I pray that you will approach crossing diverse cultural boundaries as a wonderful privilege from God.

Work to hold cultural diversity in your mind and heart as a precious and beautiful part of God's design.  As we have discussed, you will be wearing the hat of a "change agent."  For all of our efforts in this role, we can still seek to all of the cultural beauty in its best forms, even while we are striving to help people out of poverty, and into God's family of believers.

There can exist great creativity and opportunity within our diversity.  Let's just reflect on the United States of America for a moment.  We don't bring this nation forward as an example out of  arrogance, but simply as an example of a couple of fundamentals that have led it to grow into the its leadership position in the economic markets of the world.

1. The USA was founded on Judeo-Christian values
    
2. It is perhaps the most diverse country on the planet – it is a land of immigrants

That one example should help us grasp the tremendous strength and creativity that emerge from our diversity.

The other fundamental, connection to God's values, is most important.  Let's be honest, raw capitalism and increased wealth can and often is accompanied with sin.  Self interest and progress tend to go that direction.

On the other hand, economic advanced that is focused on God's purposes can move powerfully in a positive direction.

Many thanks and best wishes,

Larry