I had a conversation with Reno after class which truly made my long day. Reno wanted to check about his speech topic “What are you thankful for?”
Reno asked, “Can I talk about being thankful for Jesus?”
“Yes, please. That would be wonderful.”
“I don’t think my classmates are interested, but I want to say it anyway. I know you are a Christian from the stories you tell in class. Thank you for teaching us those stories from Bible.”
At the beginning of each semester I teach my name from Joshua fought the battle of Jericho. When I face fear and doubt in my life I pray to God.
Also we have studied the Prodigal Son. I show Rembrandt’s painting of the Prodigal Son and the students list three details they see in the painting. “One man’s shoe is falling off. One man holds the other and looks sad. One man bends on the ground.” Then we read the parable. From looking sad the father’s emotional face changes to deep down joy, relief, and compassion. Jesus told us this story to show God will run to us and welcome us home no matter what we have done.
Sunday, October 31, 2010
Tuesday, October 26, 2010
Strep Throat
If you had strep throat in America, I suppose you would go to the doctor and get an antibiotic. When Caleb got strep here in China we called a car to the hospital (45 min), stood in line for a number (10 min), waited to see a doctor (30 min), blood test ordered (30 min), antibiotic IV prescribed (2.5 hours), returned home (45 min). Day 2 returned to the hospital for second dose of antibiotic IV (4 plus hours). Day 3 returned again to the hospital, stood in line for a number (10 min), waited to see a doctor (30 min), blood test ordered (30 min), antibiotic pill prescribed.
Actually my purpose is not to complain about China’s medical methods, but to praise our friends, the family of Chong Chong. It just so happened that Chong Chong was on a seven day stretch of IVs at the hospital for a “spot on the lung?” On day one, when GaoYan carried Caleb into the hospital with a 103 fever, Chong Chong MaMa was there for reassurance. She ran out and bought Caleb apple juice, potato chips, and chocolate. When the IV was finished Chong Chong BaBa drove us back home (in the BMW yahoo). On day two they picked us up (in the BMW). Caleb and Chong Chong played together during the 2.5 hours of IV time. On day three they picked us up again. Chong Chong MaMa helped me communicate with the doctor and led me through all the steps of getting a blood test and buying medicine.
God’s provision is so evident in times of need.
Actually my purpose is not to complain about China’s medical methods, but to praise our friends, the family of Chong Chong. It just so happened that Chong Chong was on a seven day stretch of IVs at the hospital for a “spot on the lung?” On day one, when GaoYan carried Caleb into the hospital with a 103 fever, Chong Chong MaMa was there for reassurance. She ran out and bought Caleb apple juice, potato chips, and chocolate. When the IV was finished Chong Chong BaBa drove us back home (in the BMW yahoo). On day two they picked us up (in the BMW). Caleb and Chong Chong played together during the 2.5 hours of IV time. On day three they picked us up again. Chong Chong MaMa helped me communicate with the doctor and led me through all the steps of getting a blood test and buying medicine.
God’s provision is so evident in times of need.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
For Abraham, May He Steep in Peace (by Jason)
Sometimes the soil of men's hearts must first be cultivated if the seed is to take root in their lives.
In a culture where the scriptures are for the most part unknown (I'm refering to China, but according to recent studies, the same could increasingly be said about America) such cultivation can be a slow and painstaking process. You often need to come at it the long way around, and you sometimes have to make an opportunity where seemingly none exists.
Toward this end, I have cultivated the habit of turning nearly each and every school lesson, somehow or another, into a covert Bible lesson.
Take, for example, my literature class: In the study of early English texts, Beowulf becomes a lesson on the biblical origin of the nephilim, the story of Cain and Abel, and the sovereignty of God in battle; Robin Hood functions as a criticism of both paganism and Catholicism, illustrates the folly of the Crusades (in contrast to the grace of God and the love of Christ), and highlights the corruption inherent in state-controlled religion; and this week, Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" allows us the opportunity to review (or introduce) the basic history of the three major monotheistic faiths--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--including a detailed retelling of God's calling and promise to Abraham, also, to tell the story of Christ's triumphal enrty into to Jerusalem, and to explain why the so-called Holy Lands are... well, so called.
Usually very few, if any, of the students are even remotely familiar with any of these concepts nor do they have any idea where all this information comes from. But today was somewhat different.
There is a boy named--get this!--Abraham who thoroughly surprised me today by providing a number of correct answers during my lecture about the Middle East. He seemed to know everything, from the meaning of the word "pilgrim" to the muslim presence in Palestine to the history of the formation of modern Israel. It was very impressive, and I made a point to tell him so immediately after class. I sent a text message actually, and this was his reply: "I have long been interested in world history, especially the European culture. Last year I finished A Global History, and recently, A Survey of European Culture. Furthermore, I wanna embrace Christianity which enables me to steep in peace." (And yes, I think he really means to say "steep," like tea.)
As you might guess, I was amazed. I mean, for someone to come out and say "I wanna embrace Christianity" is pretty amazing in any culture, and certainly all the more so in China. And he's a guy. We've been praying specifically that more guys would show an interest in spiritual matters, so what an amazing answer to our prayer!
Hopefully, you'll be hearing more good news about Abraham in the near future. For now, join me in prayer that he may be steeped in Jesus' love and truth, and yes, His peace.
In a culture where the scriptures are for the most part unknown (I'm refering to China, but according to recent studies, the same could increasingly be said about America) such cultivation can be a slow and painstaking process. You often need to come at it the long way around, and you sometimes have to make an opportunity where seemingly none exists.
Toward this end, I have cultivated the habit of turning nearly each and every school lesson, somehow or another, into a covert Bible lesson.
Take, for example, my literature class: In the study of early English texts, Beowulf becomes a lesson on the biblical origin of the nephilim, the story of Cain and Abel, and the sovereignty of God in battle; Robin Hood functions as a criticism of both paganism and Catholicism, illustrates the folly of the Crusades (in contrast to the grace of God and the love of Christ), and highlights the corruption inherent in state-controlled religion; and this week, Chaucer's "Canterbury Tales" allows us the opportunity to review (or introduce) the basic history of the three major monotheistic faiths--Judaism, Christianity, and Islam--including a detailed retelling of God's calling and promise to Abraham, also, to tell the story of Christ's triumphal enrty into to Jerusalem, and to explain why the so-called Holy Lands are... well, so called.
Usually very few, if any, of the students are even remotely familiar with any of these concepts nor do they have any idea where all this information comes from. But today was somewhat different.
There is a boy named--get this!--Abraham who thoroughly surprised me today by providing a number of correct answers during my lecture about the Middle East. He seemed to know everything, from the meaning of the word "pilgrim" to the muslim presence in Palestine to the history of the formation of modern Israel. It was very impressive, and I made a point to tell him so immediately after class. I sent a text message actually, and this was his reply: "I have long been interested in world history, especially the European culture. Last year I finished A Global History, and recently, A Survey of European Culture. Furthermore, I wanna embrace Christianity which enables me to steep in peace." (And yes, I think he really means to say "steep," like tea.)
As you might guess, I was amazed. I mean, for someone to come out and say "I wanna embrace Christianity" is pretty amazing in any culture, and certainly all the more so in China. And he's a guy. We've been praying specifically that more guys would show an interest in spiritual matters, so what an amazing answer to our prayer!
Hopefully, you'll be hearing more good news about Abraham in the near future. For now, join me in prayer that he may be steeped in Jesus' love and truth, and yes, His peace.
Wednesday, October 6, 2010
Personalized Spiritual Preferences (by Jason)
I ran across this quote in the news today:
"Actually, before the arrival of 'Avatar', the Chinese had already started to advocate personalized spiritual preferences. Some people queued for the new Harry Potter movies and books, some queued for Transformers toys, and some queued for precious stamps and souvenir coins," said Ding Chun, a professor with the School of Economics of Fudan University.
The phrase I would like us to focus on is that which I've used as the post title: personalized spiritual preferences.
What jumps out at me most is the very Chinese use of the word "spiritual" in this case meaning what we in the West would call "entertainment" or "hobbies" or "interests". We've run across this somewhat peculiar use of the word several times while living in China. For instance, I remember a news report in Hubei that lauded one city's efforts at "building up the spiritual life of it's citizens" by building more public parks. This was the first time, as I recall, that I'd ever heard the word "spiritual" used in this context and it struck me as quite odd, and frankly quite hollow and even a little sad. I wanted then, as I occasionally still do today, to jump up and shout "That isn't spiritual life! Spiritual life is found in Jesus! How could you guys be so..."
So... What exactly? Blinded? Yes; blinded by atheistic humanism promoted in public as the only rational way of living. Confused? Yes, that too; confused by a long, long history of religious influences of all sorts, which may in part account for some people's non-commitment and relativism concerning and discerning truth. Materialistic, also; in the sense that, ultimately what seems to matter most is one's personal fulfillment in this lifetime, to be achieved through whatever various means, including Harry Potter, Transformers, and IMAX films.
But truthfully, this way of thinking and speaking that equates the spiritual with the temporal, that would substitute mere and fleeting entertainment for substantial and everlasting salvation is rife in not only China but America too. Although we rarely, if ever, would talk about waiting in line for the new iWhatever as "spiritual" per se, we do nevertheless confuse the spiritual with the merely meaningful or memorable all the time. (If you need proof of this, watch Oprah for one week and notice the way she and her guests talk about "spiritual" issues.)
I guess it's part of human nature -- to search for meaning in our daily lives, all the while missing or intentionally ignoring the deeper issues and truths as revealed to us by God. Like the guy in James who looks at himself in the mirror, but then... Wait, is that my telephone?
Anyway... This (this essay, I guess) is at least one expression of at least one of the reasons that I am here: namely, to show others, while constantly reminding myself, that there is a bigger Truth and a greater Spirit and a better Way than that which we see with our eyes or touch with our hands. There is more. There is so much more.
"Actually, before the arrival of 'Avatar', the Chinese had already started to advocate personalized spiritual preferences. Some people queued for the new Harry Potter movies and books, some queued for Transformers toys, and some queued for precious stamps and souvenir coins," said Ding Chun, a professor with the School of Economics of Fudan University.
The phrase I would like us to focus on is that which I've used as the post title: personalized spiritual preferences.
What jumps out at me most is the very Chinese use of the word "spiritual" in this case meaning what we in the West would call "entertainment" or "hobbies" or "interests". We've run across this somewhat peculiar use of the word several times while living in China. For instance, I remember a news report in Hubei that lauded one city's efforts at "building up the spiritual life of it's citizens" by building more public parks. This was the first time, as I recall, that I'd ever heard the word "spiritual" used in this context and it struck me as quite odd, and frankly quite hollow and even a little sad. I wanted then, as I occasionally still do today, to jump up and shout "That isn't spiritual life! Spiritual life is found in Jesus! How could you guys be so..."
So... What exactly? Blinded? Yes; blinded by atheistic humanism promoted in public as the only rational way of living. Confused? Yes, that too; confused by a long, long history of religious influences of all sorts, which may in part account for some people's non-commitment and relativism concerning and discerning truth. Materialistic, also; in the sense that, ultimately what seems to matter most is one's personal fulfillment in this lifetime, to be achieved through whatever various means, including Harry Potter, Transformers, and IMAX films.
But truthfully, this way of thinking and speaking that equates the spiritual with the temporal, that would substitute mere and fleeting entertainment for substantial and everlasting salvation is rife in not only China but America too. Although we rarely, if ever, would talk about waiting in line for the new iWhatever as "spiritual" per se, we do nevertheless confuse the spiritual with the merely meaningful or memorable all the time. (If you need proof of this, watch Oprah for one week and notice the way she and her guests talk about "spiritual" issues.)
I guess it's part of human nature -- to search for meaning in our daily lives, all the while missing or intentionally ignoring the deeper issues and truths as revealed to us by God. Like the guy in James who looks at himself in the mirror, but then... Wait, is that my telephone?
Anyway... This (this essay, I guess) is at least one expression of at least one of the reasons that I am here: namely, to show others, while constantly reminding myself, that there is a bigger Truth and a greater Spirit and a better Way than that which we see with our eyes or touch with our hands. There is more. There is so much more.
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