Hugging the gift, I walked into the city hall and scanned the room for a familiar face. Smells of fried chicken hung in the air. Pink and white streamers decorated the front platform, while behind me two tables held glass bottles of Fanta and big bowls of rice.  

My friend waved and motioned for me to sit by her. As the “kitchen shower” began, my friend explained the events. I nodded. Relieved to finally be included until they called my name. 

They wanted me (and all the married ladies) to perform the sex dance in front of the bride. What? I had never heard of such a thing! I wanted to crawl in a hole and die. 

Needless to say, the night did not go as planned. I longed to fit into my new community, but I realized I had a lot more to learn about the culture. 

The apostle Paul longed to fit in with other believers after his conversion. 

The Jerusalem Christians were hesitant. Was Paul a genuine believer, or was he tricking them to persecute them? 

“Barnabas, however, took him and brought him to the apostles and explained to them how Saul had seen the Lord on the road and that He had talked to him.” Acts 9:27 

Barnabas believed Paul and brought him to the disciples and later to the Antioch church (Acts 11:25-26). Together they formed a team and shared the gospel with many. 

As we live around the world, we long to belong to our communities. To be known and loved. But it takes patience, persistence, prayer, and a Barnabas - a person who is willing to be our friend. 

We have to step out of our comfort zones and talk with others until we find our people. 

Someone to show us the ropes. We need to be authentic, willing to try new things, and mindful of others. We may make mistakes and even be required to dance. :) 

Just remember as Christ followers, no matter where we go, we always belong to Jesus.  

“There is neither Jew nor Greek, there is neither slave nor free, there is no male and female, for you are all one in Christ Jesus.” Galatians 3:28