This book is written specifically for missionaries who work cross culturally but could be appropriate for anybody living in a culture different from their own. The author points out how we often go to another country with well meaning intentions of being a servant. But we just end up doing what we think people need. Instead, the author says, we need to start by being open, move to accepting others and their culture, then build trust, followed by learning more about their culture, which will lead us to greater understanding and then we will be effective servants.
I really believe everybody preparing for cross cultural ministry should read this book. Then they should read it again a year after they start off their ministry. And it wouldn't hurt to read it every five years or soon thereafter!