Life unexpectedly

Two weeks ago I attended a catholic church service. It was rich with symbolism, from the art to the actions of the priest. It was so ritualistic and symbolic that the meaning behind the rituals and symbols seemed lost on the congregation. In front of me was a family of teenagers, yawning and pinching the bridge of their nose, then staring at each other blankly. Only the priest seemed passionate about the service.

Towards the end of the service four teenagers performed sign language to a song "Yes, Lord". About 10 pews ahead of me, I noticed a little girl standing on a pew mimicking the hand motions. All eyes and smiles were on this little one. She danced with all of herself- whispy hair, little hands, smiling eyes, and a complete lack of self-consciousness.

Stranger while Traveling

I struck up a conversation with a slender, courteous middle-age woman and her daughter while flying to San Diego. They were coming back from England and didn’t mind telling me of all the beautiful sites and coolest coffee shops in San Diego. One of these beautiful sites reminded me of the Disney World castle, except it was a Mormon Temple. This lead to a religious conversation.

Whenever I get into these conversations, I focus on listening to the person and wait for God’s guidance. Who knows what's going to happen- it actually gives me a rush. I asked her questions about the Mormon faith, pretending not to know anything, and told her about my background. She shared with me some ten or twelve tenets of her faith, and I shared with her how I like to keep it simple: it’s just about following Jesus. She agreed with me and said how people usually berate her about being in a cult. I sensed God tell me just to listen and that approach seemed to work. Nothing dramatic or obvious came from the conversation. But I she said Mormons can’t dance, drink, smoke, or play cards. I hope by simply following Jesus that she’ll sense more freedom and be happier.

A few days later I took a bus from San Diego to Los Angeles to visit my friend Amber. I was talking to a homeless girl about building houses in New Orleans, when an older Japanese woman, who was waiting for the bus in front of me said, “The people in hell will melt in the mud.” There were no pleasantries exchanged between us before this comment, no “Hey, nice jacket” or “Beautiful day. Isn’t it?” No she got straight to the point. Because this was the only time I’ve heard this comment, I asked her why she thought that. She repeated this simple statement again. She thought I didn’t hear her clearly. I thought this might be one of those odd God using me moments, so, I went another route. “Why are you telling me this?” I asked. She said I looked trustworthy.

As we got onto the bus she explained that her brother was going to melt in the hell-mud because he wouldn’t take her to see her uncle, who was becoming a Buddhist monk in Japan. She’s worried that he may die from a natural disaster, much like the tsunami that struck the south pacific recently. After the awkward pause in conversation, she then told me about her goddess and the 15 statues she has of her. I had recently read about the Apostle Paul using other religious experiences to steer conversation to Christ, so this was a perfect opportunity. I asked her who the most powerful Buddhist god is. She said the most powerful god is invisible, but people have drawn his shadow. I told her I know that God, and His other name is Jesus Christ. She knew all about Jesus through Catholic school in Tokyo, but she only believed in her religion. She talked more on reincarnation and Buddhist monks turning into black pearls after they die.

I’m not sure why this woman talked with me, but it was a strange conversation. I told her not to worry about her uncle, that I would pray for him. Hopefully, she’ll realize the power of Christ.

Some of my friends hate talking while traveling, I find the open conversation to be intriguing. It’s funny what people will share with complete strangers.

missional and attractional

This morning I had a meeting with my friend, and pastor of Paradox church, Craig. We discussed how outreaches in the church tend to be large events that aim at entertaining people and hoping that within that environment people would develop relationships with those who don't attend that particular church. We talked about how that approach may not be successful because people don't hear the main point or mission of the church.

For those of you who attend church, what do you think of the entertaining event approach? For those of you who don't attend church, why do you think the church has been unsuccessful in sharing its message- the gospel?

Small changes

I've learned recently to make small improvements daily in things that matter. I'd like to learn HTML to be a web designer and network with churches through the web. I love the potential of blogs to develop networks and friendships across the country. So this is my first step in that direction.

This morning I got up about quarter to six for a training appointment. I was running late, so I made toast and peanut butter to go. I fumbled around in the dark as I headed toward the back door with my portfolio case, my mountain trekking backpack, and a plastic plate with two pieces of toast. I forced the door open and dropped my portfolio case down the basement stairs. A little light illuminated a missing piece of toast. I flipped on the overhead light and noticed that the missing piece of toast had fallen and got jammed under the door-- peanut butter smeared across the bottom of the door. I quickly cleaned it up and headed out the door and began to panic. I was running late. But I decided to relax, and just laugh at the situation. It's a million to one shot that toast would land face up and jammed under the door. It's a small thing to laugh in a stressful situation, but it's made my day.