Golden Hans

Longing for some Western cuisine, we decided to go to the spot where we ate our feast for the Baby's birthday back in December. This time it wasn't our FoC family, but a different group of brothers and sisters. The best part about this restaurant is the meat. They bring around spits of meat fresh from the roasters. Want some pork? Sure. How about some duck? Yea. Cow tongue? Cut some off. Bratwurst? What German restaurant would be complete without brats? Yes, please. Here are some snapshots of the excitement that ensued from our evening of eating. It was a night full of fun, food, and fellowship. Aufwiedersehen!

Land of Luther

"But when the kindness and love of G*d our S@vior appeared, he saved us, not because of righteous things we had done, but because of his mercy. He saved us through the washing of rebirth and renewal by the H*ly Spir!t, whom he poured out on us generously through Jes~s Chr!st our S@vior, so that having been justified by his gr@ce, we might become heirs having the hope of eternal life." - Titus 3:4-7

It all started in the Germany. He was staying with a family that went to lift up their hands and hearts to Him on Sundays. He had never done anything like that before. He was a Chinese student getting some time to study abroad. The Book that was read every Sunday was different and it contained a message of love and power. When he returned from Germany, he continued his education at his university here. It was all His plan that he would meet one of our study friends, Elsie. She studied the Book frequently. She told him that if he wanted to study more and practice some English, he could come with her to study from the Book. This past fall he showed up and he brought loads of questions. He felt bad for asking so many questions. What a blessing to have the Sp!rit work in this way and lead his curiosity into knowledge and f@ith. He helped me get my phone at the beginning of the year. He showed up to our Thanksgiving feast in November. He had a brief internship in Beijing and we missed his presence at the beginning of this semester. In recent months he has been back and still asking questions. He always wants to know more. Last week I had the privilege of throwing some water on his head and speaking some powerful Words which gave power to such a simple thing like water. Now he is sealed as His child and we are united as brothers under the same Father of all. Join me in giving thanks to Him for this blessing! Ask Him to bless the work here and strengthen the trust that He creates in hearts of His children! His name is Julian. His name is written in the book that sits before the throne above. Julian is in the palm of His hand and no one can snatch him away. 

Poo poo pagoda

While visiting an old temple this weekend I made the climb up a historic pagoda. The stairs are uneven and the space very cramped for a "Western" body. A few people ahead of us were an elderly gentleman and his grandson. They had made it to the top first and began taking in the view. My climbing partners and I waited a few minutes and then took a few steps up toward the top where the old man and his boy pleaded, "Just a minute." (in Chinese of course) There were a few grunts and phrases like, "still more" and "hurry up." Even after a full 9 months here I can still see many things and experience things that I come away saying, "Just when I thought I saw it all, there's that." Soon at the top of this historic and sacred building, a stench filled the small room just down from the stairs that led from the heinous act of violation on top of the pagoda. People don't often search out a bathroom in this country, they go whenever it is most convenient. I guess you can add "at the top of a pagoda" to the list of places they will go. Don't judge them too harshly, they just have different methods of potty-training. I think when I get back, you will just have to believe me when I say, "you can't make this stuff up."

Speechless

After spending all this time in a far-off place, people here have begun to ask me, "When will you be coming back?" Coming back? Hmmmm . . . I will be, um, I don't know. Sitting in a dorm room before the end of junior year at MLC, I talked over this China stuff with a few friends. I thought, well that sounds great, but I just want to keep pushing on to Seminary and finish another 4 years right after this. I threw the idea out to my mother that summer, not really thinking too much about it, since I had one more year of school left. The conversation about it continued into senior year. Most of this was thanks to Andy Buschkopf. His sister had gone over and he had heard a lot about this teaching opportunity.

Over Christmas break, I talked it over with my parents. I'm sure they were speechless. This was all too soon, too much, too fast. Applications and interviews would take place shortly after the second semester started, so it was necessary to get the details out there. I applied. I pondered. I talked with my Father and decided that it was the right time to do something like this.

My posts have allowed you to follow me on this grand adventure halfway across the world. Now that friends have been asking me, "When will you be coming back?" I am speechless. I have learned so much about people, the world, and the power of the Word. Of course I want to stay and continue the work here. Of course there are so many places to see, people to meet, and things to experience that I have not yet. However, I have work to do back home. I have people to see back home. The Good Shepherd is leading me on to good things back home too.

I don't know when I will be coming back or if I will be coming back. Only the One above knows the plans He has for me. He intends to be with me and guide me. He is never speechless. He is always there; ever guiding, always speaking, ever present. This daunting and intimidating journey that seemed too big and overwhelming at times, is now something that I don't want to end. The mighty Hand that showers the earth with endless blessings has preserved and grown His church all over the world. That makes me speechless. I stand in awe at all the He has done, is doing, and will continue to do for His people. Soli Deo Gloria!

This is how Wii party

One of the great things about doing His work is meeting people. As the weeks begin winding down (I have just under 7 weeks left) and the sun begins to set on my time here, I am beginning to sense how difficult it will be to say "goodbye" to some of the new friends I've met this year. Until that time comes though, we will continue to grow in the knowledge of the Good Shepherd, build our friendships, and party. There's nothing like loading up a few pirated games to a Wii  from a hard drive (this is China) and launching into an all out fun fest.

We went from shooting zombies to conquering levels of Mario. My friend Bruce (middle above) smoked the competition in bowling even though it was his first time playing. Then we moved onto a fighting game similar to Mortal Kombat and finally finished with Just Dance! These pictures are taken from some of the fun we had that night. The dancing game got the most laughs of the night. I was caught in some videos myself, I hope they don't resurface.

Some other wonderful things happened this week. One of our students, Vivian (dancing on the left in the top pictures), led part of study this week. She talked about the song Amazing Gr@ce and followed it up with where in the Book the inspiration was found. We let her take on the questions from the others in the group. Some of them were a bit difficult, but she did her homework and did a great job at leading our study. This is such a great thing to see in a new field of work. Those who have received the Good news are now beginning to take a leadership role and slowly moving toward self-sustaining. We (Americans) must become less and they must become more. It is much easier for them to share the Message in their own language. The same message exchanged through different languages and cultures. A blessing to chalk up to the Spirit.

Another girl, Celia, said she felt the love of the Son very strongly the night we had study. This is nothing less than the fire of the Spirit working in her heart. Changing it to knowing and believing the love of Him who died for her. She is going through some of the basic teachings of the Book and she hopes to be washed soon. She asked me when I was going back to America. I told her it was the end of June. She said, "Maybe you could 'wash' me before you go back." I said, "That would be great!" Continue to give thanks for the power of the Good news. It changes hearts here and continues to preserve them in America and places all over the world. He is Awesome and his undeserved love is amazing!

Tent Sleeping Festival

What's a man to do with a few days off and a few hours separating him from loads of encouragement and fun? Go to Shanghai, of course. This was the location of the 2nd annual Tent Sleeping Festival. FOC teachers and friends flock from near and far. This yearly get-together overlaps the Chinese break for observing Labor Day/May Day. Fun fact: May 1 is the day when the 8 hour workday was established. Consider yourself smarter as I continue in this fresh blog post. A fast train landed me in the biggest city in the Mainland. Over 20 million folks call this vast metropolis home. The first night I arrived, it was late, but the party had just begun. A few of us took to the streets to slurp down some cheap Chinese beer and swap stories of recent blessings and burdens. Along with the slurping and swapping came some singing. Joel brought along his guitar and some songbooks and we graced the cool, quiet air with our boisterous tunes. Most of them declaring His praises. I love China! The next morning began with a healthy portion of eggs and toast. One batch of eggs had some chicken in it. It was fresh chicken. By fresh, I mean recently killed. My friend Nate had worked his magic and killed the chicken dubbed "Tony Hawk." We were going to the X games later in the day. He was quite tasty. I have not included the bloody aftermath that followed this photo. 

What do brothers and sisters do best when they get together? Sing and praise Him in worship! After the breakfast, we started things off right with an encouraging hour. Then we took to the streets again. We graced the warmer air with songs. We even sang on the subway. Some gave us smiles and others gave us snarls. The brave ones took videos and pictures. Who knows if someone understood the words we sang. We just let our light shine, no matter where we were. 20 foreigners singing on a subway in Shanghai causes a scene no matter what you're singing. Our destination was the X games. I was a little skeptical because I have never cared too much to watch them. When you see guys doing flips and jumps and all sorts of crazy stuff in the air, it's pretty cool. Later, we found out that a record was set on that very day. The first 1080 spin was landed in competition on skateboard. I saw it happen. Oh, yea, you can be jealous now. We caught site of some motor cross, bikes, and skateboards all flying through the air. 

Back to the apartment for some Italian-style supper. Lasagna and pasta! So good. After supper came the first ever Tenties Awards. These awards are compiled by city reporters and the candidates are thoroughly tested to eventually produce winners. The way you win is to come to the Tent Sleeping Festival. They made up all sorts of things about us and awarded us for it. I won the Most Intense Stare of the Year Award. I tend to have few words at times so my eyes do the talking. It can be very intense. Pictured are our gracious hosts (L to R) Richard, Nate, and Tony. Those golden medallions around their necks are the coveted Tenties. After handing out all the awards and having some shenanigans, I stayed in to enjoy the fellowship. Others left for another night of singing in the streets. I played Bolderdash and enjoyed the warmth of friendships strengthened and found. 

Unfortunately, the next morning our train was leaving for Wuhan. These times spent together with other FOC teachers and friends have been huge highlights from my time here. This Tent Sleeping Festival compares with the big retreat in Hong Kong. They were wonderful times to bask in His grace and give thanks for the gifts and talents working over here. These times of fellowship and worship have been so great, I never wanted them to end. One day, when He returns, the joy will never end. Then, we will all dwell together in perfect happiness and never-ending praise. As we pitch our tents here, we move another day closer to coming home. We are not of this place, we are travelers on our way home. While we are here, we invite as many as we can to our home above, hoping to share the joy we have with them. I can't wait for that day when we will all see Him face to face. What love and grace! Shout to the North and the South! Sing to the East and the West! Jesus is Savior of all! He's Lord of heaven and earth!