I was thinking of that verse from the Psalms when I was remembering my students last night. I just began teaching at a monastery this past Friday, and quickly fell head-over-heels for my students. Well, half of them. The half that are about 4 feet tall. It wasn't hard: they are positively adorable and they're either orphaned or semi-orphaned. The youngest nun just turned 7, and the oldest nun is only 11. She tries her best to keep the girls and the miniature monk--also 11--in line. Quite the task when one of his favorite pastimes is waving a flaming lighter around far too close to people's heads or clothes, etc.
After we finished class, they invited me to stay for dinner. We ate a noodle and meat and veggie soup, though I think I disappointed them by only eating one bowl. Really, if you saw the serving size you'd understand. It was overwhelming. All throughout dinner, the little ones were eying me carefully and listening to see if I could really understand what was said to me. Once they discovered I spoke Nepali (which did what my Tibetan couldn't do in convincing them I could actually communicate!), they hung out with me in the kitchen to talk, plying me non-stop with questions. I found out they are actually from one of the districts I just returned from trekking in.
Eventually, I had to leave. All good things must come to an end sometime. I got up to go and was immediately met with cries of protest. The tiniest nun clung to me the entire way out, kissing my arms and hands. They all followed me to the gate to say goodbyes. It was so sweet, but so sad.
When I thought back over my time with my new friends last night, I couldn't hold back the tears while pleading with God for them. As small as they are, they are already being instructed very carefully and consistently in Buddhist practices. I get the amazing opportunity to share Truth with them 3 days a week, in and out of the classroom. Please remember me and my monastery friends, small and large.
Tuesday, April 7, 2009
Saturday, February 28, 2009
Happy New Year. . .again!
Happy TB New Year!
February 25th began the 3-day celebration (this side of the Himalayas) of the New Year, called "Losar," which is based on the lunar calendar. Things were very subdued this year given the events that unfolded last year just a few weeks after Losar. As a result, one of our people groups decided to abstain from celebrating the holiday. It would be the equivalent of no one in your state celebrating Christmas this year. Strange. It stood in striking contrast to the usual New Year festivities and events.
But Losar has drawn to a quiet close, the month's end has arrived, and tomorrow begins yet another new day, new week, and new month! I firmly believe that God designed these new starts to remind us constantly of His mercies which are also new every morning--and I praise Him for it!
Monday we head to the mountains for about 2 weeks. I'll be pretty much out of contact during that time period, but look forward to hearing from you after that. We'll be taking up two new friends who will remain for about 6-7 weeks after Amber and I come back down. You can pray for us and for them. Our focus will be reuniting with old friends in order to share Light with them further, and connecting with brothers and sisters there in order to bring them a bit further along the Way.
Grace and peace.
February 25th began the 3-day celebration (this side of the Himalayas) of the New Year, called "Losar," which is based on the lunar calendar. Things were very subdued this year given the events that unfolded last year just a few weeks after Losar. As a result, one of our people groups decided to abstain from celebrating the holiday. It would be the equivalent of no one in your state celebrating Christmas this year. Strange. It stood in striking contrast to the usual New Year festivities and events.
But Losar has drawn to a quiet close, the month's end has arrived, and tomorrow begins yet another new day, new week, and new month! I firmly believe that God designed these new starts to remind us constantly of His mercies which are also new every morning--and I praise Him for it!
Monday we head to the mountains for about 2 weeks. I'll be pretty much out of contact during that time period, but look forward to hearing from you after that. We'll be taking up two new friends who will remain for about 6-7 weeks after Amber and I come back down. You can pray for us and for them. Our focus will be reuniting with old friends in order to share Light with them further, and connecting with brothers and sisters there in order to bring them a bit further along the Way.
Grace and peace.
Wednesday, February 4, 2009
the long defeat
This song by Sara Groves has well described my wrestling, especially this past month. How to love and share with and convey and live out Jesus before the precious ones I walk with and talk with who are bound in tangible and intangible ways to lies in my little community? Their shaved heads and long robes and restricted lifestyles are only outward trappings of the shackles around their spirits and minds.
Sara's lyrics about fighting in a battle bigger than ourselves, one in which we may or may not in our own lifetime realize the final victory, or "receive what was promised" (Heb. 11:39) inspires courage in me. I thought I'd share it with you as well.
"I have joined the long defeat
that falling set in motion
all my strength and energy
are raindrops in the ocean
so conditioned for the win
to share in victor's stories
but in the place of ambition's din
I've heard of other glories
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I can't just fight when I think I'll win
that's the end of all belief
and nothing has provoked it more
than a possible defeat
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
We walk a while we sit and rest
we lay it on the altar
I won't pretend to know what's next
but what I have I've offered
I pray for a vision
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I pray for inspiration
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave."
Please join me in praying for the Tib.tn Buddhist world. God is doing some amazing things here. If you'd like, peruse this article to understand a bit more how to engage some TB's near you with the person of Jesus: http://www.missiology.org/EMS/bulletins/cochrane.htm .
Sara's lyrics about fighting in a battle bigger than ourselves, one in which we may or may not in our own lifetime realize the final victory, or "receive what was promised" (Heb. 11:39) inspires courage in me. I thought I'd share it with you as well.
"I have joined the long defeat
that falling set in motion
all my strength and energy
are raindrops in the ocean
so conditioned for the win
to share in victor's stories
but in the place of ambition's din
I've heard of other glories
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I can't just fight when I think I'll win
that's the end of all belief
and nothing has provoked it more
than a possible defeat
I pray for an idea
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
We walk a while we sit and rest
we lay it on the altar
I won't pretend to know what's next
but what I have I've offered
I pray for a vision
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave
I pray for inspiration
and a way I cannot see
It's too heavy to carry
and impossible to leave."
Please join me in praying for the Tib.tn Buddhist world. God is doing some amazing things here. If you'd like, peruse this article to understand a bit more how to engage some TB's near you with the person of Jesus: http://www.missiology.org/
Friday, November 21, 2008
the truth
Two Buddhist monks, one working woman, and a full-time language student. They’re the current mix in my weekly round-table “truth and beliefs” discussion conducted in English every Saturday morning. Not what I had anticipated, but sometimes God exceeds our expectations in, well, unexpected ways. The unifying factors of these four friends are that they are relatively young, and extremely interested in practicing their budding English conversation skills. One or two have a better grasp on conversing in English than others, but they’re all quite willing to give it a brave try when it comes to communicating what they believe about a given topic.
A typical class flows as follows:
The monks get here at least an hour earlier than they’re supposed to. I’ve told them 9:30, but time has no real significance in this country. Events do. And since this is an event they don’t want to be left out of, they are sure to be early enough not to miss it. After welcoming the monks to a seat on our couch, we talk about anything to pass the time until the others show up (seems that they run more on Western time norms!). Last week it was family. This week it was American politics. Nearly always there are some personal, none-of-your-business questions asked, which I’ve come to understand are just another part of what makes life interesting here. This week’s small talk made a surprisingly good segue into the topic of the day, which was the origin and value of life. The question of origin took two forms: “Where did we come from?” or “How did we get here?” Just as we were wrapping up the pre-class talk, the remaining two students walked in and we transitioned into the day’s topic.
So far I’ve been posing one question a week during these discussions. They share their beliefs related to the topic, and then I share mine. Afterward, we discuss the differences, and the basis for these beliefs. Their answers are usually textbook Buddhist teachings. My answers, of course, come as clearly and simply understood Biblical truths in as simple English as possible.
Last week I shared the book of Ecclesiastes with them as food for thought after our discussion on the meaning of life. This week I shared Creation (and later the Fall) as the basis for the origin of life. In the course of the morning their opinions about evolution, science, belief, and beginnings were shared and discussed as thoroughly as possible in their limited vocabulary. Questions about life after death, eschatology, inequality and suffering among humanity, and God’s response toward evil and good behavior all surfaced during our one-hour session today. For all these issues they were curious about my beliefs, and constantly asked me to share them. I found myself saying over and over again, “That reminds me of another story from the Bible. . .which we’ll talk about next week!” They are quite eager to tackle more of these issues in the coming weeks.
The challenge is to steer the class away from being debate-oriented, or just a platform for airing “equal truths.” My desire is that through this means they hear the truth and claims of the Gospel clearly; for that reason, I don’t ever want to give the impression that the claims of Buddha and the claims of Christ have equal validity as truths to be believed and acted on. I do, however, want to listen with respect, humility, and an attitude of love when they are sharing what they believe. One of the major hang-ups in the Gospel for Buddhists is the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to salvation. They often perceive this as pride. My prayer is that I will never get in the way and be a proud stumbling block to them understanding Jesus. If they stumble over or reject His claims, my desire is that it be only because of the message of the cross, not because of a prideful, debating, or arguing spirit on my part while introducing Him to them. I covet your prayers for me, and for them!
A typical class flows as follows:
The monks get here at least an hour earlier than they’re supposed to. I’ve told them 9:30, but time has no real significance in this country. Events do. And since this is an event they don’t want to be left out of, they are sure to be early enough not to miss it. After welcoming the monks to a seat on our couch, we talk about anything to pass the time until the others show up (seems that they run more on Western time norms!). Last week it was family. This week it was American politics. Nearly always there are some personal, none-of-your-business questions asked, which I’ve come to understand are just another part of what makes life interesting here. This week’s small talk made a surprisingly good segue into the topic of the day, which was the origin and value of life. The question of origin took two forms: “Where did we come from?” or “How did we get here?” Just as we were wrapping up the pre-class talk, the remaining two students walked in and we transitioned into the day’s topic.
So far I’ve been posing one question a week during these discussions. They share their beliefs related to the topic, and then I share mine. Afterward, we discuss the differences, and the basis for these beliefs. Their answers are usually textbook Buddhist teachings. My answers, of course, come as clearly and simply understood Biblical truths in as simple English as possible.
Last week I shared the book of Ecclesiastes with them as food for thought after our discussion on the meaning of life. This week I shared Creation (and later the Fall) as the basis for the origin of life. In the course of the morning their opinions about evolution, science, belief, and beginnings were shared and discussed as thoroughly as possible in their limited vocabulary. Questions about life after death, eschatology, inequality and suffering among humanity, and God’s response toward evil and good behavior all surfaced during our one-hour session today. For all these issues they were curious about my beliefs, and constantly asked me to share them. I found myself saying over and over again, “That reminds me of another story from the Bible. . .which we’ll talk about next week!” They are quite eager to tackle more of these issues in the coming weeks.
The challenge is to steer the class away from being debate-oriented, or just a platform for airing “equal truths.” My desire is that through this means they hear the truth and claims of the Gospel clearly; for that reason, I don’t ever want to give the impression that the claims of Buddha and the claims of Christ have equal validity as truths to be believed and acted on. I do, however, want to listen with respect, humility, and an attitude of love when they are sharing what they believe. One of the major hang-ups in the Gospel for Buddhists is the exclusivity of Jesus as the way to salvation. They often perceive this as pride. My prayer is that I will never get in the way and be a proud stumbling block to them understanding Jesus. If they stumble over or reject His claims, my desire is that it be only because of the message of the cross, not because of a prideful, debating, or arguing spirit on my part while introducing Him to them. I covet your prayers for me, and for them!
Monday, November 17, 2008
the new and living way
Today I had a long and interesting conversation with a person the book of Proverbs would label a scoffer. I don't know if it was all scoffing or it was just a smoke front, but either way it was a challenge to respond to. My scoffing friend was a young monk in a tea shop who just laughed--literally, laughed outright--at the idea of Jesus being the only way to satisfy our hearts and know God. His face wore a smirk for the duration of our talk.
The most interesting point of the conversation came when I said that because I knew Jesus, I also knew that when I died I would go to heaven. The shock his face registered took me aback by turn. He immediately replied that it was impossible for me to go to heaven. "Only a few people go to heaven," he assured me. I had to agree with him on these things (in part); it is impossible for me, in and of myself, to go to heaven and I told him so. In the next breath I explained that with Jesus it is possible because he made a new and living way. It is a way not through my work, good or bad, or because I'm American or because of any other thing. It is because he made a way through his flesh being torn and beaten and crucified (Heb. 10:20)! Oh, the preciousness of this truth. How can it be so precious to me but ridiculous to him? It breaks my heart. Jesus said it would be this way: to some the preaching of the cross and of Christ crucified is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Some hear the message of the cross, and hearing foolishness, scoff at it. Others hear the same message, and hearing grace and mercy, humbly embrace it.
What incredible grace that as I was hearing the truth, the Spirit was at work within me to cause me to grab hold of the grace of God offered to me through Christ instead of reject him and go my own way. Pray for me, that I'll be steeped in awe and wonder at what was accomplished for me, for you, for T.b.tans, God-willing for this young scoffer and all those God is calling to Himself through the cross of our wondrous Way, Truth and Life.
The most interesting point of the conversation came when I said that because I knew Jesus, I also knew that when I died I would go to heaven. The shock his face registered took me aback by turn. He immediately replied that it was impossible for me to go to heaven. "Only a few people go to heaven," he assured me. I had to agree with him on these things (in part); it is impossible for me, in and of myself, to go to heaven and I told him so. In the next breath I explained that with Jesus it is possible because he made a new and living way. It is a way not through my work, good or bad, or because I'm American or because of any other thing. It is because he made a way through his flesh being torn and beaten and crucified (Heb. 10:20)! Oh, the preciousness of this truth. How can it be so precious to me but ridiculous to him? It breaks my heart. Jesus said it would be this way: to some the preaching of the cross and of Christ crucified is foolishness, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God (1 Cor. 1:18). Some hear the message of the cross, and hearing foolishness, scoff at it. Others hear the same message, and hearing grace and mercy, humbly embrace it.
What incredible grace that as I was hearing the truth, the Spirit was at work within me to cause me to grab hold of the grace of God offered to me through Christ instead of reject him and go my own way. Pray for me, that I'll be steeped in awe and wonder at what was accomplished for me, for you, for T.b.tans, God-willing for this young scoffer and all those God is calling to Himself through the cross of our wondrous Way, Truth and Life.
Thursday, November 13, 2008
the gang
I can't identify everyone in these pictures for you (though I know them all well. . .it's just one of those webpage issues) I thought you might enjoy seeing what makes up what we call our "team" here in this little corner of South Asia. The picture with just the foreigners (that would be the Americans) is, R-L: me, Amber, Ryan & Kristin, Bo & Summer and Sophia, Craig & Terri with Joel and Isaiah. The other shots include our national family friends who are SOOO extraordinarily dear to us, with all their kids! We're a young team. . .kids make up almost half the composition! :)
Friday, October 31, 2008
footnotes for the photos
1. footbridge across the Karnali
2. Tibetan border village
3. top of the N-la pass with our guide/partner
4. statuettes of gods in a man-made cave
5. playing on the pass. . .(the "sledding" guy is our porter and a believer)
6. kids from a border village. We were definitely an anomaly there.
7. home along the trail.
8., 9. prayer flags
10. kid with a small book modeled after "Thirsty"
11. Tibetan Ama modeling her hat for me. She's the same one who spit on my sleeping bag just before my long, sleepless night (the full story will be forthcoming. . .really, it's a good one).
2. Tibetan border village
3. top of the N-la pass with our guide/partner
4. statuettes of gods in a man-made cave
5. playing on the pass. . .(the "sledding" guy is our porter and a believer)
6. kids from a border village. We were definitely an anomaly there.
7. home along the trail.
8., 9. prayer flags
10. kid with a small book modeled after "Thirsty"
11. Tibetan Ama modeling her hat for me. She's the same one who spit on my sleeping bag just before my long, sleepless night (the full story will be forthcoming. . .really, it's a good one).
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