9/27/2004

Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation - 2004

Wow. We're really Jet Setters for Jesus this month! Jim's off again this morning to the Lausanne Congress on World Evangelisation. Check out the link to see what this Congress has identified as most important issues. The congress has identified 31 issues to discuss at this stage in the history of the church and sharing the good news of Jesus to the world.

It's been a tag-team month of traveling in this half of the world. The first 2 weeks of September were in Sydney, then Jim was off to China. He was one day back and then I was off for a week in China too. Another Sunday family day yesterday, and Jim is off again to Thailand for 2 weeks! We're missing each other terribly, but it's also terribly exciting to be involved in this work!

I'm wishing I could be at the Congress this year. There is an issue group on Redeeming Culture Through the Arts. I've had stimulating discussions with both Colin Harbinson and Mary Jones. Here's a quote from the site:

Overview: The rapidly increasing numbers of Christians in nonwestern nations is challenging the Euro-centric understanding. With this dramatic change comes new ways of characterizing the faith. The Western emphasis on (abstract) reason is being overtaken by an emphasis on (concrete) embodiment. The neat clean logic of propositions is being replaced by the more fuzzy-edged accounts of narrative and the communal nature of these other cultures challenges the individualism of the West. Moreover there is an upheaval right within Western culture that calls for change. Postmodern discontent with Western modes of thought is offering new openness to "spirituality" and widespread attention to the aesthetic side of life. It appears in both these situations the language of choice is one that leans towards the arts. The power of the arts to communicate is unquestionable and its presence is everywhere. Unlike the West, the other parts of the world have not relegated the arts to galleries, theatres and concerts halls, but have allowed it to permeate ordinary life and nurture the human spirit in a more consistent way. We are in a transitional moment in history and these important changes must be considered as we seek to give shape to global evangelization.

9/26/2004

Blogs Blocked in China!

I've just come back from a week in China and learned that the government has effectively blocked access to viewing or creating blogs! Wow. And I thought the country was really opening up! Guess not!

But that is the only bad news from an amazing week! It's been 3 years for me since I've been to the city where we lived from 1997-99. The first time I've been without my husband and children. I really missed them being there with me to remember all the wonderful experiences and places we discovered while we were there studying Chinese.

I not only was delighted to work all week on a recording project with local believers but they were reading translated copies of scripts I'd written! A first for me to have my background as Bible student, Missions Pastor's wife, Chinese Language student, and Dramatist all come together for an exciting Kingdom project.

I had sweet happy times at nearly every meal and overnights with two of the Chinese women who came to be like sisters to me in the two years I lived there. Neither really understand how much God loves them and I've still not the language ability to talk about such things on a deeper level. I have prayed so much for their salvation but until this week never with tears. They both have had some big changes in their lives this year which have introduced them to intimacy with loneliness. I had one morning to be alone for a couple hours, and listening to a song of Psalm 27 I wanted so badly for them to understand how true it is that He is our Stronghold...

I have to believe that for now, in His timing, it was enough that they saw this emotional side of me for the first time. I'm usually expressive, but never have wept in front of them. I admitted crying while praying for them. Then I felt I should just leave it at that. It is truly a season of silence for me. God keeps whispering to "shut up and watch how I work things out."

Besides the taping work and fun meals with these friends, I had a terrific time talking and sharing a bit of my testimony with a large high school English class.

I love China. Can't wait to go back again in December with the family.

9/16/2004


Finally cashing in on frequent flyer miles, we went to Australia! Stayed in Darling Harbor, Sydney. Such a great family vaction for little boys!

Featherdale Wildlife Park.

WILD AUSTRALIAN KING PARROTS. Just another morning feeding in the woods of the Blue Mountains.

MAKING FRIENDS WITH A WILD KANGAROO."Do your children even know that they have a very unusual and exciting life?" - My mom when I told her about some of our adventures while in Australia.

9/15/2004


SYDNEY OPERA HOUSE. "The Marriage of Figuero" I've now seen my first opera! What was I waiting for? I know: Growing up with a natural vibratto I was always teased that I was an opera singer. Learned early to assume that this was not a desireable quality in one's voice. After seeing this recent production in Australia, I could care less what others think. They are stupid uncultured morons to belittle opera. Opera is AMAZING! I think I'll start taking voice lessons again.

QUOTES ON JOY

2 years ago I began signing emails, "Blessing and Great Joy" because that was my most earnest prayer for myself. I wasn't experiencing joy and knew that it was my birthright as a child of God. By signing my emails with this wish for others it was a reminder to pray for this desire for myself and for others. Today I read some quotes on joy that I don't want to forget:

“Joy is God’s basic character. Joy is his eternal destiny. God is the happiest being in the universe.” - John Ortberg, The Life You’ve Always Wanted

“Joy is the serious business of heaven.” - C.S. Lewis

“Never let the pain of this world obscure the joy of loving Jesus.” - Mother Teresa of Calcutta

“I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete.” - Jesus of Nazareth, John 15:11