard their stories of suffering and difficulties that go along with living in a strange culture. It is often hard for them to live in the United States. Yet they persevere, and rarely complain. Many of them come from poor countries where the opportunities are limited. As difficult as it is to live in the United States, they are thankful for the greater opportunities.
Lifelong Learning Commitment
As a result of the experiences documented by these artifacts, I will continue to develop in my cultural engagement by continuing to volunteer with the Metroplex Women's Clinic and the women of our Spanish church. As the leader of our next Ladies' Retreat, I asked my friend, Carol from the Spanish church, to join the leadership team. I want her to contribute ideas for how we can incorporate the women from both churches at the Retreat.
I will also continue to mentor women at the Metroplex Women's Clinic and teach the Jesus Is... Bible study. Meeting these women at the clinic has led to some ongoing friendships with women I would not normally meet in my other contexts.