When the first missionaries went to China from the West they spoke Latin.  In choosing a way to pronounce Latin the Chinese took two words that had the sounds of la and ding.  Although they could have chosen other words with sounds that would have been just as valid, they chose these words for a very good reason.  Who did the missionaries speak about?  What was their language used for?  How wonderful it would be if we were the ones known who spoke the language of the standing person whose hand had been nailed (Christ on the cross). 

For when I came to you, brethren, I did not come with superiority of speech or of wisdom, proclaiming to you the testimony of God.  For I determined to know nothing among you except Jesus Christ, and Him crucified.          I Corinthians 2:2

Copyright @2002 Frank T. Seekins