Day fifty-six, fourteen remaining. One of the significant notes about my upcoming trip is that I will miss a whole month of the American college football season. But not tonight - Clemson travels to Tallahassee, Florida to face FSU. We'll be watching. A daunting task, but one of two final Clemson games I get to watch prior to flying to New York on October 6 to begin our Russia trip. Some of you may have asked me how I will do missing an important month of the season. At this point I am entirely satisfied with this prospect. If you know me, you know how much I enjoy football. But the opportunity to preach and teach the Gospel of Christ and minister in His name is so, so much better. Remember how Jesus told the parables in Matthew 13 where he gave metaphors for the "kingdom of heaven"? The point is that everything pales in comparison to possessing "the kingdom of heaven." Everything is worth giving up to possess Jesus Christ...even football. :)
Yesterday I alluded to learning from a veteran. By veteran I mean Pastor Steve Graham, who I am joining by his invitation for the trip to Vlad. We talked the other night; I was amazed by his simple wisdom and counsel for the trip. His words remind me of Dr. Garry Parrett of Gordon-Conwell Seminary's Christian Education Department - I paraphrase - "When we go to another culture to minister we always go first as a guest, next as a learner, and finally as a servant." In effect, we bring the courtesy of a guest, the curiosity of a learner, and the humility of a servant. This was the essence of Steve's perspectives. We don't need to stand out or "wow" those to whom we minister. If anything we should desire them to be "wowed" with Christ in the spirit of John 3:30, "He must increase and I must decrease." In no particular order he advised: "Have an open mind, be prepared to eat anything, don't feel like you need to shave, take your shoes off as soon as you enter a house, rejoice with your new friends when they show you their possessions, be sensitive about cultural practices which vary from our own, and avoid illustrations in teaching/preaching that are peculiar to American culture." Isn't it great to have your own personal guide? :)
More on learning from a veteran tomorrow - Part II.
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