When the Chevy Nova was released in Latin America, it didn’t sell well at all. Turns out that Nova in Spanish—or “no va”—means “it doesn’t go.” Not a good name for a car. No wonder sales were dismal.
In the same way, when you are doing ministry in another culture, recognize that things don’t always translate. Not only the language, but the culture itself, may be quite different. What works here may not work there. Yet another reason to get to know those you are serving on a personal level.