The Battle is the Lords!
Wow this truth has been something I am holding on to and what he is continually teaching me out here. Last week I shared with a friend some things that the Father is putting on my heart. I shared how a friend had told me that there was no use for theology in “work” here. Well I shared how maybe that was where the Father was leading me because of my love for teaching and theology. And he shared with me something I will never forget. He said that the Father did not bring me out here for me to accomplish some project, or to do something great; he brought me out here for me. Really? Is it about me? Has the Father done all this so that I will know him more. My friends continued to share with me that the Father can make the rocks cry out, if He wanted to, He would make it happen right now. But that’s not the point of me being here nor is it the point of any of us being here in some foreign country. My friends shared with me that He has brought me here to reveal himself to me in new ways, ways that I couldn't have seen Him move back home. He is pursuing me, not because I have done anything spectacular, not because I have done anything great or have the potential to bring thousands of people to know him, but He has brought me here to reveal himself to me so that I may love Him more. This was so overwhelming for me to know. He can do this on his own, He doesn’t need me, I am here to know him more. “The chief end of man is to glorify (the Father) and enjoy him forever” (Westminster Catechism). This is a truth I studied for the past 2 years with my mentor and we worked through how it is to be applied in my life. And it took me traveling thousands of miles for it to hit and sink down deeper into my heart.
The days all blend together out here so I think last week I visited a temple that brought the reality of paganism to life.
I watched both men and women bow before lifeless man made objects. It was very eerie walking into rooms set aside for worship and seeing how dark they were. People would just put money before these statues or spin wheels so the gods would hear their prayers. I have only heard of these practices before but seeing them firsthand was something I never will forget. Brandon Stoppe said something to me before I came out that I continue to remember “its weird being in a place where you look around and there are no believers.” Not one. I look around and see all these people who live in fear of the gods, hoping that they will be able to appease them with their offerings and sacrifices. There are even some people who will sprawl out on the ground and the return to a standing position with their hands raised in the air for miles to try to cover over their sins. It’s so sad to see these people so desperate for forgiveness but miss the sacrifice of the holy lamb.
I recently traveled to a province about 8 hours south of here to help a husband and wife move their shop and home. We listened to Michael W. Smith for about half the trip. (I have been waiting to say this since then) I, with a passion, dislike his music very much now and am thoroughly disappointed in everyone who enjoys listening to it (sorry Bishop). The guy isn't even good enough to write music that has substance so he plays covers at his concerts and or his songs just repeat the same phrase over and over again. "A New Hallelujah" I think thats the only phrase I heard him say that was his own, but I've definitely heard that one somewhere before. The trip was great though, we painted with paint that was so watered down that it seemed to not really stick or hold much color, we moved their furniture and products for the store and spent time eating and fellowshipping. I ate a yak burger, which was excellent, and for the first time in my life used a squatty potty. That was most definitely an experience. The countryside here is absolutely beautiful and the pictures I have taken seem to not even come close to portraying how amazing the earth He created is.
I have some excellent opportunities here to start being involved with. First: some of the parents here have asked that I would lead the youth group that the m’s do here. I think it will start next Saturday and I am so excited to get to know the students here and walk with them in their journey of discipleship. I also was asked to teach an English class here as well as take some of my roommate’s classes that he teaches. This could be such an awesome opportunity to make more connections with people here and see how I can be most effective here. Also some people who have businesses here are in need of graphic design stuff done for their companies so I may work with them if I have time in the week. So as you can see my schedule is very busy (as usual).
I continue to grow more in the language as well. I have learned how to shop and count and tell taxi drivers how to get to where I need to go. However, I often get lost while I am traveling by myself and for the past 3-4 appointments I have had show up 10-30 minutes late because I get on the wrong bus or just turned down the wrong street. I have also learned that this place was not created for tall people. My roommate jokes and says I am the tallest man in town. It has perks when I play basketball cause I dominate in the key. I don’t even jump and I can get every rebound so they all think I’m amazing. But I was traveling by bus the other day and when I got on, I found that I could not stand up straight, so I put my head through the vent so I could stand up straight. There were kids on the bus that were laughing at me. It happens a lot though, people act as if they have never seen a white person in their life when they see me. Sometimes kids point and laugh or parents just stare at me as I walk by. I just think its funny, I smile and say “Nee-hao.” I also can't see when my stop is coming up because I can't see out the widows cause they are too low. So I am always having to e that guy who runs to the back of the buss at the last second to get off. People love me here...The culture is so
different too. People light fireworks in front of their restaurant or store when its having a grand opening to attract customers. Last week I was helping a lady with her shop and they fireworks started going off. I took off and ran back into the shop because I was getting hit by flying trash and rocks. But it is fun here and I am learning to love these funny things.
Well friends and family, thanks for you continued time of talking to the Father for me. He is teaching me a lot, and doing good things in my heart. Send me e-mails, I love reading your encouraging words. Love you all and I will write soon again.
Grace and Peace
-stevie-
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