Discussion Jumpstarter
Study leader reference - not a definitive answer
Question 10
Marvin repeatedly urges “ask for help,” giving examples like being “a child again” in language learning and even receiving financial help (the motorbike) from a Muslim friend; what would it cost you—socially, emotionally, and spiritually—to receive from people you’re trying to serve, and how might that reframe your definition of gospel “success”?
Another way to ask: Marvin keeps saying, “Ask for help,” even receiving help from someone he was trying to serve. What would it cost you to receive help from others, and how might that change what you think gospel “success” looks like?
Discussion Jumpstarter
Direct Answer
Marvin suggests receiving help is a deliberate embrace of weakness that builds trust and makes us “easy to approach,” even when it feels humiliating or risky. It reframes “success” away from looking competent and in control, toward embodying the gospel through dependence, humility, and relationship.
- He says cross-cultural life makes you “a child again,” often looking “foolish…ignorant and incompetent,” and calls it a path of grace and humility.
- He argues weakness can help you become “easy to approach because people feel threatened by displays of power and control.”
- He urges asking for help as a posture: it communicates “we are real humans…we need help,” and points to Jesus who “needed to be nursed and potty trained and taught how to speak.”
- He repeats, “ask for advice and help,” especially with local churches because foreigners face enduring “language and cultural barriers.”
- He even extends it to unbelievers: “Ask your unbelieving friends for help. Show them that you really need them.”
- Motorbike story: a Muslim friend offered to buy it and be repaid; accepting it took “humility” and “trust” and “was a way of building bridges.”