We are now in our 6th month. It's hard to believe, but I think we already feel very different than we did in the early months. However, now that we've settled in a bit, the enormity of the task before us and the mixture of emotions have become apparent.
Living in a new culture unparalleled joy and excitement (our horizons are being broadened) learning a new language that is difficult excitement, new adventures vision for and role of our international church supportive new friends from around the world feeling homesick at times
Chiang Mai is still a basically easy adjustment to make, and we have already developed a heart for this place and these people. What comfort we receive that so many of the Biblical characters were reluctant but willing servants. Whether it be a Moses or a Gideon, they felt inadequate to the task for which they were being called. At the height of D.L. Moody's effectiveness, between 1874 and 1875, Dr. R.W. Dale, one of the leading nonconformist clergymen in England, observed his work in Birmingham for three or four days. He wished to discover the secret of Moody's power. After his observations were completed he told Moody the the work was plainly the work of God, for he could see no relation between him personally and what he was accomplishing. A smaller person might have been offended at this but Moody only laughed and said he would be sorry if it were otherwise. (Hearing God by Dallas Willard) In studying the names of God we have learned that what God promises only God can do (El-Shaddai--the all sufficient One) or when God calls, He provides the empowering and the resources needed to carry out His Work. Adonai (Our Lord and Master) is the One who bestows gifts upon and equips servants for service. (Ephesians 4:11-12) Last spring in reading a book by John Ortberg we were challenged by a verse in Revelation 3:8 "Behold I place before you an open door. I know that you have little strength." Ortberg said that wen we step out in faith, we cannot know how it will all turn out--but faith always involves an element of risk. So, our part was to go through the open door He placed before us. Now we look to Him for the enabling, the empowering, and the wisdom and discernment. Already we have been blessed by being here! And if the blessings of our international church and the people there and getting to know the Thai people and their culture were not enough, God has blessed us immeasurably by being here for the birth of our grandson. How good and amazing is our God!
Dallas Willard says, "When we consider a life of participating in God's kingdom rule, we are not looking at anything we must make happen. The extent of our obligation is to be honestly willing and eager to be made able. Jesus is our model always and we can count on God Himself to lead us into whatever we are to do. He will do this in a way this is suitable to our lives and His calling for us."
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| In front of The Star Ferry in Hong Kong |
We had the wonderful privilege of attending the first ever Global Church for a Global World Conference in Hong Kong. We felt very blessed to be at this conference because we had the opportunity to meet people from all over the globe ministering in international churches just like ours. We heard wonderful speakers like Ravi Zacharias and Oz Guinness, attended workshops and heard inspiring messages from pastors of international churches giving practical hints of what has worked for them. And did I mention food?! And we thought the Thai people loved to eat. Our first night began with a 12 course meal. It wasn't until we were into course 3 or 4 that someone at our table looked at the card (menu) describing the 12 courses in store for us. We had, of course, been eating the first courses as if that were the whole meal. Apparently the Chinese also like to eat--to make an evening of it-- to make it an occasion. It was all (well mostly) very good, but we simply could not eat it all.
Near the end of the conference, we had a solemn "signing" ceremony. We each signed our own parchment with the Global Church Declaration (longer than what I have included here) and then went forward to sign a larger document--a record of the event. How thrilling to be a part of this! Our last event was a luncheon (Yes, food was a big part of this conference). We sat with one of the pastors of working at the International Christian Assembly in Hong Kong and ministering to the Thai people there. All of our meetings were held at this very large church (first one I've ever been in with its own escalator). What a privilege to have him pray for us in Thai--that we would be effectively used of God to be salt and light to his people here in Chiang Mai and then to pray for him in English for God to work in and through his ministry in Hong Kong. To God be the glory! What a rare and precious moment!
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| Cutting the Peking Duck |
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| Good view of harbor in Hong Kong |
"The Holy Spirit has united us not only to Jesus Christ but also to his body, which spans the globe. Together we seek to understand what God is doing in and through the Global Church around the world and to ask: Is there something to be done using our combined expertise to develop and strengthen leaders of the Global Church and inspire them to greater vision? ...We are at a point in history where the Church, and our approach to mission, faces challenges that we have never seen before. There are more people on the move today than at any other time in history. The impact of globalization in "city culture", particularly the challenge of ministering to diaspora people moving about the world requires new attitudes and strategies...We do not want to 'sit this one out.' We are committed to getting involved."
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| Susan, Bible study friend and tour guide of Hong Kong |
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| Billboard in front of International Church in HK |
