Learning Humility on a Mission Trip

The priest Henri Nouwen learned humility on a mission trip to South America. He went expecting to pass on his wisdom to the poor and unenlightened. During his six-month stay, Nouwen concluded that a desire to save, whether from sin or poverty or exploitation, is one of the most damaging motives in ministry. “Humility is the real Christian virtue,” says Nouwen. 

“When we come to realize that . . . only God saves, then we are free to serve, then we can live truly humble lives.” Nouwen changed his approach from “selling…