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To be a great missionary, it helps to be from Nebraska (go Huskers!). As the 20th century has shown, the most adaptable, best-equipped people to carry the gospel are Caucasian Midwesterners, particularly those with strong regional accents. For some reason, Iowans, Oklahomans and sheltered Kentuckians function much better in foreign cultures than the people who actually grew up there. For example, a white, evangelical couple from Omaha who has attended Bible school, married at 19 and goes to the mission field sometime in their 20s (my wife and I are guilty on all counts!) is much better equipped to reach, say, rural Peruvians than are other Peruvian Christians. Isn't it amazing how God works? And unlike our precious brown brothers and sisters around the world, Midwesterners are resourceful, punctual and hardworking — traits that, frankly, native peoples could use....