Between two worlds

One of things that was difficult to do when coming back from America from China was this idea of living within two worlds and how to merge the two worlds together. I remember writing a blog for my missions trip to China that discussed this struggle and how to adjust back into the American style of living.

“It is very disheartening, because for a religion that is known for its Christian values and advocacy for human freedoms, there seems to be decline in the passion to maintain and uphold those values. I have discovered that the things that would bother me while I was in the church have become heightened since I went to China. Instead of being discontented with the management and organization of churches or Christian leadership, I have been faced with a sedentary and complacence attitude from some American Christian churches. As previously stated, there also seems to be lack of passion and drive to hear the voice of God, move within the Holy Spirit, and a disinterest in saving souls. It is as if the church has become satisfied with being asleep and dry. As a result of focusing upon minor tasks, some churches have become frustrated with the “work of the ministry” and have either given up having church service or have left the ministry entirely. I remember having a very interesting conversation about the work of the ministry with my mom. My mom and I discussed our different experiences when we traveled overseas on our mission’s trips. My mother and I noticed during our trips that when we were focused upon doing the work of God or the work of the ministry, we were not concerned with the small details of life or ministry. The main focus and thrust of the mission trips became ministering the Gospel to the people. Once Christians begin to focus upon the purpose of God and start moving within the calling of God, then the small details will take care of themselves. I liked the scripture that my mother used as an example of her experience, John 4:31-35:

31 Meanwhile his disciples urged him, “Rabbi, eat something. 32 But he said to them, “I have food to eat that you know nothing about.” 33 Then his disciples said to each other, “Could someone have brought him food? 34 “My food,” said Jesus, “is to do the will of him who sent me and to finish his work. 35 Don’t you have a saying, ‘It’s still four months until harvest’? I tell you, open your eyes and look at the fields! They are ripe for harvest.

Jesus wanted to emphasize within John 4:31-37, that the most important thing to focus upon is not eating, but rather ministering the Gospel to the lost. He mentioned to the disciples that his main concern was fulfilling His Father’s purpose (reaping the harvest) on the earth. Both my mother and I agree that Christians like the disciples have become so focused upon the minor details (like food) that they have lost sight of the main purpose. Our main concern as believers should be more about saving souls and preaching the Gospel to every nation.

I believe some Christian churches have become more focused on the small exterior matters, that they have forgotten the true significance of being a believer of Christ. Because some churches are focusing their attention upon small areas of ministry (such as order of services) there is no movement or growth, nor is there an overwhelming feeling of love towards other believers. The treatment of the word of God and Christ’s followers within the American church has steadily grown more aggressive, competitive, rebellious, critical, and selfish.

In responds to the negative or uninterested comments from some believers, I have become focused and animated about sharing about my trip to everyone. Along with sharing my stories to everyone, I want to continue moving forward in the calling that God has placed upon me. I have a passion for seeing the leadership within the church understand and walk within the calling of God for their lives. This trip has afforded me the opportunity to see the heart of God. Even though I am not completely clear about the total direction that God will take me, I believe that my calling includes educating Christian leadership, and expanding the minds of young people. During this trip, I also believe that God has placed upon my heart to speak about my trip to China for the purpose of increasing awareness about the open hearts of the Chinese people.

This trip has definitely made me realize and re-enforced my hearts desire to travel to other countries for the mission of educating Christian leadership. Hopefully in the future I will receive my Doctorate degree within intercultural studies and also travel back to China and help establish strong Christian leadership training courses. I know I might be faced with individuals that might be upset and frustrated with the idea of starting a leadership-training course that has a different perspective or viewpoint, but there must be a change that occurs within the leadership before it can flow down to the congregation. If the leadership still maintains the mentality that leadership must be focused upon the exterior issues (such as building funds, offerings, board meetings) and not developing on working on global and holistic issues within the body of Christ; then there will remain stagnation within the churches. I believe that once Christian leadership and churches start waiting to hear the voice of God, then they can begin to move forward in the calling of God.”

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