partnersworldwide.org

Four Types of Wealth (Taken from Ed Silvoso)

• Spiritual - Where we can learn the most!

• Relational - Where we can grow the most!

• Motivational - Where we can give the most!

• Material - Where we can be the most generous!

Differing Worldviews– Zero sum. Resources are fixed and limited– Universe is chaotic and unpredictable– We get what we deserve—fatalism– Work is a curse

– Positive sum. Wealth can be created– Universe is governed by natural laws & orderly– It all belongs to God—we are stewards– Work is part of the created order

Different Cultural Values…• AGE -Youth, beauty, athletic and toned bodies are more desirable.

Marketing is all about staying youthful.

-To have gray hair is to be honored, respected. Age is revered, to be a bit on the heavy side in Africa is viewed as a sign of prosperity and wealth

Different Cultural Values…

• TIME– Is of essence. Great importance. Not to be wasted. Time

is money. Schedules to be kept. Time is a resource to be spent, saved, lost, kept, used, gained, never wasted.

– We are part of a long experience of time from our ancestors far into the future. Human interaction is of essence while we have life.

Different Cultural Values…• INDIVIDUALISM

– Individuals are marvelously unique. Each person has value. Rugged “Stand up, Stand alone” are praised and stories told about them.

– Ubuntu “I am because you are!” Group and community welfare. No one should get ahead of others without group consent.

Different Cultural Values…

• SELF-HELP– Over 100 words in English dictionary talk about self-

confidence, self-control, self-determination, self-actualization, self-reliance, etc.

– People breaking out of the pack so to speak are brought down. “Crabs in the barrel.”

“Nail that sticks up gets hammered back down”

Different Cultural Values…

• ACTION AND WORK ORIENTATION– Workaholics. Not satisfied unless producing something.

People are defined by what they do. Physical labor is honored.

– Just living and enjoying the present. “Being.” A person is esteemed and respected when they no longer have to do physical work.

Different Cultural Values…

• INFORMALITY vs. FORMALITY– Informal. Use of first names, casual dress.

– Formal. Dress up for work. Uniforms for schools. Address people formally.

Different Cultural Values…

• DIRECTNESS, OPENNESS, HONESTY– Bluntness. Lose confidence with anyone who hints at the

truth rather than speaking it forthrightly.

– Saving face. Indirectness. Speak in circles.

Different Cultural Values…

• MATERIALISM– Value accumulation of possessions. High priority on

obtaining, maintaining, and protecting possessions. Value newness and innovation.

Lots of waste.– Seek purpose, meaning, friendships, community Waste is a sin.

Cross-Cultural Resources• The Danger of a Single Story Video:

http://www.ted.com/talks/lang/eng/chimamanda_adichie_the_danger_of_a_single_story.html

• African Friends and Money Matters by David Maranz• Foreign to Familiar by Sarah A. Lanier, McDougal Publishing, Sixth printing 2007 (A

Guide to understanding HOT and COLD Climate Cultures)• Why Are Americans Like That? By Stand Nussbaum, Enculturation Books 2005 (A

Visitors Guide to American Cultural Values and Expectations)• Cross-Cultural Servanthood by Duane Elmer, IVP Books 2006 (Serving the World in

Christ Like Humility)• Against All Hope, Hope for Africa by Darrow L. Miller with Scott Allen, Disciple

Nations Alliance and Samaritan Strategy Africa, 2005 (One of the best short summaries of African traditional mindset compared to a Biblical worldview)

• Values Americans Live By by Kohl (Can be found on the Partners Worldwide web site at www.partnersworldwide.org, Partnerships, Resources, Cultural Resources)

partnersworldwide.org

Contact Us

Visit us online at www.partnersworldwide.org

Partners Worldwide

6139 Tahoe Drive SE

Grand Rapids, MI 49546

Call us at 1-800-919-7307 or 616-818-4900