Rajendra K. Pillai. Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard. Waterbrook Press. 2003.

Christians are commanded to reach the world for Christ. This is our mission while we remain on earth. Once we have learned how to witness to those of our own family and nation, we are ready to witness to those from foreign lands. People living in the United States and Canada don't need to travel overseas to meet those from foreign lands. Our nations are a destination for people around the world.

Pillai, the author of Reaching the World in Our Own Backyard., uses chapter three for "Dispelling Cultural Myths, Stereotypes, and Prejudices". He talks about the stages people go through in developing prejudices against certain ethnic groups. The following chapter categorizes people's attitudes towards those of other cultures and lists the characteristics of each category. The chapter ends with guidelines for dealing with new internationals.

"General Guidelines for cross-cultural Interaction" is the next topic (and chapter). Here you will learn some things to do and not do when interacting with foreigners. These guidelines should help you be at ease when you begin making friends with foreigners.

The remaining chapters in the book deal with specific groups of nations. For each nation basic information is presented. This information includes: population, ethnicity, religions or religious groups and Language. Then it presents guidelines for greeting people from the nation and some basic words in the appropriate language. Essential things to remember about each country, gestures that may be offensive and a listing of other sensitive issues are listed. The author suggests ways to interact with international students at your local colleges or universities.

Several chapters discuss presenting the Gospel to people of different religions. These religions include Muslims, Hindus, Jews, and Buddhists. The author presents some basic facts on each religion, discusses its origin, sacred texts, beliefs and practices. This is followed by articles of the faith and a discussion of their specific views on topics such as "God", "Creation", "Salvation" and others. I find the "How to witness to" section extremely valuable. It shares some things to do and other things to avoid when sharing with a person in that religion. Magazines and organizations are listed for each religion.

Recommendation

I really wish this book had been available when I tutored International students in English as a second language. It would have helped me present the gospel to them. I believe every Christian should have this book on their shelf right next to the Bible. When the opportunity presents itself, they can quickly find reliable information on the country and/or religion of the person they wish to witness to.

Rajendra Pillai writes in a style that is easily comprehended. Reading this book is guaranteed to make you want to stretch your borders and leave your comfort zone. How many foreigners live in your neighborhood? Consider purchasing this book and learning how to reach those people for our Lord and Savior. You'll be obeying the last commandment Christ gave his disciples to go into the entire world and preach the gospel.

Copyrighted by Diana Pederson, 2005-2009