1000 Cups of Tea: Gospel Fluency Across Cultures

by Preston Fidler

1000 Cups of Gospel Fluency Across Cultures provides an eloquent and passionate description of how effective and fulfilling ministry can be when it is built on relationships made possible by cultural understanding and fluency in the language of the local people. It is explains how some ministry tasks are possible from the beginning, but gives the spiritual motivation for persevering in language and culture learning until you are fluent in communicating the gospel through everyday encounters, using simple Bible stories relevant to the learner's situation and needs. Drawing on decades of experience as both a cross-cultural church planter and a language coach for other cross-cultural workers, Preston Fidler points us squarely back to the truth of God's word, reminding us that the glorious gospel that both saved us and compelled us to go is our greatest motivator. This book is birthed out of years of work with people on the frontlines, helping them with both practical techniques and spiritual encouragement to let the joy of the gospel be the fuel for learning.

Genres: Nonfiction, Christian

336 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 22, 2020

Reviews

[Bobby Baden · Rating 5 out of 5]

Superior Motivation for Cross Cultural Workers

A convicting and motivating read! Very helpful for anyone learning a language in cross-cultural ministry, especially for those just starting out. Fidler brings in his own experience, as well as that of many coworkers, to make visible the biblical basis for cultural adaptation, which he also explains thoroughly. Highly recommend to anyone involved in cross-cultural ministry.

[Brooke Durrett · Rating 5 out of 5]

5/5 Lots of great wisdom in this book for people going overseas and wanting to connect with those they are serving!

[L · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my second favorite book of all time! I re-read it regularly whenever I want encouragement not just for language learning but also for encouragement in evangelism and cross-cultural living. This is probably one of the most evangelism-focused books I’ve ever read; in fact, I’ll often recommend it to people who aren’t learning another language simply because the author’s passion for sharing the gospel is so contagious that the readers can’t help but catch a new vision for seeking and loving the lost by sharing the hope we have in Christ. Read this book!

[Julie MacKay · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a great book for those who are serving the Lord cross-culturally and learning another language. It is very inspirational and helpful. There are some good challenges/reminders about the need for us to spend time in God’s Word, and also that it is our lives and behaviours that can speak louder than our words. I definitely recommend this book to anyone who has learnt, is about to learn or is in the midst of learning a language and culture as a part of their ministry work. It is good for people at any stage of the language learning process and worthy of a second read at another time. It is not often that I consider a book to be worthy of a second read, so consider this to be high praise from me for this book.

[Wes F · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent read for anyone wanting to press ahead in their language acquisition--and language with a laser focus: Gospel fluency. This is a very well-written book with tons of real-life examples & testimonies from real 2nd/3rd language learners. Great insights into the interaction of language learning & cultural understanding--leading to a greater worldview understanding, which is so key to the clear communication of the Gospel. Fidler gives great examples and has a lot of very practical information for any level of language learner. Some great extra info also into the appendices.

[Tim Lubinus · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a joy to enter into the investment of learning a new language for Gospel ministry. Preston obviously has much experience and skill in language learning and shares his heart for God, his joy in reaching people for Christ from other cultures, and practical steps on how anyone can do the same.

[Emma Sheehan · Rating 5 out of 5]

SO DANG GOOD