It's been a while since I written here... actually probably more than a month or so since the last update was from Taiwan. Nothing much to write about really other than being an intern at CLBC and working with Andrew Leeper.... But I also been wondering if anyone would like to see me write about my trip to East Asia (not Taiwan..) ..I have my journal with me and some of it would obviously would be in code and a bit hard to read... but it was also a good experience as well.. If interested... please tell me (somehow)... because I'm not going to spend time writing about it if there is 0 views on them... I'll spend about a week or so with one post each day...
OR.... if you think it's a bad idea... you can also tell me as well
Have a good day!
Thursday, June 2, 2011
Friday, April 1, 2011
It's almost over...
The message on Wednesday went better than I expected, though no kids came forward, I could tell by the looks of the kids that they had a lot to think about... Lesson was about Noah's absolute faith. It was a bit shaky, but so were my first lessons that I've ever taught so I was a bit relieved that it wasn't a total disaster.
I spoke again on Thursday to my English class, telling them to never give up on learning another language. There's been an obvious improvement in their English since I've been there, the tutor sessions have even bought a girl's score up from a 0 to an 80.
Today was sort of a last day for me. I'll be back in two weeks to say my final goodbye, but as far as working there, it's all finished... Even so, it didn't feel like it since it was Children's Day today and most of the students were with their parents. I was fortunate, however, to participate in their flea market they held at their school. Most of the children were extremely happy to see me walking around and participating in helping them raise money.
Tomorrow, I'll be visiting my grandparents' grave on my mother's side of the family for the first time. Not much to say there... This is the last place of the places that I needed to go...
I'll be on a second site starting Monday... if you want to know where, ask Seth or Brandon... But most people by now should know where it is....
too sleepy to think of anything else or to check grammar on this...
Till Next Time!
I spoke again on Thursday to my English class, telling them to never give up on learning another language. There's been an obvious improvement in their English since I've been there, the tutor sessions have even bought a girl's score up from a 0 to an 80.
Today was sort of a last day for me. I'll be back in two weeks to say my final goodbye, but as far as working there, it's all finished... Even so, it didn't feel like it since it was Children's Day today and most of the students were with their parents. I was fortunate, however, to participate in their flea market they held at their school. Most of the children were extremely happy to see me walking around and participating in helping them raise money.
Tomorrow, I'll be visiting my grandparents' grave on my mother's side of the family for the first time. Not much to say there... This is the last place of the places that I needed to go...
I'll be on a second site starting Monday... if you want to know where, ask Seth or Brandon... But most people by now should know where it is....
too sleepy to think of anything else or to check grammar on this...
Till Next Time!
Saturday, March 26, 2011
Oh right.. I have a blog...
There hasn't been too much going on since the last update...
Every week's about the same... Often going out after church to see where God leads me. Had a few good encounters... and a few blah ones...
The trip itself is starting to wind down... I'm teaching my first devotion in Chinese for the church on Tuesday and Wednesday, so pray that goes well and have people respond to it. Currently, I'm in the process of translating the message from English to Chinese at the moment, but I'm feeling a little bit stressed since I wrote quite a lot down.
Overall, my Chinese have improved on this trip... but not to where I want it to be though. I have started to pick up on a lot of what people say.... especially today's sermon when we had a guest speaker. I noticed he didn't open his Bible along with the rest of congregation and I noticed he talked a lot about himself and a seminary... so basically the lesson today was his testimony.. which I really didn't care about. But he did end with an invitation, so mixed feelings there.... Usually when someone doesn't even quote scripture to support what they're talking about.. I tune them out...
Anyways, that's it for now... I'm a bit too tired to think of anything new right now.... I kept waking up to the bugs biting me again.... stupid mosquitoes >_<
Till Next Time!
Every week's about the same... Often going out after church to see where God leads me. Had a few good encounters... and a few blah ones...
The trip itself is starting to wind down... I'm teaching my first devotion in Chinese for the church on Tuesday and Wednesday, so pray that goes well and have people respond to it. Currently, I'm in the process of translating the message from English to Chinese at the moment, but I'm feeling a little bit stressed since I wrote quite a lot down.
Overall, my Chinese have improved on this trip... but not to where I want it to be though. I have started to pick up on a lot of what people say.... especially today's sermon when we had a guest speaker. I noticed he didn't open his Bible along with the rest of congregation and I noticed he talked a lot about himself and a seminary... so basically the lesson today was his testimony.. which I really didn't care about. But he did end with an invitation, so mixed feelings there.... Usually when someone doesn't even quote scripture to support what they're talking about.. I tune them out...
Anyways, that's it for now... I'm a bit too tired to think of anything new right now.... I kept waking up to the bugs biting me again.... stupid mosquitoes >_<
Till Next Time!
Saturday, March 12, 2011
And on the 7th day he rested
Yep, noticed that I didn't capitalize "he" otherwise it would imply that I'm God... which I'm certainly not.. (infinitely times not.... maybe even more..)
Anyways, it has felt like a long time since I've last updated... more than a week I think... Last week I was exhausted... mainly because last Sunday I felt that I needed to get out more and decided to hang out with my family on my mom's side... Bad idea... no, not because I don't like them, but I've gotten into a schedule where I rest on Sundays.. basically stay in my room with the lights dimmed, watch tv/get on the computer/anything free... Basically resting up for the next week....
So to sum it all up, last week was a pretty much a bust... A little less patient and a little less willing to be social whenever I went out.... which I tried everyday which also wasn't a good idea since I was ready to collapse on Friday... Although I did interact with a few people in the beginning of the week... the Buddhist didn't count however, since he was doing a ritual which is rude to interrupt...so I gave him a track and money instead...
So currently, I'm resting up for the next week... Watching Toy Story and just taking it easy... Hope the weather's better this week so I can go out and play some hoops with the kids which is where I have the best opportunity to witness..
As for the Japan earthquake, Japan is 1400 miles away from Taiwan... so we were lucky not to get hit with anything. A tsunami alert was in effect on Friday when the earthquake hit, but nothing big fortunately came our way... However, with the nuclear plants in danger of melting down, there is a 10% chance of the radiation reaching us if it does... Small chance, weather is favorable if it does.... but pray that it doesn't... 10% isn't high but it's still a possibility....
Of course, pray for safety for the rest of the trip... anything can happen from here till when I leave... I experienced a small earthquake when I was in Taiwan the last time I came... so again... anything can happen...
Till Next Time!
Anyways, it has felt like a long time since I've last updated... more than a week I think... Last week I was exhausted... mainly because last Sunday I felt that I needed to get out more and decided to hang out with my family on my mom's side... Bad idea... no, not because I don't like them, but I've gotten into a schedule where I rest on Sundays.. basically stay in my room with the lights dimmed, watch tv/get on the computer/anything free... Basically resting up for the next week....
So to sum it all up, last week was a pretty much a bust... A little less patient and a little less willing to be social whenever I went out.... which I tried everyday which also wasn't a good idea since I was ready to collapse on Friday... Although I did interact with a few people in the beginning of the week... the Buddhist didn't count however, since he was doing a ritual which is rude to interrupt...so I gave him a track and money instead...
So currently, I'm resting up for the next week... Watching Toy Story and just taking it easy... Hope the weather's better this week so I can go out and play some hoops with the kids which is where I have the best opportunity to witness..
As for the Japan earthquake, Japan is 1400 miles away from Taiwan... so we were lucky not to get hit with anything. A tsunami alert was in effect on Friday when the earthquake hit, but nothing big fortunately came our way... However, with the nuclear plants in danger of melting down, there is a 10% chance of the radiation reaching us if it does... Small chance, weather is favorable if it does.... but pray that it doesn't... 10% isn't high but it's still a possibility....
Of course, pray for safety for the rest of the trip... anything can happen from here till when I leave... I experienced a small earthquake when I was in Taiwan the last time I came... so again... anything can happen...
Till Next Time!
Wednesday, March 2, 2011
I feel like I'm thinking like Pastor Brandon...
scary isn't it?
Well, not at his level of thinking currently, more like his first few years at Cross Lanes back in the day... when I was in high school... (has it really been that long?)
Anyways, I remember back in the day... (uh oh.. sign that I'm getting old) when Brandon was trying to use activities to witness and invite youth to church.. such as Halo or basketball or something fun of the sort..
Wednesdays are basketball days, where I take the older kids to the local school and play some hoops with them. I do notice how much more I talk (or shout out) at other kids that don't belong to a church, such as inviting random people to play or just being a lot more open by talking to them... but I do need to be careful since I do represent a church and I don't want to hurt a witness.. But it leaves a lot of opportunities that I've been looking for
There was this huge guy today as well who was sitting by himself and I was extremely close to talking to him, unfortunately, there were also 10 people telling me to continue playing (which I'm still shooting myself in the foot)
Earlier today I went to get my Visa renewed so I can stay longer... Hard to believe that it's almost been 2 months... definitely over halfway right now... I'm surprised of how fast this trip has gone... Reading back, it seems to drag on and on... probably because I was suffering so much.. But as of now... the weeks are flying by... mostly I enjoy my schedule.. wake up, work out, go to church, go out different subway stops, exploring and having an open heart; go home, sleep... and repeat.. keeps the days busy
I realized recently that my delivery in the Gospel is pretty weak right now, so I bought business sized cards with Bible verses on them so I can use them to help... I can drop them into beggar's hands or just give them out wherever...Even though, I do need to start translating the Romans road as well.
Also been walking around after I get done with my projects at church, if I have the energy to do it... Trying to pace myself and not get burned out too quickly... I keep reading about missionaries being burned out too quickly and have it affect their ministry so I'm currently trying to prevent that.
too many I's, me's, and my's on this one... sorry about it.. I hate talking about myself, but I can't really think around them for this posts... perhaps because I'm exhausted because today was an extremely long day...grammar is also really off as well.. but I blame that on how little English I've been speaking nowadays..
I think that's enough for today...
Till Next Time!
Well, not at his level of thinking currently, more like his first few years at Cross Lanes back in the day... when I was in high school... (has it really been that long?)
Anyways, I remember back in the day... (uh oh.. sign that I'm getting old) when Brandon was trying to use activities to witness and invite youth to church.. such as Halo or basketball or something fun of the sort..
Wednesdays are basketball days, where I take the older kids to the local school and play some hoops with them. I do notice how much more I talk (or shout out) at other kids that don't belong to a church, such as inviting random people to play or just being a lot more open by talking to them... but I do need to be careful since I do represent a church and I don't want to hurt a witness.. But it leaves a lot of opportunities that I've been looking for
There was this huge guy today as well who was sitting by himself and I was extremely close to talking to him, unfortunately, there were also 10 people telling me to continue playing (which I'm still shooting myself in the foot)
Earlier today I went to get my Visa renewed so I can stay longer... Hard to believe that it's almost been 2 months... definitely over halfway right now... I'm surprised of how fast this trip has gone... Reading back, it seems to drag on and on... probably because I was suffering so much.. But as of now... the weeks are flying by... mostly I enjoy my schedule.. wake up, work out, go to church, go out different subway stops, exploring and having an open heart; go home, sleep... and repeat.. keeps the days busy
I realized recently that my delivery in the Gospel is pretty weak right now, so I bought business sized cards with Bible verses on them so I can use them to help... I can drop them into beggar's hands or just give them out wherever...Even though, I do need to start translating the Romans road as well.
Also been walking around after I get done with my projects at church, if I have the energy to do it... Trying to pace myself and not get burned out too quickly... I keep reading about missionaries being burned out too quickly and have it affect their ministry so I'm currently trying to prevent that.
too many I's, me's, and my's on this one... sorry about it.. I hate talking about myself, but I can't really think around them for this posts... perhaps because I'm exhausted because today was an extremely long day...grammar is also really off as well.. but I blame that on how little English I've been speaking nowadays..
I think that's enough for today...
Till Next Time!
Thursday, February 24, 2011
It's been more than a week...
since my last update...
Even so, there isn't much to update on... Whenever I can I try to go other places and see how God uses me outside of the house and church. On the side note, it also keeps me away from the overprotected aunt that treats me like I'm 13 instead of 23...
Teaching ESL is the same.. Kids are forgetting their materials which isn't good. One thing I realize is that the teachers are much more strict and meaner. They don't hold back on their anger and will yell at the kids instilling fear in them to make them improve and not make the same mistakes again... I've also noticed that it works... unlike in the US where every assumes the kid is right and the teacher is wrong. Too much babying the children in the US where they need to be cuddled and protected.... where in Taiwan, if the teacher yells at you.. you screwed up and made yourself and your family look bad...
I've haven't had a really good night of sleep this week... Mosquitoes have been attacking me and waking me up constantly in the middle of the night.. Sorry if it sounds like I'm complaining but it does get on my nerves having to wake up at odd hours of the night..
Other than that... I have nothing new
Till Next Time!
Even so, there isn't much to update on... Whenever I can I try to go other places and see how God uses me outside of the house and church. On the side note, it also keeps me away from the overprotected aunt that treats me like I'm 13 instead of 23...
Teaching ESL is the same.. Kids are forgetting their materials which isn't good. One thing I realize is that the teachers are much more strict and meaner. They don't hold back on their anger and will yell at the kids instilling fear in them to make them improve and not make the same mistakes again... I've also noticed that it works... unlike in the US where every assumes the kid is right and the teacher is wrong. Too much babying the children in the US where they need to be cuddled and protected.... where in Taiwan, if the teacher yells at you.. you screwed up and made yourself and your family look bad...
I've haven't had a really good night of sleep this week... Mosquitoes have been attacking me and waking me up constantly in the middle of the night.. Sorry if it sounds like I'm complaining but it does get on my nerves having to wake up at odd hours of the night..
Other than that... I have nothing new
Till Next Time!
Saturday, February 19, 2011
LOL@sin!
I see this issue as a pretty big problem currently in pretty much everyone's life... This doesn't exclude Taiwan or any other country... but I always see this in the U.S. basically because of how much sin is overlooked due to how liberal people are.
The Bible states in Proverbs 14:9: "Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor". To mock is to make fun of, to ridicule, to laugh at... basically to make light of something... We obviously know what sin is, but Satan makes it so oblivious sometimes that it is extremely hard to tell what is sin. I'm obviously not going to tell you what sin is since it pretty much explains itself...
This is a tough issue to tackle since I mock sin myself... But I have started to watch what I watch... One of the programs that I now refuse to watch is Family Guy, which is basically what all college students watched pretty religiously... After being convicted about it since it clearly mocks sin and everything else in general, I stopped watching it. I used to remember what time it comes on, but now, I could care less. However, it doesn't make it easier that all my friends were watching it as well and asked if I watched the newest episode or if I remember "that joke"... which promptly ends it, "sorry don't watch that junk"...
But I also find people starting to mock sins blatantly... If they struggle with a sin, instead of confronting it, they mock it! They try to make light of their weakness instead of confessing that they actually do have a huge problem on their hands.
As an example, I'll use myself. I'll admit, I had a problem with patience before, it went away during the college years, but I have now begin to discover it's starting to rear it's ugly head again... I've been wanting to get stuff now instead of later.. such as emails, messages, or gifts that I've been meaning to buy for people back home. I find myself hurried, that it needs to be bought today... while I should not exhaust myself by going out of my way but instead pace myself and wait for another day where I wouldn't be as tired (how dumb right?)
That's me, taking a weakness by the handle and overcoming a potential sin (wearing myself out, quicker to anger when I'm tired could destroy my witness)
If I make light of my impatience, I not only lie to myself, but impatience is the opposite of the fruit of the spirit: patience. Impatience isn't necessarily a sin, but if left unchecked could definitely lead to some major problems...
I believe pride could potentially be the worse of this. Not only are you not going to admit that you're prideful because.. well... you're too proud to admit it, but if you mock it, it's even worse... You start making light of this sin.. never to actually confront it and in turn just making your pride grow thinking that you've conquered it, but instead made it worse.
I've noticed a lot of "You're going to hell!" quotes on Facebook these days.... I hate those with a passion.. "but why? it's the truth" .. sure it's true if the person isn't saved... but as Westboro Baptist Church shows it, that is the worse way to witness to someone. Not only that, but they and similar followers of their dirty scheme have ruined countless witnesses around the world... especially at my school... It shatters my heart that people have turned to atheism just to prove this particular group they think is Christian wrong.... The barrier that my campus ministry group and myself faced was set up by so called Christians with their main quote "You're going to hell!" I'm sorry, but every time I hear it, I see people actually going to hell because of that quote. It's not funny at all to me and you shouldn't find hell funny either. There are a lot of people that's going to go to hell because of it and here we are laughing about it... Doesn't sound like a wise Christian at all nor does it display love like a Christian should.
Also remember, by mocking one sin, you're mocking it all. James 2:10 clearly states it: "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." Basically, you're laughing at lust, lying, etc. And by that, you're laughing at the wife that was cheated on and the people that were hurt by embezzlement.
Now you know why laughing at sin is stupid? Sure it's not a sin, but it's completely unwise in the sense. Smart up, and worship God without being a complete fool!
The Bible states in Proverbs 14:9: "Fools mock at sin, but among the upright there is favor". To mock is to make fun of, to ridicule, to laugh at... basically to make light of something... We obviously know what sin is, but Satan makes it so oblivious sometimes that it is extremely hard to tell what is sin. I'm obviously not going to tell you what sin is since it pretty much explains itself...
This is a tough issue to tackle since I mock sin myself... But I have started to watch what I watch... One of the programs that I now refuse to watch is Family Guy, which is basically what all college students watched pretty religiously... After being convicted about it since it clearly mocks sin and everything else in general, I stopped watching it. I used to remember what time it comes on, but now, I could care less. However, it doesn't make it easier that all my friends were watching it as well and asked if I watched the newest episode or if I remember "that joke"... which promptly ends it, "sorry don't watch that junk"...
But I also find people starting to mock sins blatantly... If they struggle with a sin, instead of confronting it, they mock it! They try to make light of their weakness instead of confessing that they actually do have a huge problem on their hands.
As an example, I'll use myself. I'll admit, I had a problem with patience before, it went away during the college years, but I have now begin to discover it's starting to rear it's ugly head again... I've been wanting to get stuff now instead of later.. such as emails, messages, or gifts that I've been meaning to buy for people back home. I find myself hurried, that it needs to be bought today... while I should not exhaust myself by going out of my way but instead pace myself and wait for another day where I wouldn't be as tired (how dumb right?)
That's me, taking a weakness by the handle and overcoming a potential sin (wearing myself out, quicker to anger when I'm tired could destroy my witness)
If I make light of my impatience, I not only lie to myself, but impatience is the opposite of the fruit of the spirit: patience. Impatience isn't necessarily a sin, but if left unchecked could definitely lead to some major problems...
I believe pride could potentially be the worse of this. Not only are you not going to admit that you're prideful because.. well... you're too proud to admit it, but if you mock it, it's even worse... You start making light of this sin.. never to actually confront it and in turn just making your pride grow thinking that you've conquered it, but instead made it worse.
I've noticed a lot of "You're going to hell!" quotes on Facebook these days.... I hate those with a passion.. "but why? it's the truth" .. sure it's true if the person isn't saved... but as Westboro Baptist Church shows it, that is the worse way to witness to someone. Not only that, but they and similar followers of their dirty scheme have ruined countless witnesses around the world... especially at my school... It shatters my heart that people have turned to atheism just to prove this particular group they think is Christian wrong.... The barrier that my campus ministry group and myself faced was set up by so called Christians with their main quote "You're going to hell!" I'm sorry, but every time I hear it, I see people actually going to hell because of that quote. It's not funny at all to me and you shouldn't find hell funny either. There are a lot of people that's going to go to hell because of it and here we are laughing about it... Doesn't sound like a wise Christian at all nor does it display love like a Christian should.
Also remember, by mocking one sin, you're mocking it all. James 2:10 clearly states it: "For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." Basically, you're laughing at lust, lying, etc. And by that, you're laughing at the wife that was cheated on and the people that were hurt by embezzlement.
Now you know why laughing at sin is stupid? Sure it's not a sin, but it's completely unwise in the sense. Smart up, and worship God without being a complete fool!
Thursday, February 17, 2011
The kids are killing me...
...not in a bad way.... but the older kids have taken a real liking of me.. mainly because I'm athletic which means they could go play basketball and I'm old enough to look after them without other kids wanting to mess with them...
The younger kids like how I'm involved with their games as well and always seemed amused that the teacher would join in on their fun..
otherwise.. it's been a tiring week.. mainly because the kids wore me out from running after them up and down the basketball court... I really cant believe that this week went by so fast... Guess the busyness sort of attested for that...
There isn't much to update... I'm finally into the rhythm of things right now..
I realize that I've been lacking pictures ever since Chinese New Year ended... But I'll get some of me teaching ESL to the kids... It's not on my camera but someone else has them... I'm just glad someone got them for me...
EDITED: just read through the last blog and realize that there should be a little more updating...
well... my second ESL job has not called yet... dunno what's going on, but if it gets any later I don't think I could accept it because the time would be too short... Not that I'm complaining... I'm enjoying what I'm doing right now.. But hope that more opportunities presents itself regarding the lost..
Can't really think of anything else at the moment... My laptop is getting worked on right now... (finally!) my low powered netbook is not meant for some stuff that i want it to do...
Don't know what else to write about now... if you want to ask about something, leave a comment or send me an email... otherwise..
Till Next Time!
The younger kids like how I'm involved with their games as well and always seemed amused that the teacher would join in on their fun..
otherwise.. it's been a tiring week.. mainly because the kids wore me out from running after them up and down the basketball court... I really cant believe that this week went by so fast... Guess the busyness sort of attested for that...
There isn't much to update... I'm finally into the rhythm of things right now..
I realize that I've been lacking pictures ever since Chinese New Year ended... But I'll get some of me teaching ESL to the kids... It's not on my camera but someone else has them... I'm just glad someone got them for me...
EDITED: just read through the last blog and realize that there should be a little more updating...
well... my second ESL job has not called yet... dunno what's going on, but if it gets any later I don't think I could accept it because the time would be too short... Not that I'm complaining... I'm enjoying what I'm doing right now.. But hope that more opportunities presents itself regarding the lost..
Can't really think of anything else at the moment... My laptop is getting worked on right now... (finally!) my low powered netbook is not meant for some stuff that i want it to do...
Don't know what else to write about now... if you want to ask about something, leave a comment or send me an email... otherwise..
Till Next Time!
Sunday, February 13, 2011
One Month Down...
Not much to update on... Just a normal week... did go looking around for miscellaneous items and things... My laptop has a hardware problem that needs to be fixed but I don't understand computer lingo in Chinese well enough to do anything effectively...
Today, I woke up late because my phone died and missed the second service of church (which i usually go to)... so I went to the third service... At the end of the service they did the Lord's Supper... Since I sat in the balcony today, I was one of the last ones to get to and yes... the Lord's Supper here is basically the same as it is in the US...
Today also marks a month since I've been here... and what a month it's been.. first part of it was conflicting blatant suffering over theological issues pertaining over a Pentacostal church and how they were misleading with information... but I'm at peace with it... they can worship how they like... it's between them and God.. if they want to embrace the health and wealth gospel, that's up to them... Who am I, not even a seminary student much less somebody nobody knows to tell them how or what they should do... plus it's better to leave things alone than start a conflict.. I didn't come here to start a fight, I came to serve... so more or less, I disconnected from that ministry, as I was so heavily convicted with it I couldn't sleep at night and started to plug into my parents' church..
second part of this trip is more or less showing others I'm a Christian, as I got more familiar with the streets, I started walking around more and being a little more outward than the average person... I also got a chance to teach sort of a children's camp at the church here English and incorporated the Gospel and stories of Jesus into my plans everyday...
I think I'll be playing second fiddle starting this week... so I'll be seeing a different perspective of how to teach ESL...I'm also supposed to be getting a call this week to meet with the Taiwan Seminary about doing ESL there...
Overall, I'm satisfied with the work I've done so far... Not trying to puff myself up at all, but with all the conflict and suffering... I still managed to get back on my feet and still tell others about Jesus whether it was the kids or that American dude...
Yes, I'm a bit homesick but that's due to me being extremely lonely... nobody to really talk to.. sure there's my relatives... but I want to hear from my friends..
Well, there goes me whining again... gotta cut back on that
Till Next Tine!
Today, I woke up late because my phone died and missed the second service of church (which i usually go to)... so I went to the third service... At the end of the service they did the Lord's Supper... Since I sat in the balcony today, I was one of the last ones to get to and yes... the Lord's Supper here is basically the same as it is in the US...
Today also marks a month since I've been here... and what a month it's been.. first part of it was conflicting blatant suffering over theological issues pertaining over a Pentacostal church and how they were misleading with information... but I'm at peace with it... they can worship how they like... it's between them and God.. if they want to embrace the health and wealth gospel, that's up to them... Who am I, not even a seminary student much less somebody nobody knows to tell them how or what they should do... plus it's better to leave things alone than start a conflict.. I didn't come here to start a fight, I came to serve... so more or less, I disconnected from that ministry, as I was so heavily convicted with it I couldn't sleep at night and started to plug into my parents' church..
second part of this trip is more or less showing others I'm a Christian, as I got more familiar with the streets, I started walking around more and being a little more outward than the average person... I also got a chance to teach sort of a children's camp at the church here English and incorporated the Gospel and stories of Jesus into my plans everyday...
I think I'll be playing second fiddle starting this week... so I'll be seeing a different perspective of how to teach ESL...I'm also supposed to be getting a call this week to meet with the Taiwan Seminary about doing ESL there...
Overall, I'm satisfied with the work I've done so far... Not trying to puff myself up at all, but with all the conflict and suffering... I still managed to get back on my feet and still tell others about Jesus whether it was the kids or that American dude...
Yes, I'm a bit homesick but that's due to me being extremely lonely... nobody to really talk to.. sure there's my relatives... but I want to hear from my friends..
Well, there goes me whining again... gotta cut back on that
Till Next Tine!
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Post-Chinese New Year
All the hoopla is finally over... Technically Chinese New Year isn't over, but all the family reunions are done and everyone in the house went back to work this week... including me... Today, I went to an ESL session where the kids got to learn from someone else. It was also a good experience for me as I saw things from a different perspective..
Kinda funny how my WVU Alumni hoodie works... it garners attention to Americans and it strikes up a good discussion... Someone this week asked me if I was from WVU and I told him I graduated there... He then asked if I was visiting and I told him that I was teaching ESL at a church which starts up the conversation about Jesus... Unfortunately he didn't show any interest but told me what I was doing was great... (not really the response I was looking for)... But I'm a bit relived that I'm not only conformed to a certain age group...
Felt a huge jolt of homesickness today... so I went to McDonalds... which didn't help.. I'm getting sick of that place... If anyone invites me to go to Rice Bowl OR McDonalds when I get back...they may not live to see the next day..
Not much to else to update
Till Next Time!
Kinda funny how my WVU Alumni hoodie works... it garners attention to Americans and it strikes up a good discussion... Someone this week asked me if I was from WVU and I told him I graduated there... He then asked if I was visiting and I told him that I was teaching ESL at a church which starts up the conversation about Jesus... Unfortunately he didn't show any interest but told me what I was doing was great... (not really the response I was looking for)... But I'm a bit relived that I'm not only conformed to a certain age group...
Felt a huge jolt of homesickness today... so I went to McDonalds... which didn't help.. I'm getting sick of that place... If anyone invites me to go to Rice Bowl OR McDonalds when I get back...they may not live to see the next day..
Not much to else to update
Till Next Time!
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Tolerance
While looking through some news sites recently, I came across one of the major things that I disliked about Americans and that's how illogically ignorant they are. Most depend on their interpretation of God as non-existent because they don't understand His plans and methods of letting things happen. Therefore, they lean on their own understanding of God (see Prov. 3:5) and dub it contradictory to the Bible (which they haven't studied either) and come to the conclusion that God doesn't exist.
But through the past, the issue of tolerance is something Christians do not possess, especially towards homosexuals. I respectfully disagree with this statement; but of course, being a Christian I would naturally argue against that. So let me try to back it up.
Tolerance (n) - the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. One example off the top of my head is the hot summer days. I hate being hot, I hate sweating, and I hate the humidity most of all that makes me feel like I'm suffocating. I rather be cold than hot since I can warm up a lot faster than I can cool down. However, I can't help that it's hot in the summer, so I need to tolerate it by wearing less clothes.
"Well that definition just shows that Christians have no tolerance at all for gays". Not really... There is one church I can think of (and a few ones that names escape me right now) that are intolerant towards gays and that's Westboro. Westboro is famous with websites such as God Hates Fags, quotes such as "You're a sinner and you're going to hell."
But the reason why they get so much attention is because they are a negative source that the media loves to leech off. These "Christians" are also lawyers (I won't make the typical Christian lawyer joke) that have a lot of power and money and misuse it. They use that power and money and worm their way through the legal systems and do these rallies to promote hate. It naturally gets media attention and also provokes the victims. If the victims lay a hand on them, they get sued, which involves more money which gives them more opportunities to rally. A really devious plan indeed.
However, Westboro doesn't and shouldn't represent all Christians. Nor should they even be used as an example of Christians. If you look at some interviews questioning their actions, they anger quickly, tempers start to explode over the smallest, most trivial questions that even I can answer with ease, and they start cursing. Doesn't look like a typical Christian to me.
But most of your churches don't allow gays to have leadership over the church. Correct, but because they're living in constant sin and don't have the requirements met to lead people. Just like you're not going to hire someone that is physically handicapped to a packing and moving job. Why? Because heavy lifting is a requirement, and if the person is missing an arm or a leg, then it'd be awfully hard to lift lacking the physical ability to do so. So when a homosexual is teaching, what happens when he stumbles across Romans 1:18? So by allowing someone that to have leadership or even for a churchgoer to continuing living in a life of sin is a very unintelligent move. James 2:10-11 says that all sins are equal, so that means having a homosexual in a leadership position is the exact same thing like having a child molester or a current serial killer lead. Same goes with churchgoers, but those are easier to deal with because they don't hold a high position so they should be loved on like everyone else in church, if they don't agree... well.. just follow the steps of conflict between people.
I'll admit church members do not like homosexuality nor support it, but the ones that live an effective Christian life will not condemn you for it. If you tell them you're gay, one shouldn't immediately shout and preach at you, but should still love you for who you are. It's in the Bible, yet we do not condemn them for it. I have a few on facebook, but I do not provoke them in writing statues aimed towards them. That would be intolerant because I'm aiming my insults towards you. If I try to show you the Truth through love and not through condemnation, that's tolerance, because I'm treating you like anybody else and if you look at the definition above, I'm currently allowing your behavior to exist. That's being tolerant (plus living out Jesus' example of unconditional love)
Lastly, the intolerant people are the very people that claim Christians are intolerance. This next part is a little difficult to follow since it seems to go around in circles. But the intolerant people are clearly hating on Christians, not because of their love of God, but because of the lifestyle we live. Lifestyle. Yes, the same word we use for homosexuals behavior... their lifestyles. The people that claim we're intolerant and hates our lifestyle are NOW, by definition, intolerant. Yes, amazing how hypocrisy works. One of the jokers in my college class claims that he hates Christians and yet pride himself as the most tolerant person when it comes to accepting others. Hilarious
Yet this is what's becoming of the world. More and more Christians are being oppressed while pro-gay speeches and even most of anything that represents what people think of as anti-Christian is being praised. Yet this is the definition of tolerance. For Christians to be oppressed more and more and worldly ideas and the so-called Social Justice to be promoted is to be called tolerant.
I would also like to add about people denying God on top of hatred of Christians. But I don't think it really fits since it's just an empty insult to provoke Christians. Some may have basis, but others don't and just say it to provoke or otherwise discredit that there is one so they don't have to answer to what their conscience consider is wrong.
There isn't much to add, since we can't drop this image overnight. Westboro has unfortunately become the face of Christianity due to them having the word Baptist Church in their name and the media doing so much coverage of them. The only thing we can do is to prove them wrong by loving others unconditionally, just like Jesus done
PS. The rainbow flag used to be a flag for intolerance not for gays. (but it is currently now for gays)... So in ending, this is now a bit invalid after what's all said and done.
Till Next Time!
EDIT: I was doing quiet time today and it occurred to me that I don't think I made this clear. Should we tolerate sin? No, but we should tolerate the sinner. Hate the sin not the sinner is what I'm getting at. Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
But through the past, the issue of tolerance is something Christians do not possess, especially towards homosexuals. I respectfully disagree with this statement; but of course, being a Christian I would naturally argue against that. So let me try to back it up.
Tolerance (n) - the ability or willingness to tolerate something, in particular the existence of opinions or behavior that one does not necessarily agree with. One example off the top of my head is the hot summer days. I hate being hot, I hate sweating, and I hate the humidity most of all that makes me feel like I'm suffocating. I rather be cold than hot since I can warm up a lot faster than I can cool down. However, I can't help that it's hot in the summer, so I need to tolerate it by wearing less clothes.
"Well that definition just shows that Christians have no tolerance at all for gays". Not really... There is one church I can think of (and a few ones that names escape me right now) that are intolerant towards gays and that's Westboro. Westboro is famous with websites such as God Hates Fags, quotes such as "You're a sinner and you're going to hell."
But the reason why they get so much attention is because they are a negative source that the media loves to leech off. These "Christians" are also lawyers (I won't make the typical Christian lawyer joke) that have a lot of power and money and misuse it. They use that power and money and worm their way through the legal systems and do these rallies to promote hate. It naturally gets media attention and also provokes the victims. If the victims lay a hand on them, they get sued, which involves more money which gives them more opportunities to rally. A really devious plan indeed.
However, Westboro doesn't and shouldn't represent all Christians. Nor should they even be used as an example of Christians. If you look at some interviews questioning their actions, they anger quickly, tempers start to explode over the smallest, most trivial questions that even I can answer with ease, and they start cursing. Doesn't look like a typical Christian to me.
But most of your churches don't allow gays to have leadership over the church. Correct, but because they're living in constant sin and don't have the requirements met to lead people. Just like you're not going to hire someone that is physically handicapped to a packing and moving job. Why? Because heavy lifting is a requirement, and if the person is missing an arm or a leg, then it'd be awfully hard to lift lacking the physical ability to do so. So when a homosexual is teaching, what happens when he stumbles across Romans 1:18? So by allowing someone that to have leadership or even for a churchgoer to continuing living in a life of sin is a very unintelligent move. James 2:10-11 says that all sins are equal, so that means having a homosexual in a leadership position is the exact same thing like having a child molester or a current serial killer lead. Same goes with churchgoers, but those are easier to deal with because they don't hold a high position so they should be loved on like everyone else in church, if they don't agree... well.. just follow the steps of conflict between people.
I'll admit church members do not like homosexuality nor support it, but the ones that live an effective Christian life will not condemn you for it. If you tell them you're gay, one shouldn't immediately shout and preach at you, but should still love you for who you are. It's in the Bible, yet we do not condemn them for it. I have a few on facebook, but I do not provoke them in writing statues aimed towards them. That would be intolerant because I'm aiming my insults towards you. If I try to show you the Truth through love and not through condemnation, that's tolerance, because I'm treating you like anybody else and if you look at the definition above, I'm currently allowing your behavior to exist. That's being tolerant (plus living out Jesus' example of unconditional love)
Lastly, the intolerant people are the very people that claim Christians are intolerance. This next part is a little difficult to follow since it seems to go around in circles. But the intolerant people are clearly hating on Christians, not because of their love of God, but because of the lifestyle we live. Lifestyle. Yes, the same word we use for homosexuals behavior... their lifestyles. The people that claim we're intolerant and hates our lifestyle are NOW, by definition, intolerant. Yes, amazing how hypocrisy works. One of the jokers in my college class claims that he hates Christians and yet pride himself as the most tolerant person when it comes to accepting others. Hilarious
Yet this is what's becoming of the world. More and more Christians are being oppressed while pro-gay speeches and even most of anything that represents what people think of as anti-Christian is being praised. Yet this is the definition of tolerance. For Christians to be oppressed more and more and worldly ideas and the so-called Social Justice to be promoted is to be called tolerant.
I would also like to add about people denying God on top of hatred of Christians. But I don't think it really fits since it's just an empty insult to provoke Christians. Some may have basis, but others don't and just say it to provoke or otherwise discredit that there is one so they don't have to answer to what their conscience consider is wrong.
There isn't much to add, since we can't drop this image overnight. Westboro has unfortunately become the face of Christianity due to them having the word Baptist Church in their name and the media doing so much coverage of them. The only thing we can do is to prove them wrong by loving others unconditionally, just like Jesus done
PS. The rainbow flag used to be a flag for intolerance not for gays. (but it is currently now for gays)... So in ending, this is now a bit invalid after what's all said and done.
Till Next Time!
EDIT: I was doing quiet time today and it occurred to me that I don't think I made this clear. Should we tolerate sin? No, but we should tolerate the sinner. Hate the sin not the sinner is what I'm getting at. Sorry if I didn't make it clear.
Friday, February 4, 2011
Represent
The past few days, I've heard the word "represent" more than I have my entire life. Examples being me representing Cross Lanes Baptist while I'm on the mission field or me representing my family back home when I went with my extended family to my grandparent's grave site.
What does the word represent mean? Represent is a verb, which conveys that it's an action. By definition it means to be entitled or appointed to act or speak for someone. So when used in the above examples, I'm acting for someone else, whether it's the church or my family depending on which example you use.
That being said, I have to be a good example of who I'm representing... If I don't it reflects back badly onto who I represent. If I drank or something, what would that say about the church I go to? Since I'm doing it, I guess people at that church does the same. Or, if I'm quiet and timid, does that mean the rest of my family is as well? (Answer to that is yes, unfortunately... Though I'm getting a lot more social now).
Another great example is the school that I went to. Last year, we were under fire of how crude and classless we were. Screaming obscenities, throwing objects, heckling that was way over the lines were just a few examples. A few of our games were broadcast on national televisions and people around the world saw what WVU students were like. Even though not all people from WVU are like that, that's what the rest of the world saw us to be. Not only did it reflect badly on the school, but it reflected badly on the state. One of things that popped in my head that time was that I may not go to the seminary that I wanted because of that image (though I realized quickly that they wouldn't judge my character on that anyways). One of the students in my class thought there was nothing wrong with that, that we should be able to do anything we want and say what we want. He'll probably sing a different tune if a job refuses to hire him because he came out of "that school"
That was a bad example of representing. What's a good one? According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You may recognize these verses from my last blog post as my "fortune verse". Notice that there is the word "and" at the end. Some translations of the Bible have "and" while some just left it out. The reason this is so important to me is because the word "and" means that you need to have all of them, opposed to the word "or" which means you need at least one. This is important to Galatians 5:22-23 because you need all of the fruits of the spirit... not at least one.
What's the difference? Lets be positive and possess all the fruits except one. If you possess all but love, it may not be shown on the outside because it's hard enough to tell if someone loves you, but you'll be rotting on the inside. God is love after all, and not possessing love will mean you have an alternative motive. No joy? People's going to look at that and think you're miserable doing your work. No peace? same as above; being conflicted on something isn't something good to show. No patience? Not planning ahead and doing something spontaneously is not wise. (Prov. 21:5).
No kindness? Stereotypical Christians are known for their kindness. If you don't show any, it'll reflect badly. No goodness? Nobody is "good" due to sin, but we need to strive for it. No faithfulness? It's as good as lying. If nobody can count on you, how will that reflect others you represent? No gentleness? I think this one is an overly important one. People these days are too easily offended and provoked. So in witnessing, we need to stop pressing these buttons. But we also do not need to reduce the Gospel to the health and wealth gospel. If you know the person, you should be able to wisely use the Truth to weave around their peeves. Don't know them? Well not being gentle with them isn't the best first impression.. Which leads to having no self-control. I struggle with this often... James 3:1-12 says that the tongue is a terrible weapon. What you say will most certainly reflect back to who you are as a person. Not only by words, but by actions too. What you do and what you say will represent who you are.
In Greek the word Christian means follower of Christ. As a follower we need to represent him. As proud as I am to represent my family and my church on this trip, it doesn't compare to representing Christ. I'm proud of what I'm doing right now, even though I may not enjoy it. That being said, I am not Christ myself. I do not have healing powers nor the authority to go into churches and tell them what they're doing is wrong. If I had powers to heal or a sign to show that I'm saved, then it contradicts with the Bible (Matt. 16:4). I don't have the right to judge others, openly is even worse since that is now a stereotype we live by thanks to Westboro. And I definitely don't have the right to act like I'm better than anyone else because I am saved. My duty here in Taiwan is to love, serve, and represent Christ. But not only in Taiwan, but on this time on Earth as well. This shouldn't be just for missionaries or pastors, but everyone.
Who are you representing? It's easy to say Jesus but do we really believe that? Going to church whenever it's open, being involved in every activity, leading Bible studies, bragging that you're a Christian or singing in the choir is only the highest tip of the iceberg. There's something more if you want to represent Christ
Till Next Time
What does the word represent mean? Represent is a verb, which conveys that it's an action. By definition it means to be entitled or appointed to act or speak for someone. So when used in the above examples, I'm acting for someone else, whether it's the church or my family depending on which example you use.
That being said, I have to be a good example of who I'm representing... If I don't it reflects back badly onto who I represent. If I drank or something, what would that say about the church I go to? Since I'm doing it, I guess people at that church does the same. Or, if I'm quiet and timid, does that mean the rest of my family is as well? (Answer to that is yes, unfortunately... Though I'm getting a lot more social now).
Another great example is the school that I went to. Last year, we were under fire of how crude and classless we were. Screaming obscenities, throwing objects, heckling that was way over the lines were just a few examples. A few of our games were broadcast on national televisions and people around the world saw what WVU students were like. Even though not all people from WVU are like that, that's what the rest of the world saw us to be. Not only did it reflect badly on the school, but it reflected badly on the state. One of things that popped in my head that time was that I may not go to the seminary that I wanted because of that image (though I realized quickly that they wouldn't judge my character on that anyways). One of the students in my class thought there was nothing wrong with that, that we should be able to do anything we want and say what we want. He'll probably sing a different tune if a job refuses to hire him because he came out of "that school"
That was a bad example of representing. What's a good one? According to Galatians 5:22-23, the fruits of the spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. You may recognize these verses from my last blog post as my "fortune verse". Notice that there is the word "and" at the end. Some translations of the Bible have "and" while some just left it out. The reason this is so important to me is because the word "and" means that you need to have all of them, opposed to the word "or" which means you need at least one. This is important to Galatians 5:22-23 because you need all of the fruits of the spirit... not at least one.
What's the difference? Lets be positive and possess all the fruits except one. If you possess all but love, it may not be shown on the outside because it's hard enough to tell if someone loves you, but you'll be rotting on the inside. God is love after all, and not possessing love will mean you have an alternative motive. No joy? People's going to look at that and think you're miserable doing your work. No peace? same as above; being conflicted on something isn't something good to show. No patience? Not planning ahead and doing something spontaneously is not wise. (Prov. 21:5).
No kindness? Stereotypical Christians are known for their kindness. If you don't show any, it'll reflect badly. No goodness? Nobody is "good" due to sin, but we need to strive for it. No faithfulness? It's as good as lying. If nobody can count on you, how will that reflect others you represent? No gentleness? I think this one is an overly important one. People these days are too easily offended and provoked. So in witnessing, we need to stop pressing these buttons. But we also do not need to reduce the Gospel to the health and wealth gospel. If you know the person, you should be able to wisely use the Truth to weave around their peeves. Don't know them? Well not being gentle with them isn't the best first impression.. Which leads to having no self-control. I struggle with this often... James 3:1-12 says that the tongue is a terrible weapon. What you say will most certainly reflect back to who you are as a person. Not only by words, but by actions too. What you do and what you say will represent who you are.
In Greek the word Christian means follower of Christ. As a follower we need to represent him. As proud as I am to represent my family and my church on this trip, it doesn't compare to representing Christ. I'm proud of what I'm doing right now, even though I may not enjoy it. That being said, I am not Christ myself. I do not have healing powers nor the authority to go into churches and tell them what they're doing is wrong. If I had powers to heal or a sign to show that I'm saved, then it contradicts with the Bible (Matt. 16:4). I don't have the right to judge others, openly is even worse since that is now a stereotype we live by thanks to Westboro. And I definitely don't have the right to act like I'm better than anyone else because I am saved. My duty here in Taiwan is to love, serve, and represent Christ. But not only in Taiwan, but on this time on Earth as well. This shouldn't be just for missionaries or pastors, but everyone.
Who are you representing? It's easy to say Jesus but do we really believe that? Going to church whenever it's open, being involved in every activity, leading Bible studies, bragging that you're a Christian or singing in the choir is only the highest tip of the iceberg. There's something more if you want to represent Christ
Till Next Time
Wednesday, February 2, 2011
Happy Chinese New Year!!!
As you may expect, Chinese New Year is in full swing right now... Visited my uncle on my mother's side yesterday and found an Internet Cafe with my cousin, much to my delight. At night was even more intense... Had a feast with the remaining Tu family that's in Taiwan (the other two are in WV, my oldest uncle and my dad of course), so it was my second uncle and his family, my third uncle (whom I'm living with currently) and his family, and me... The rest of the family are at home eating due to some kind of tradition that doesn't allow them to visit us until the 3rd day after New Years.. I know, sounds confusing..
Fireworks ruled the night skies yesterday...all....night.....long... >_<... of course I slept some, but there were times I was awakened by a loud *POW!*.. not cool at all... of course, one of the tradition was the stay up the whole night... of course, i wasn't letting that happen...
This morning, I woke up for the Chinese New Year service... which was VERY unique... One of the things they did was pass around red envelopes which had a bible verse in them... sort of like your fortune for the new year.. you can also stand up and read it out loud and tell them what the verse means to you or for what's in store... Mine was Galatians 5:22-23... that's right... the fruits the spirit... how fitting they give one to me that I know so well..
Afterward, it's customary for us to visit our passed away relatives, so up a huge mountain we went to our grandparents' and great grandparents' gravestones.. not really much to say there... just visited and climbed back up a slippery hill
Not much else is going on right now... everyone's resting after the huge event.. and resting up for more of it later on... the holiday here lasts like 3 or 4 days!!!
I'll get some pictures up soon since I took a bunch..
P.S. I just remembered that had my sister been a boy... my parents would've named her Ray... Ray... I like that.... I think I'll call her that from now on..
Till Next Time!
Fireworks ruled the night skies yesterday...all....night.....long... >_<... of course I slept some, but there were times I was awakened by a loud *POW!*.. not cool at all... of course, one of the tradition was the stay up the whole night... of course, i wasn't letting that happen...
This morning, I woke up for the Chinese New Year service... which was VERY unique... One of the things they did was pass around red envelopes which had a bible verse in them... sort of like your fortune for the new year.. you can also stand up and read it out loud and tell them what the verse means to you or for what's in store... Mine was Galatians 5:22-23... that's right... the fruits the spirit... how fitting they give one to me that I know so well..
Afterward, it's customary for us to visit our passed away relatives, so up a huge mountain we went to our grandparents' and great grandparents' gravestones.. not really much to say there... just visited and climbed back up a slippery hill
Not much else is going on right now... everyone's resting after the huge event.. and resting up for more of it later on... the holiday here lasts like 3 or 4 days!!!
I'll get some pictures up soon since I took a bunch..
P.S. I just remembered that had my sister been a boy... my parents would've named her Ray... Ray... I like that.... I think I'll call her that from now on..
Till Next Time!
Sunday, January 30, 2011
If someone in church talked the entire service...
DO...NOT...JUDGE!
I mean, I was distracted for the entire service they talked... but about halfway through I did realize something that was affirmed at the end of the service... Those people were visiting Taiwan and they were translating Chinese to Japanese.. So lesson learned... if they talked the entire service non-stop.. they must have a reason... if they talk for some of the service they probably don't and if they don't talk at all, well..good for them...... unless they're sleeping
As far as updates go, prayers answered! I received a call confirming a second ESL project that I talked about in the past... I'm excited, but a little more stress now that I need to find more materials for ESL... But all's good for the Kingdom...
In ending, I'll say that I ate pizza today... I was ecstatic.. first American food in more than 3 weeks.... I think I may take a trip to McDonalds tomorrow after I'm finished with ESL... Fatty foods FTW!
Nothing else to write about that's noteworthy... New pictures are up and more will be coming since Chinese New Year is in a few days... oh.. and if anyone wants like a souvenir or something, they should probably facebook me or email or something... (not phone)
Till Next Time!
I mean, I was distracted for the entire service they talked... but about halfway through I did realize something that was affirmed at the end of the service... Those people were visiting Taiwan and they were translating Chinese to Japanese.. So lesson learned... if they talked the entire service non-stop.. they must have a reason... if they talk for some of the service they probably don't and if they don't talk at all, well..good for them...... unless they're sleeping
As far as updates go, prayers answered! I received a call confirming a second ESL project that I talked about in the past... I'm excited, but a little more stress now that I need to find more materials for ESL... But all's good for the Kingdom...
In ending, I'll say that I ate pizza today... I was ecstatic.. first American food in more than 3 weeks.... I think I may take a trip to McDonalds tomorrow after I'm finished with ESL... Fatty foods FTW!
Nothing else to write about that's noteworthy... New pictures are up and more will be coming since Chinese New Year is in a few days... oh.. and if anyone wants like a souvenir or something, they should probably facebook me or email or something... (not phone)
Till Next Time!
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Finally...
Got a small stint at my parents church teaching children English along with the Gospel as well... while it's in the mornings for now, I hope to get a second stint somewhere else... I'm really hoping it falls through which will give me a busy week which will result in it seeming shorter...
Also contemplating if I should leave earlier than I intended to... Of course I won't make a rash decision about it and just decide to leave.. But will pray over it to see when the time is right... Ever since I found out that I wouldn't be working from Mondays to Fridays and only going to service on the weekends, my mom as been pestering me to come back and find a job in NC much to my annoyance...
Anyways, the time is a lot shorter than I had originally predicted since teaching ESL can only go so far until I have nothing left... Speaking of which, I should probably look up more materials...
As for today, it went well as far as first days go... Kids liked me at once, which was shocking to me since it always seem to take some time for people to like me..
I'm trying to think of more innovated ways to reveal Christ.. I got a few ideas going but executing them is going to be a bit rough
Wow.. this post a lot shorter than the previous one... sorry if you read through the entire thing... It's torture, I know...
Till Next Time
Also contemplating if I should leave earlier than I intended to... Of course I won't make a rash decision about it and just decide to leave.. But will pray over it to see when the time is right... Ever since I found out that I wouldn't be working from Mondays to Fridays and only going to service on the weekends, my mom as been pestering me to come back and find a job in NC much to my annoyance...
Anyways, the time is a lot shorter than I had originally predicted since teaching ESL can only go so far until I have nothing left... Speaking of which, I should probably look up more materials...
As for today, it went well as far as first days go... Kids liked me at once, which was shocking to me since it always seem to take some time for people to like me..
I'm trying to think of more innovated ways to reveal Christ.. I got a few ideas going but executing them is going to be a bit rough
Wow.. this post a lot shorter than the previous one... sorry if you read through the entire thing... It's torture, I know...
Till Next Time
A long time ago.. in a country far far away....
*TRUMPET THAT SCARES ANYBODY THAT DOZED OFF DURING THE PREVIEWS
***WARNING!!! THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG POST!****
anyways.. it wasn't that long ago (around 2 generations).. but it does seem like it. China is widely known for being Communist since who knows when, but there was a time where it wasn't
Enter Chiang Kai-shek, the president of China before Mao and the Communist Party overthrew him. He's an important figure in my family's history since he fled to Taiwan, along with my grandfather (mother's side) since he was his bodyguard... But one very unknown fact about Chiang Kai-shek was that he was baptized.. Now I said baptized because just because you get baptized doesn't mean your saved..
But not passing judgment or anything...I truly hoped he trusted Jesus with his heart but his wife, on the other hand, was a proclaiming Christian as proudly stated in her biography and her longtime pastor was a Baptist named Chow Lien-hwa which is the reason I'm writing this now.. During my tour at Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary, after noticing an authentic picture of Lottie Moon along with some other Christians, I stumbled into the room dedicated to Chow Lien-hwa which my mind started clicking after I left..
What would be China's state be had Mao simply not have led a rebellion? The man's clearly evil, since Communism (while it was a good idea to the Chinese at that time because of economic issues) has killed numerous in it's name.. But what would've happened had Mao not prevailed? What would Christianity be like?
----you can stop reading here... the next several paragraphs are my opinion and rantings...----
After deducing a few steps, I confirmed that the religious state may be what Taiwan is like now... Taiwan's mindset is a little like Japan's, as in it wants the newest, most flashy thing... I've seen this with the Iphone, which just recently started releasing in Taiwan. All of a sudden, there are tons of people who have it, compared to around a year or 2 ago where people were begging someone that lives in the U.S to bring them one so they can jailbreak them and use them themselves
Anyways, this reflects the church life here as well... as the Pentacostals have seen great leaps in attendance since they are a newer denominations and their music, preaching, prayer and dancing (??!?!) are zingy, flashy and good for the eyes.. (though not mine)... Traditional churches such as the one my family goes to numbers are decreasing..Don't get me wrong, what the Pentacostals are doing is great, but I doubt it'll last for a while.. With influences like Joel Osteen (know this since his books were being advertised and his messages are also translated on TV sometimes), when they discover that being a follower of Christ will have to endure suffering, which turns any strong Christian inside out, imagine what it'll do to one that hasn't been equipped to deal with sufferings as a Christian.. Sufferings do happen, I just pray that they don't doubt as much here as they do in the U.S.
I seem to be digressing greatly... but the point is the "what if" Christianity stood firm in China? I believe presently it will be starting a downhill trend, sort of what the U.S. has been experiencing in the last several years...I already heard of youths rebelling going to church as I overhear people complaining that they won't get up in time.. Which is all according to the end time prophecies.. While atheists aren't heavy here, I believe they will start to stand when one of them starts gaining power and earthly knowledge that's good enough to stump the average Christian
Persecution hasn't started in Taiwan, and while it's been going on in China, I've also heard that they are easing up on the religious oppression a little. Don't get me wrong... you'll still be persecuted, but.. not as aggressively as it was a decade ago... but persecution against Christians are bound to happen since it's part of the end of Earth... I just wonder how the test of time will stand against Taiwan...
------you can REALLY stop reading here if you want... next couple of paragraphs are my PERSONAL opinion and ranting------
That's what's been on my thoughts lately.... not Baptist V.S. Pentacostals.. but more of what Christianity was and what it would look like in a few years... whether it's here or in the U.S.. My Christian life has nowhere been perfect or solid as well... since I went to a secular college and had my faith tossed back and forth, taking punch after punch of accusations of God not existing only to discover a calling from God to further serve Him.. I've always lived by whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger and now my faith is unwavering, able to stand through atheists moans and whines..
But don't get me wrong, I won't go looking for a religious fight against an atheist or any other religion just for the sake of it... I don't believe that you can argue anyone into being saved and I also believe that trying to start the argument or simply continuing to add fuel to the fire is just a pansey way to try to convince yourself that something is or is not true... just let love take care of it if you really want to see them saved.... Love never fails..
This holds true to any atheists I've seen around the Internet since they're the biggest cowards I know.. since they know they can't show their faces, they always proclaim that there is no God because they cannot be seen and they can always ignore any responses... Why do they do it? Because they feel the need to post to convince themselves that there is no God... but why convince yourself that something doesn't exist if it doesn't exist in the first place? I don't believe in Santa, but you don't see me posting stuff on the Internet nor do I dedicate my life in belittling little kids that do.... why? Because he doesn't exist >_>
Same goes with people arguing for the sake of Christ.. He exists, okay! cool! but is it worth arguing with a non-Christian if all your going to do is turn him or her farther from it? And what's your basis of arguing? Are you living I Peter 3:15-17? or are you just doing it to prove yourself to yourself that God exists... if it's the second, well... reexamine your life... because someone's simply not going to go "oh you're right, I want to come to Jesus now"... if someone can be talked into following Jesus they can be talked out of it.. and also, it's not worth destroying someone else witnesses just to prove to yourself that God exists... turning someone away from Christ isn't worth it either... The only time I believe it's right to step into a fight is if someone's faith is starting to weaken, then we as Christians have a job to do to encourage and strengthen it... But we shouldn't start ganging up on the opposition either... once they realize that your faith cannot be wavered, they'll leave it alone, since they can't break what's been set in place..
Anyways... that's what's been on my mind recently..
Let the Light Shine!
Till Next Time!
***WARNING!!! THIS IS GOING TO BE A LONG POST!****
anyways.. it wasn't that long ago (around 2 generations).. but it does seem like it. China is widely known for being Communist since who knows when, but there was a time where it wasn't
Enter Chiang Kai-shek, the president of China before Mao and the Communist Party overthrew him. He's an important figure in my family's history since he fled to Taiwan, along with my grandfather (mother's side) since he was his bodyguard... But one very unknown fact about Chiang Kai-shek was that he was baptized.. Now I said baptized because just because you get baptized doesn't mean your saved..
But not passing judgment or anything...I truly hoped he trusted Jesus with his heart but his wife, on the other hand, was a proclaiming Christian as proudly stated in her biography and her longtime pastor was a Baptist named Chow Lien-hwa which is the reason I'm writing this now.. During my tour at Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary, after noticing an authentic picture of Lottie Moon along with some other Christians, I stumbled into the room dedicated to Chow Lien-hwa which my mind started clicking after I left..
What would be China's state be had Mao simply not have led a rebellion? The man's clearly evil, since Communism (while it was a good idea to the Chinese at that time because of economic issues) has killed numerous in it's name.. But what would've happened had Mao not prevailed? What would Christianity be like?
----you can stop reading here... the next several paragraphs are my opinion and rantings...----
After deducing a few steps, I confirmed that the religious state may be what Taiwan is like now... Taiwan's mindset is a little like Japan's, as in it wants the newest, most flashy thing... I've seen this with the Iphone, which just recently started releasing in Taiwan. All of a sudden, there are tons of people who have it, compared to around a year or 2 ago where people were begging someone that lives in the U.S to bring them one so they can jailbreak them and use them themselves
Anyways, this reflects the church life here as well... as the Pentacostals have seen great leaps in attendance since they are a newer denominations and their music, preaching, prayer and dancing (??!?!) are zingy, flashy and good for the eyes.. (though not mine)... Traditional churches such as the one my family goes to numbers are decreasing..Don't get me wrong, what the Pentacostals are doing is great, but I doubt it'll last for a while.. With influences like Joel Osteen (know this since his books were being advertised and his messages are also translated on TV sometimes), when they discover that being a follower of Christ will have to endure suffering, which turns any strong Christian inside out, imagine what it'll do to one that hasn't been equipped to deal with sufferings as a Christian.. Sufferings do happen, I just pray that they don't doubt as much here as they do in the U.S.
I seem to be digressing greatly... but the point is the "what if" Christianity stood firm in China? I believe presently it will be starting a downhill trend, sort of what the U.S. has been experiencing in the last several years...I already heard of youths rebelling going to church as I overhear people complaining that they won't get up in time.. Which is all according to the end time prophecies.. While atheists aren't heavy here, I believe they will start to stand when one of them starts gaining power and earthly knowledge that's good enough to stump the average Christian
Persecution hasn't started in Taiwan, and while it's been going on in China, I've also heard that they are easing up on the religious oppression a little. Don't get me wrong... you'll still be persecuted, but.. not as aggressively as it was a decade ago... but persecution against Christians are bound to happen since it's part of the end of Earth... I just wonder how the test of time will stand against Taiwan...
------you can REALLY stop reading here if you want... next couple of paragraphs are my PERSONAL opinion and ranting------
That's what's been on my thoughts lately.... not Baptist V.S. Pentacostals.. but more of what Christianity was and what it would look like in a few years... whether it's here or in the U.S.. My Christian life has nowhere been perfect or solid as well... since I went to a secular college and had my faith tossed back and forth, taking punch after punch of accusations of God not existing only to discover a calling from God to further serve Him.. I've always lived by whatever doesn't kill you makes you stronger and now my faith is unwavering, able to stand through atheists moans and whines..
But don't get me wrong, I won't go looking for a religious fight against an atheist or any other religion just for the sake of it... I don't believe that you can argue anyone into being saved and I also believe that trying to start the argument or simply continuing to add fuel to the fire is just a pansey way to try to convince yourself that something is or is not true... just let love take care of it if you really want to see them saved.... Love never fails..
This holds true to any atheists I've seen around the Internet since they're the biggest cowards I know.. since they know they can't show their faces, they always proclaim that there is no God because they cannot be seen and they can always ignore any responses... Why do they do it? Because they feel the need to post to convince themselves that there is no God... but why convince yourself that something doesn't exist if it doesn't exist in the first place? I don't believe in Santa, but you don't see me posting stuff on the Internet nor do I dedicate my life in belittling little kids that do.... why? Because he doesn't exist >_>
Same goes with people arguing for the sake of Christ.. He exists, okay! cool! but is it worth arguing with a non-Christian if all your going to do is turn him or her farther from it? And what's your basis of arguing? Are you living I Peter 3:15-17? or are you just doing it to prove yourself to yourself that God exists... if it's the second, well... reexamine your life... because someone's simply not going to go "oh you're right, I want to come to Jesus now"... if someone can be talked into following Jesus they can be talked out of it.. and also, it's not worth destroying someone else witnesses just to prove to yourself that God exists... turning someone away from Christ isn't worth it either... The only time I believe it's right to step into a fight is if someone's faith is starting to weaken, then we as Christians have a job to do to encourage and strengthen it... But we shouldn't start ganging up on the opposition either... once they realize that your faith cannot be wavered, they'll leave it alone, since they can't break what's been set in place..
Anyways... that's what's been on my mind recently..
Let the Light Shine!
Till Next Time!
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
A small progress...
Past couple of days were uneventful... today however wasn't... I went to meet with a pastor that my parents and I knew from the church they go to in Huntington since he goes as a guest speaker sometimes.. reason being was because he was who I needed to come in contact with for the ESL program... But before we discussed that, he gave me a tour of the seminary he taught at (Taiwan Baptist Theological Seminary).. Really bad day to forget my camera since there's a huge part of Christian history there and my mind started churning as we went through the archives (which I'll post my thoughts tomorrow... like about 10 hrs from now lol..) But afterward we discussed about what God was doing in my life and talked about things that a pastor would ask a student that's about to go into seminary... As for the ESL job.. there's good news and bad news... bad news is that right now is not a great time to discuss it since Christmas was just over and Chinese New Year's about to come up which is basically a second Christmas here... so, in short, it's like that time slot between Thanksgiving and Christmas for the U.S. Not a lot of people want to start up anything around that time since it's stressful and people go around visiting relatives and such.. (not that I know anything about it since I'm usually studying finals and when I finally take note of Christmas, there's usually 3 days left).. good news is that people seem to assume I have something to do during the weekdays, which I don't, but they'll ask around since they know I have so much free time.. This sort of contradicts what I said about not going to Taiwan to be at a church at first... but he also said that when kids come home from school, usually there's nothing to do, so they come to the seminary to hang out with some of the kids there... so the students there wouldn't exactly be all Christians, but a mix.... plus I could always go around the neighboring houses to rally up a few kids if need be... c'mon.. English for free at just a small walk away? Learning English in Taiwan is compared to learning Spanish in like California... while it's not required... it'd be useful.. and the stereotype is true... they do hold education above pretty much everything else here...
I'm also supposed to contact someone from my family's church for their ESL program... something like sit in, sort of see what it's like... One of the requirements was to read Bible stories in English.. (yeah like that's hard to do..)
Yep, while it all seems like good news in the end, I still need prayers that this all falls through... while everyone in this country is on a Chinese New Year high while they get ready for it, I'm not... I'm a bit weary of what's going to happen afterwards... I'm surprise my relatives aren't sick of me yet and kicked me out...lol... but I degress.... biggest prayer here is that this ESL thing goes through...
Oh, and don't forget to read the next post on my take on some Christian history that involves Taiwan.. and China as well... if you don't learn anything from it.. I'll be surprised :)
Till Next Time!
I'm also supposed to contact someone from my family's church for their ESL program... something like sit in, sort of see what it's like... One of the requirements was to read Bible stories in English.. (yeah like that's hard to do..)
Yep, while it all seems like good news in the end, I still need prayers that this all falls through... while everyone in this country is on a Chinese New Year high while they get ready for it, I'm not... I'm a bit weary of what's going to happen afterwards... I'm surprise my relatives aren't sick of me yet and kicked me out...lol... but I degress.... biggest prayer here is that this ESL thing goes through...
Oh, and don't forget to read the next post on my take on some Christian history that involves Taiwan.. and China as well... if you don't learn anything from it.. I'll be surprised :)
Till Next Time!
Monday, January 24, 2011
The Latest...
Another lack of updates yet again... This time due to my main computer either getting a virus or a hardware problem. Shame that all my programs that could fix it are on a external hard drive at home. Anyways I've been very bothered the last couple of days. When I went to church Friday, my worst fear was confirmed... the denomination was Pentecostal and sure enough they spoke in tongues which really bothered me... One, because I don't believe it to be biblical, and two, it's really hard to concentrate praying while they're chanting... But I'm not here to judge, but to serve... which is what I haven't been doing at all but wish to do... I've just been really convicted Friday and Saturday night after the services if this is surely where I should be attending... However, when I went to the Baptist church that my family goes to, I was at peace...
I'm still praying that the ESL job comes through.. It's been good news, bad news, little better news so far... which I'll keep prayer over... So to say the least, I am stressed and very lost in what I should be doing... I know ESL is what I've really wanted to do since I've arrived since I'm using the language I've spoken for the most part of my life to help others improve or learn as well..
It's easy to say that I've been suffering a lot during this trip... One may ask, "Shane is trying his best to do Your work God, so why is he having such a hard time and feeling horrible doing it?" Why not? Satan of course is going to try to trip me up and give up.. what Satan intended my sufferings for evil, I know God will intend it for good. While it is hard at first, I know in the end, there will be blessings ONLY if I draw from God and not Satan...
That is all for now...
Till Next Time
I'm still praying that the ESL job comes through.. It's been good news, bad news, little better news so far... which I'll keep prayer over... So to say the least, I am stressed and very lost in what I should be doing... I know ESL is what I've really wanted to do since I've arrived since I'm using the language I've spoken for the most part of my life to help others improve or learn as well..
It's easy to say that I've been suffering a lot during this trip... One may ask, "Shane is trying his best to do Your work God, so why is he having such a hard time and feeling horrible doing it?" Why not? Satan of course is going to try to trip me up and give up.. what Satan intended my sufferings for evil, I know God will intend it for good. While it is hard at first, I know in the end, there will be blessings ONLY if I draw from God and not Satan...
That is all for now...
Till Next Time
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Lacking..
Sorry for the lack of updates, pictures, and more... The internet at my uncle's house isn't operating the way it's supposed to.. as in at all.... As for the meeting, we talked about what the church has been doing and they would love for me to be a part of their services. Though i feel like it's more like a "just be there at church and be involved" sort of thing which was not at all what I expected...(I could just do that at home) But needless to say, my weekends will be a bit busy... As for the weekdays... i have nothing, which is killing me right now..(i have a prayer about it, which I'll list below) Meanwhile I've found out that this apartment complex has a lot of stuff downstairs...including a mini-mart, pool, games, and a small gym; which will accommodate me for the time being since I'm basicaly bored and freezing in my room... so if I come back and I'm buff... don't be surprised (/sarcasm). Finally going to church by myself tomorrow and not have someone trailing me to see if I get lost... I definitely miss the independence where I can do and go wherever.. As for pictures.. I really don't know how much I'll post to be honest... If you're in my shoes, you'll know that I've been here before, and nothing really comes out at me like "oooooo ahhhh gotta take a picture of that" ... plus it makes me look like a tourist which I'm definitely not... but I'll still try to get some that may be entertaining.... Chinese New Year especially since it's coming up in less than 2 weeks...
Back to the prayer request... One of my mom's friends called me the other day after she found out that I'm going the be totally free during the weekdays... She said that there is a sort of an after-school program at the church (different one) and asked if I would like to teach ESL there for some of the kids (english as a second language).. Of course I said yes, and that I don't mind the age groups since I've worked, taught, played, etc. with kids of all ages.. She said she'll ask the person in charge if it was okay and will get back to me as soon as she can... So pray that this goes through... quickly if possible... Y'all know me and I'm a "cup half empty" sort of guy and isn't extremely confident that this will happen... But this is what I always felt like I was called to do here during the trip (not just to attend church).. Anyways.. prayers help.. Thanks!
Till Next Time
Back to the prayer request... One of my mom's friends called me the other day after she found out that I'm going the be totally free during the weekdays... She said that there is a sort of an after-school program at the church (different one) and asked if I would like to teach ESL there for some of the kids (english as a second language).. Of course I said yes, and that I don't mind the age groups since I've worked, taught, played, etc. with kids of all ages.. She said she'll ask the person in charge if it was okay and will get back to me as soon as she can... So pray that this goes through... quickly if possible... Y'all know me and I'm a "cup half empty" sort of guy and isn't extremely confident that this will happen... But this is what I always felt like I was called to do here during the trip (not just to attend church).. Anyways.. prayers help.. Thanks!
Till Next Time
Monday, January 17, 2011
Going Out!
Not much has been going on. Went to church on Sunday where I became somewhat a celebrity (to my dismay). Reason being was because this was the church that most of my family went to. It was also the church that my parents grew up in, so seeing me there at the age of 23 (and not 12) was a pleasant surprise to most of the people there. Everyone remembered what I looked like as a kid, but not as an adult since it's been almost a decade since I've been at church (not Taiwan itself. For some reason, I wasn't able to go to church the last time I went to Taiwan)
Monday was disappointing, I called the pastor in the morning to schedule a meeting and while he got my call and said he would call me back, he never did... So I basically sat around the house doing nothing except reading, watching TV and being cold.
Tuesday (which would be today) I decided to call him back and got a straight answer this time. Meeting at the church at around 2:30, but also meeting my cousin's brother-in-law first since my cousin first asked him and then asked the pastor if there was any opportunities to do missions for me which then got relayed back to me by my cousin (*whew, that sounded simpler in my head).
Anyways, pray that the meeting will go well and that I'd be assigned to something that uses my ability to the best extent.
Till Next Time!
PS. It's about 60 degrees here....
Monday was disappointing, I called the pastor in the morning to schedule a meeting and while he got my call and said he would call me back, he never did... So I basically sat around the house doing nothing except reading, watching TV and being cold.
Tuesday (which would be today) I decided to call him back and got a straight answer this time. Meeting at the church at around 2:30, but also meeting my cousin's brother-in-law first since my cousin first asked him and then asked the pastor if there was any opportunities to do missions for me which then got relayed back to me by my cousin (*whew, that sounded simpler in my head).
Anyways, pray that the meeting will go well and that I'd be assigned to something that uses my ability to the best extent.
Till Next Time!
PS. It's about 60 degrees here....
Friday, January 14, 2011
I've arrived!
After about 20 hrs on the plane and around 5 hours of layover overall...I've arrived in Taiwan. I'm staying at my 3rd uncle's house and being very spoiled at the moment.While I expect great works from God, I also should be weary that the devil will throw everything and the kitchen sinks at me. I'm not entirely sure what I'm going to do yet, but I will meet with the pastor the next few days to see what assignments he has for me.
But for now, I'll try to keep up with this blog and post pictures of things. Remember that everything is 13 hrs ahead here (thought it was 12 but i forgot that Taiwan doesn't have daylight savings time), so if you send something in the afternoon, I'll be sleeping... As for sleeping, I slept well last night because I refuse to believe in jetlag (am I turning into a Christian Scientist?) But the key is to pace yourself on naps on the plane so you don't mess up your sleep schedule. Plus, the guy beside me on the 3 hr trip from Tokyo to Taiwan was snoring up a storm and was chocking like he was dying. Needless to say when I arrived, I was pretty tired.
Till next time!
But for now, I'll try to keep up with this blog and post pictures of things. Remember that everything is 13 hrs ahead here (thought it was 12 but i forgot that Taiwan doesn't have daylight savings time), so if you send something in the afternoon, I'll be sleeping... As for sleeping, I slept well last night because I refuse to believe in jetlag (am I turning into a Christian Scientist?) But the key is to pace yourself on naps on the plane so you don't mess up your sleep schedule. Plus, the guy beside me on the 3 hr trip from Tokyo to Taiwan was snoring up a storm and was chocking like he was dying. Needless to say when I arrived, I was pretty tired.
Till next time!
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