I went to China for 2 weeks in October and God taught me some really neat things there. I have not had the time to meet with everyone and share these cool lessons, so I decided to record them here for you.
Lesson 1: "Pressing on"
When I arrived in China, the first thing I noticed was that everything was so different! The air smelled like a sweet smoke, the sky is always hazy from the pollution, there is constant noise from motor-scooter and car horns honking all the time, the food is oily and nothing like American food. China is no place like home. After just one day in I found myself already longing for the comforts and familiarities of home. This troubled me. I went to China to serve God and help people in any way that I could, but I was getting so distracted by my physical discomfort. Comfort is so temporary. This very body is only a tent, my true position is in heaven. Americans are obsessed with comfort, even to the point of disobeying God for fear of being uncomfortable. There I was, falling into the temptation of my nation. I opened my Bible to Philippians 3 and read Paul's words "For His sake I have suffered the loss of all things and count them as rubbish, in order that I may gain Christ and be found in Him..." Wow Paul, I wish I could say that with my heart and not just acknowledged it in my mind as truth. But then I read 2 verses further where he says "not that I have already obtained this or am already perfect, but I press on to make it my own, because Christ Jesus has made me His own." It struck me then that Paul had not even obtained the perfect attitude. But the answer is to press on. When we find ourselves struggling with whatever it may be that distracts and tempts us or are humbled by our shortcomings, the Biblical response is to press on for the sake of Jesus, "forgetting those things which are behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead." I never saw it this way before, but when I needed answers, the Lord spoke to me through His word and encouraged me, just as He always does.
Lesson 2: "Cross-cultural Gospel"
In China the law is fluid and honor is the most important value. Honor is equated with wealth, education, and status. As a wealthy American, I inherently have high honor, whereas orphans, who have no money and little education have low honor. You can share your honor with others and you will not have any less honor; but because of pride, those with high honor typically only share with others with high honor. Now think about the Gospel in a new lens, that God almighty, King of Kings, the One with all the honor came down, humbled Himself and died on a cross so that He could share His honor with us sinful humans who have no honor compared to Him. Furthermore, by believing in Jesus He brings us up to a place of honor with Him. Incredible! This is why orphan ministry in China is so powerful, because it is a picture of the Gospel. Americans leaving their home, going to China to help the orphans. I heard testimonies from believers in China that were drawn to Jesus because of the incredible love and self-sacrifice displayed in orphan ministry. Now think about America where the law is rigid and honor is not as important. The way we explain the Gospel is in terms of punishment as a consequence to breaking God's law. We focus on justice and grace rather than shame and honor. Yet, both are equally truth. Think about tribal cultures who live in fear of punishment from the spirits or gods they worship. In those cultures, the power of Jesus to drive out demonic spirits or heal diseases, or to conquer death in His resurrection will be the most emphasized parts of the Gospel. It was astounding to me that the Gospel is so cross-cultural and different aspects become more understood or alive depending on one's cultural perspective. God has made His truth knowable and relevant to every person in the world, no matter who they are or where they come from.
Lesson 3: "Rich in Faith"
The church in China, at least the part I experienced, was very much like the New Testament believers. They refer to each other as "brother or sister" when speaking about a Christian. They meet in "fellowships" and are still pretty secretive about it. They are hungry for discipleship, they pray for family members' salvation and then watch as the Lord answers their prayers. The Church is flourishing in China. I was listening to a message while riding the train to Bejing and David Platt was teaching through James. He read James 2:5-7 "Listen, my beloved brothers, has not God chosen those who are poor in the world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom, which he has promised to those who love Him? But you have dishonored the poor man. Are not the rich the ones who oppress you, the ones who drag you into court? Are they not the ones who blaspheme the honorable name by which you were called?" It struck me then that I was listening to a description of China and America. Blessed are the poor, indeed! No wonder it is so difficult to spread the Gospel in America, most Americans dont even recognize their need for God when they have every material posession to meet their "needs."
There were so many other things I learned, such as what it feels like to be in constant Philippians 2:1-5 fellowship, ministering with my sister Becca. That God absolutely never leaves me or forsakes me and will provide for everything I need in the moment I need it. He doesn't let me avoid hardship, but He is absolutely there, holding my hand, helping me through it all the way. So many personal lessons to build my faith and trust in Him. But those top 3 I wanted to share in detail in hopes that you may be encouraged and give you a new perspective to reflect on.
All Glory and Honor be to our Lord Jesus Christ!
