I'll Become Even More Undignified Than This

Yesterday I went to service with some of my students.  It was the most genuine form of the celebration of the Father that I have ever seen.  And from what I can tell…this is weekly.  The Son is alive and well here in Hong Kong, and that is so encouraging to me!!

Even in the midst of a culture that values education above all…but even only sees that as means to an end, there is hope.  There is joy.

So the people celebrating yesterday were just so genuinely happy that we had come to join them.  I really wish I could have recorded the singing and dancing that occurred there so I could constantly remind myself how it feels to be surrounded by this uncorrupted form of reverence and excitement.  It was untouched by the cynicism which claims that there is no hope for the lost.  Untouched by anything that had the ability to rob a person of Joy.

I genuinely hope that I never forget the FREEDOM I have encountered—the freedom that I still have today through the Son.  They reminded me of this freedom yesterday.  Was it because they had the most talented group of musicians on the stage? No.  Was it because they had the most powerful man speaking after we sang?  No.  It was because I watched people jump and sing without regard to what anyone may think of them.

We were very evident visitors in this gathering…The only North Americans in the room.  We’re a rag tag team, and I was even wearing shorts.  But not one person thought it odd that I dressed casually.  Students ran up to the stage while everyone sang and jumped and danced to the music.  They sang in English.  They sang in Cantonese.  Everyone was so hospitable…so caring…so accommodating.  The speaker translated his message line by line.  How considerate!! They sang songs in English because they anticipated our arrival!  My student and two other students from our school even took us out to breakfast before.

This is what a FAMILY looks like…and I have one here in Hong Kong.  It’s so beautiful that it literally brought tears to my eyes.  I never want to forget my family here.  This part of the Body is eager to help, and I sincerely hope that someday I’ll be able to return to celebrate Him together again.

I really just wanted to share briefly what yesterday was like for me.  Keep thinking about:
--the lost
--peace for students in Asia
--hope to be passed on
--joy to be seen and understood

These sweet people can use all the help they can get!  I hope I will be able to return the lavish display of love by asking you to think of them:  that they may stay encouraged; that they may be bold; that they may be steadfast; that they may have words to speak to peers; that they may do well in school; that they will not be disappointed (Rom 5); that they may be and experience His Hands and Feet; and that they may learn how to mentor new brothers and sisters effectively.  Think of them as often as you can.  The Son is alive and well in Hong Kong!  Rejoice!!

When you fear the Father, you fear nothing else. P. Tim