Being a pretty independent and spirited person, when I see a problem, my first thought is what I can do to fix it. I try to size it up, look into the possible causes and the roots of those causes. I think about the resources availible and all of the different possible solutions and the outcome they'd have. Then I weigh them against each other and decide how to act.
But it is so different here. I feel helpless and powerless in even begining my usual process because I lack understanding of the culutre, but there is something more to it too, something that is unseen and cannot find expression in words. The spiritual climate here is so different. There are temples everwhere. Almost everyone has a family shrine in their home that they light insences to, leave food for, and pray at every morning. Although many people say that these practices for them are out of tradition rather than belief, the fact remains that they are still worshiping at these pagan altars.
I see a culture living in bondage. They are tired and down-trodden, trying to live up to the unrealistically high expectations placed upon them by their culture. The only sourse of validation and identity for people is found in how well they operate within the cultures framework. Many inside the church seem in bondage to it still.
Recently, the site at which I am serving has found itself a a sort of crossroads. It has been really interesting to see all of the things that have been happening leading up to where they find themselves now. Today they had an important meeting which may effect my service here, but more important is the effect it will have on the church members themselves, the relationship within the members of the body, and the vision of the ministry of the church itself and how it will be that they will act in serving that vision.
At this point I don't know what to hope for, what possible outcome to even pray for- I have no idea even where to begin. I find comfort in praying the words of Christ, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." There really is nothing in this situation that I can do. But rather than feeling helpless in my lack of control or options, I feel free. I think I give myself too much credit in terms of what I can do and I am so thankful for this humbling experience God is giving me to remind me of where the answers and solutions to life and ministry predicaments come from. Because ultimately, it's God's church, not ours. It's God's ministry, not ours.
Please join me in praying.
But it is so different here. I feel helpless and powerless in even begining my usual process because I lack understanding of the culutre, but there is something more to it too, something that is unseen and cannot find expression in words. The spiritual climate here is so different. There are temples everwhere. Almost everyone has a family shrine in their home that they light insences to, leave food for, and pray at every morning. Although many people say that these practices for them are out of tradition rather than belief, the fact remains that they are still worshiping at these pagan altars.
I see a culture living in bondage. They are tired and down-trodden, trying to live up to the unrealistically high expectations placed upon them by their culture. The only sourse of validation and identity for people is found in how well they operate within the cultures framework. Many inside the church seem in bondage to it still.
Recently, the site at which I am serving has found itself a a sort of crossroads. It has been really interesting to see all of the things that have been happening leading up to where they find themselves now. Today they had an important meeting which may effect my service here, but more important is the effect it will have on the church members themselves, the relationship within the members of the body, and the vision of the ministry of the church itself and how it will be that they will act in serving that vision.
At this point I don't know what to hope for, what possible outcome to even pray for- I have no idea even where to begin. I find comfort in praying the words of Christ, "thy kingdom come, thy will be done on earth as it is in heaven." There really is nothing in this situation that I can do. But rather than feeling helpless in my lack of control or options, I feel free. I think I give myself too much credit in terms of what I can do and I am so thankful for this humbling experience God is giving me to remind me of where the answers and solutions to life and ministry predicaments come from. Because ultimately, it's God's church, not ours. It's God's ministry, not ours.
Please join me in praying.
3 comments:
I understand the culture living in bondage because of tradition. I think Macau is very similar in that aspect. I don't know where to begin either. But i do know who can help them and so I talk to Him often about it.
My prayers are with your church and with you.
What your saying is how I grew up in Alaska. Lots of the traditions of the villagers were not of God...But there is something to be said about knowing when and what to say something. Being respectful of another culture does not mean that you agree with what is going on. But sometimes being a silent witness says more more than if you were shouting through a mega phone. And praying- does more than you could ever hope to do yourself. God is there, even with the whold bondage stuff going on. they are still His creatures, as we all are, and if you ask Him, he will reveal Himself to you in what is already there. Becareful not to unknowingly judge these people for what they do not know because it will harden your heart towards them, rather than soften it. Blessings!
I am here in Aurora, Il seeing how much people justify the "American Dream" as their God instead of stepping alongside God's living in us through acts of service. So, kiddo, and sister in Christ, you are not alone and close in prayer. May God be greater than all of our cultural traditions. Good read: Niebuhr's "Christ and Culture". It might give you some inisight for how Christianity has worked in, through, and around culture to express its principles.
In peace,
Cristine - CUC DCE intern
Post a Comment