Throughout the month of March I have friends spending their spring breaks on mission trips in the US, Central America, South America, Africa, and Asia. I know they would appreciate your prayers. I've been praying that they are willing to be bold for the Lord, radiate the Holy Spirit, and are encouraged by how He is working. Thanks!
Know someone with a story to tell about how the Lord is working? I would love to chat with him or her! Send me an email KatieAxelson[at]gmail[dot]com. <>< Katie
We'd finished eating my birthday lunch, Pizza Hut, and I decided it would be a good idea to show off some of my mad Chinese skills. Emphasis on mad. I'd been in the country a whole week and a half, so I was practically fluent. I knew seven words.
Nǐ hǎo (hello)
Xièxiè (thank you)
Bīng (ice)
The first three went great. My new friends were so impressed! So I decided to show off a little bit.
Yēsū
Blank stares.
So I said it again. Yēsū. They still had no idea. This had happened before, my Northern accent got in the way of my Chinese, making me difficult to understand. Yēsū.
After several tries I gave up and said it in English.
Jesus.
You could see the light bulbs go off on their faces. They understood. We'd been talking about Jesus and Christmas for the past several days in class. Yes, they knew the English word "Jesus."
I pray I was just mispronouncing His name in Chinese, but they offered no correction. Maybe they were nervous to speak His name in public. While Christianity is accepted in China, it is not without repercussions. Previously, they had never hesitated to correct me (read: laugh at and correct). It was their turn, the students, to be the teacher. But this time they said nothing but continued conversation in English.
The only alternative I can think of to my mispronunciation is that they did not know the Chinese name of the man we call Jesus. They could not translate the story of the baby born in a manger into their native language.
It broke my heart.
They know Jesus in English, my language, but His a foreign concept to them in their own language. To have never heard the name of Jesus from their own people.
We knew we weren't in China to plant seeds. We were there to plow ground and prepare the soil for seed-planters.
They did know Jesus in English which meant we were doing our job. We were speaking the name of the Lord, presenting to them the Christmas and Easter stories for the first time. For many of them, we were their first interactions with native English speakers. We were also their first interactions with Christ-followers.
That's a huge responsibility. A huge honor. A huge burden.
Even though I was definitely ready to be back in a world where toilets are actually porcelain seats, pollution isn't going to choke me tomorrow, and corn is not a normal pizza topping, I left China realizing that there is so much work left to be done.
The Lord is doing great things in China, don't get me wrong.
We visited a church that after 30 years of arguing was finally granted land after having theirs confiscated by the Chinese government decades ago. It is smaller than the original land, but it is coming with increments of money as well. They have seen the first increment. The government has even said once the worship site is moved, they will work with the bus company to get a stop near the church. For the last 30 years, the church has been meeting as a chicken plant.
In China, Christian churches must be registered with the government. In order to do that, they must be part of the Triple-Self Church.
1. Self-propagated (no foreign evangelists)
2. Self-led (no foreign preachers, guest speakers, worship leaders, et al).
3. Self-funded (no foreign money funding Chinese churches).
Being foreigners in China, we could answer any and all questions honestly (aka: find a way to talk about God in any answer you give). We could teach American holidays (including the real Christmas and Easter). We could hand out Bibles if we were directly asked for them.
It wasn't easy. It was three weeks of jumping loopholes and being concerned about what we could and could not say. It was three weeks of watching God work and trusting Him even when we couldn't see His hand.
There is so much left to be done. But I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of what the Lord is doing there.
For more China stories, including photos and some goofy videos, check out the blog Amber and I kept while we were there: TheChinaAdventures.blogspot.com. Also check out blog posts with the label China.
Xièxiè.
Amen.
Hallelujah.
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Showing posts with label China. Show all posts
Monday, March 5, 2012
Friday, January 20, 2012
What More Do You Want
"What more do you want from God?" Neal asked the congregation. We all came from very different backgrounds united only in the Lord.
"¿Qué más quiere de Dios?" Manolo translated.
I didn't need to wait for the translation before I began making a mental list of things I wanted from God. All selfish things, too. I was in Nicaragua and still had an out-standing balance on my trip. I had applied to five graduate schools and was still hoping for acceptances. I was hoping to head to China in the summer and was waiting for those pieces to fall into place.
"He's already give you Jesus." Neal's words slapped my list-making face. I needed to hear them again.
"Él ya te dio Jesús."
What more can I want from God when He's already give me the best He can: His Son. He's already given me all that I need, and it's called grace. He's engraved my name on the palm of His hand, and I'm asking for money. He's given me purpose, hope, and a future and there I sat in an uncomfortable Nicaraguan folding chair asking for more.
I felt naked, like my selfish, dirty list had been broadcast by the broken LCD projector. In a way, they were. They were available for One to know.
I like to think God chuckled when He watched me frantically try to erase them, delete them, unthink them.
I gave up on my list that day. I took peace in Abba giving me His Son. What more could I ever need or dare to want?
Days like today it's easy to start making a list again. I want this job interview to go well. I want to see her joy and her smile on this earth once again. I want reassurance that God truly is good and in control.
I want everyone to know the hope we all have in Jesus. Jesús. 耶稣.
I want all of God's children to know how loved they are by their Father. I want them to know forgiveness as intimately as I do. To know they don't need any more than that.
Abba, use me to reach Your people. May my life show Your love today and every day. In the States and across the world. When things go well and when dreams aren't achieved. Lord, let my love for You be contagious. When people see me may they have no choice but to love You more. Draw them into Your loving arms, Lord. May they know that no matter what life brings, Jesus is enough. Our greatest need has been satisfied. Thank You for Jesus. Teach me to remember that He is enough, always more than enough.
This is my prayer. My hope. My desire.
<>< Katie
"¿Qué más quiere de Dios?" Manolo translated.
I didn't need to wait for the translation before I began making a mental list of things I wanted from God. All selfish things, too. I was in Nicaragua and still had an out-standing balance on my trip. I had applied to five graduate schools and was still hoping for acceptances. I was hoping to head to China in the summer and was waiting for those pieces to fall into place.
"He's already give you Jesus." Neal's words slapped my list-making face. I needed to hear them again.
"Él ya te dio Jesús."
What more can I want from God when He's already give me the best He can: His Son. He's already given me all that I need, and it's called grace. He's engraved my name on the palm of His hand, and I'm asking for money. He's given me purpose, hope, and a future and there I sat in an uncomfortable Nicaraguan folding chair asking for more.
I felt naked, like my selfish, dirty list had been broadcast by the broken LCD projector. In a way, they were. They were available for One to know.
I like to think God chuckled when He watched me frantically try to erase them, delete them, unthink them.
I gave up on my list that day. I took peace in Abba giving me His Son. What more could I ever need or dare to want?
Days like today it's easy to start making a list again. I want this job interview to go well. I want to see her joy and her smile on this earth once again. I want reassurance that God truly is good and in control.
I want everyone to know the hope we all have in Jesus. Jesús. 耶稣.
I want all of God's children to know how loved they are by their Father. I want them to know forgiveness as intimately as I do. To know they don't need any more than that.
Abba, use me to reach Your people. May my life show Your love today and every day. In the States and across the world. When things go well and when dreams aren't achieved. Lord, let my love for You be contagious. When people see me may they have no choice but to love You more. Draw them into Your loving arms, Lord. May they know that no matter what life brings, Jesus is enough. Our greatest need has been satisfied. Thank You for Jesus. Teach me to remember that He is enough, always more than enough.
This is my prayer. My hope. My desire.
<>< Katie
Monday, December 19, 2011
Chinese Christmas
Author's Note: If you followed Amber's and my China blog or talked to us about the trip for more than five seconds, you've probably already heard this story. It's our favorite to tell. In the spirit of Christmas, I'd like to tell it again. Even if you've already read/heard it, enjoy it again. Thanks! <>< Katie
There are exceptions to every rule. The exception to what we could and could not teach in China was more of a loophole. We were not to teach religion that was very clear. We were to teach the English language and American culture. In that was our loophole: Christmas, an American holiday.
One day we taught the secular version in the form of a Christmas party where Santa delivered Christmas presents, we ate candy canes, and we sang Christmas carols. Never have I worn sandals and kapris to a Christmas party before. Neither have I ever helped host a Christmas party in August. Welcome to China.
The following morning, Curt and Vernon were to teach the real Christmas story using a reader’s theater script.
First period had been dismissed when Vernon ran into our classroom, script in hand.
“We didn’t finish,” he said breathlessly. I was not sure if he had run from the hotel or from the classroom next door. “Will you finish it for us?”
Jori and I graciously accepted. The lesson plan we had stayed up all night revising had flopped first hour anyway. Jori revised our lesson again while I skim-read the script.
The sixteen-person class of college students and English teachers took their seats in the horse-shoe we had set up. I prayed silently and began asking them questions about where they’d left off. Jesus had been born and the magi were asking Herod where they could find this new king.
I summarized the remainder of the story being relatively brief since we had another lesson to teach but not so brief so as they could have missed the point. Then Jori and I welcomed questions. This was one of our more talkative classes but we were not in the least prepared for the forty-five minutes of questioning that followed. We ended up scrapping our entire planned lesson to answer their difficult questions.
What happened next?
Why did God choose Mary?
Was Jesus a king?
Joseph was king, right?
Where Mary and Joseph his real parents?
Jesus was killed, right?
So Jesus is a god? What do you mean there are three gods?
How do you believe something you don’t understand?
Does God still speak through dreams like He did to the magi?
Did Jesus talk to special people?
Was Jesus rich?
How do you (as Christians) make decisions?
What is faith?
We were flabbergasted. So many questions don’t have pat answers. While I spoke, Jori prayed. While Jori spoke, I prayed. We both quoted scripture and read directly from the New Testament. So many questions were directly answered by the Holy Spirit speaking through us.
As soon as the class left, Jori and I joined hands and prayed until tears filled our eyes. It was an incredibly humbling experience we were excited to share with our mission team at lunch.
But God wasn’t done.
Two periods later the same students were in a class co-taught by Amber and Juanita who had no knowledge of what happened earlier. They were teaching the five love languages and discussing the love language of giving and receiving gifts. Juanita held an empty gift back and asked the students what they most hoped would be in the bag. Money, food, books, and jewelry were the most common answers. One girl said she wished a Bible would be in the bag. Amber was immediately on the edge of her chair, anxious for the end of class.
Everyone on the mission team had been given a New Testament in Chinese and English to give away. Immediately, Amber knew hers was for this student, Monica. As soon as class was over, Amber approached Monica to ask if she was serious. Monica confirmed she was serious about wanting a Bible, so Amber handed her the New Testament. As per Chinese customs, Monica refused to accept the gift. However, Amber insisted, and Monica got misty-eyed when she accepted it with a huge smile. She was so grateful and so excited! Amber also connected Monica to a woman who attends the local church.
Once morning classes were over, we sought refuge in a classroom to wait out the rain. To Juanita, rain means that God is near. Before heading back to our hotel for lunch we were able to piece together the puzzle and allow God to reveal Himself to us. It had been a rough morning of team disunity yet still the Lord used it ways beyond what we ever imagined!
We were all grateful for loopholes and exceptions. We could not teach religion but we were permitted to answer all questions honestly. We were not permitted to distribute religious materials, but we were able to gift Bibles if the student directly asked for it. Above all, we were grateful for God’s prompting through the necessary loopholes and exceptions to be able to openly speak about Him even in communist China.
There are exceptions to every rule. The exception to what we could and could not teach in China was more of a loophole. We were not to teach religion that was very clear. We were to teach the English language and American culture. In that was our loophole: Christmas, an American holiday.
One day we taught the secular version in the form of a Christmas party where Santa delivered Christmas presents, we ate candy canes, and we sang Christmas carols. Never have I worn sandals and kapris to a Christmas party before. Neither have I ever helped host a Christmas party in August. Welcome to China.
The following morning, Curt and Vernon were to teach the real Christmas story using a reader’s theater script.
First period had been dismissed when Vernon ran into our classroom, script in hand.
“We didn’t finish,” he said breathlessly. I was not sure if he had run from the hotel or from the classroom next door. “Will you finish it for us?”
Jori and I graciously accepted. The lesson plan we had stayed up all night revising had flopped first hour anyway. Jori revised our lesson again while I skim-read the script.
The sixteen-person class of college students and English teachers took their seats in the horse-shoe we had set up. I prayed silently and began asking them questions about where they’d left off. Jesus had been born and the magi were asking Herod where they could find this new king.
I summarized the remainder of the story being relatively brief since we had another lesson to teach but not so brief so as they could have missed the point. Then Jori and I welcomed questions. This was one of our more talkative classes but we were not in the least prepared for the forty-five minutes of questioning that followed. We ended up scrapping our entire planned lesson to answer their difficult questions.
What happened next?
Why did God choose Mary?
Was Jesus a king?
Joseph was king, right?
Where Mary and Joseph his real parents?
Jesus was killed, right?
So Jesus is a god? What do you mean there are three gods?
How do you believe something you don’t understand?
Does God still speak through dreams like He did to the magi?
Did Jesus talk to special people?
Was Jesus rich?
How do you (as Christians) make decisions?
What is faith?
We were flabbergasted. So many questions don’t have pat answers. While I spoke, Jori prayed. While Jori spoke, I prayed. We both quoted scripture and read directly from the New Testament. So many questions were directly answered by the Holy Spirit speaking through us.
As soon as the class left, Jori and I joined hands and prayed until tears filled our eyes. It was an incredibly humbling experience we were excited to share with our mission team at lunch.
But God wasn’t done.
Two periods later the same students were in a class co-taught by Amber and Juanita who had no knowledge of what happened earlier. They were teaching the five love languages and discussing the love language of giving and receiving gifts. Juanita held an empty gift back and asked the students what they most hoped would be in the bag. Money, food, books, and jewelry were the most common answers. One girl said she wished a Bible would be in the bag. Amber was immediately on the edge of her chair, anxious for the end of class.
Everyone on the mission team had been given a New Testament in Chinese and English to give away. Immediately, Amber knew hers was for this student, Monica. As soon as class was over, Amber approached Monica to ask if she was serious. Monica confirmed she was serious about wanting a Bible, so Amber handed her the New Testament. As per Chinese customs, Monica refused to accept the gift. However, Amber insisted, and Monica got misty-eyed when she accepted it with a huge smile. She was so grateful and so excited! Amber also connected Monica to a woman who attends the local church.
Once morning classes were over, we sought refuge in a classroom to wait out the rain. To Juanita, rain means that God is near. Before heading back to our hotel for lunch we were able to piece together the puzzle and allow God to reveal Himself to us. It had been a rough morning of team disunity yet still the Lord used it ways beyond what we ever imagined!
We were all grateful for loopholes and exceptions. We could not teach religion but we were permitted to answer all questions honestly. We were not permitted to distribute religious materials, but we were able to gift Bibles if the student directly asked for it. Above all, we were grateful for God’s prompting through the necessary loopholes and exceptions to be able to openly speak about Him even in communist China.
Sunday, December 4, 2011
Pray for China
I'm so discouraged as I look back on my time in China and remember the HUGE need for the Lord that still exists in that country.
Sure, we saw some amazing things: hundreds of believers gathered freely to worship, a local church being gifted land and money to replace that which was usurped from them 30 years ago, the opportunity to give away Chinese-English New Testaments.
Yet there is so much work left to be done. So many people who have never even heard the name of Jesus.
When we went to China, they told us we would (in all likelihood) not see the fruits of our labor. We were not even planting seeds. Rather, we were plowing ground, removing rocks, and preparing for future seed planters.
We did not see many fruits of our labor. Yet He will. He will use our efforts, our energies, and our work. That's what we've prayed. We've seen it in small ways but the Lord is not done in China.
Can you do me a favor right now and pray for China? Pray that the Lord used and continues to use what we gave (all that we had). That He, not we, made a difference. Pray for our friends. Pray for the students. Pray for the Chinese believers and foreign believers. Pray for the unbelievers. Pray for the government. Pray for the Lord to be honored and praised in new ways.
He's God of that city, too.
Thank you!
<>< Katie
PS: If you want to be part of the ground plowing, send me an email and I'll hook you up with the organization we went through as volunteer English teachers.
Sure, we saw some amazing things: hundreds of believers gathered freely to worship, a local church being gifted land and money to replace that which was usurped from them 30 years ago, the opportunity to give away Chinese-English New Testaments.
Yet there is so much work left to be done. So many people who have never even heard the name of Jesus.
When we went to China, they told us we would (in all likelihood) not see the fruits of our labor. We were not even planting seeds. Rather, we were plowing ground, removing rocks, and preparing for future seed planters.
We did not see many fruits of our labor. Yet He will. He will use our efforts, our energies, and our work. That's what we've prayed. We've seen it in small ways but the Lord is not done in China.
Can you do me a favor right now and pray for China? Pray that the Lord used and continues to use what we gave (all that we had). That He, not we, made a difference. Pray for our friends. Pray for the students. Pray for the Chinese believers and foreign believers. Pray for the unbelievers. Pray for the government. Pray for the Lord to be honored and praised in new ways.
He's God of that city, too.
Thank you!
<>< Katie
PS: If you want to be part of the ground plowing, send me an email and I'll hook you up with the organization we went through as volunteer English teachers.
Friday, November 4, 2011
Who are the Poor?
For the last week I have been dog-sitting in a very nice neighborhood. Day after day, I walk the dog down the freshy-swept street looking at the fancy homes, the manicured lawns, and expensive cars. Part of me wonders if I could ever afford to live here.
Financially, it's a lofty goal for this unemployed recent grad. That's not what I meant.
I mean, could I afford to live here
when some live here?
The Bible doesn't say "Don't live in a nice house"... but it does say "give everything you have to the poor."
But who are the poor?
Are the poor the children in a hogar in Guatemala who play with one-armed Barbies but have the joy of the Lord in their hearts and it shows on their faces?
Are the poor the people paying taxes on their 4,000 square-foot homes who are on the brink of divorce, have disrespectful children, and hire someone else to pick up their dog poop?
Part of me says, no way, I will never live in a classy neighborhood. (Especially based on those stereotypes). I've seen too much poverty to be comfortable in a large, neat home.
Perhaps that is true. For just me and the dog, this four-bedroom, three-bath home is way too big. But what if I had a husband and children?
Through trial and error, I have learned some aspects of third-world ministry. I have been to places where hand sanitizer and toilet paper are luxuries. The girls in the photo above aren't just children worlds away with stories that would break your heart. We know each others' names, they are my sisters, and they almost knocked me fifteen feet off that ledge ten seconds after that photo was taken when they tried to all see it simultaneously.
Yet, as I walk through this nice neighborhood and wonder about the people inside of the homes, I wonder about them and their lives. Do they know their neighbors? Do they realize there's more to life than fnancial success? Most importantly, do they know that God loves them?
How can I walk my dog down this street
knowing stray dogs roam down this street?
Easy. On both streets there are people that have never heard the name of Jesus.
How can I limit ministry to the without-money poor without including the without-Jesus poor?
Third world ministry may be teaching people how to brush their teeth, handing out bracelets, and fitting them with eye glasses. It can be loving them, making a fool of yourself, and living the gospel.
Is that not also what is the first world also needs? Love, humor, and (most importantly) Jesus.
First world ministry is greeting neighbors as you pass them on the street, hand-delivering a warm breakfast to the neighbor's housesitter and inviting her over for dinner, or cutting someone else's grass because they're having a busy week. It can be releasing a child from poverty through child sponsorship and telling others about your Fridge Kid. It's loving the way Christ commands us and living the gospel.
He is the God of this city
just as He is of this one.
Can I afford it?
How can I NOT?
The Great Commission commands us to GO and make disciples of ALL nations (Matthew 28:19, emphasis mine). I like to GO to another nation; it has become comfortable to me. But GO can also mean GO to the other side of the shurbery.
No matter where you live, GO and be the missionary you were called to be (Acts 1:8).
It starts with me.
<>< Katie
Financially, it's a lofty goal for this unemployed recent grad. That's not what I meant.
I mean, could I afford to live here
when some live here?
Can I live here
having been here?
The Bible doesn't say "Don't live in a nice house"... but it does say "give everything you have to the poor."
But who are the poor?
Are the poor the children in a hogar in Guatemala who play with one-armed Barbies but have the joy of the Lord in their hearts and it shows on their faces?
Are the poor the people paying taxes on their 4,000 square-foot homes who are on the brink of divorce, have disrespectful children, and hire someone else to pick up their dog poop?
Part of me says, no way, I will never live in a classy neighborhood. (Especially based on those stereotypes). I've seen too much poverty to be comfortable in a large, neat home.
Perhaps that is true. For just me and the dog, this four-bedroom, three-bath home is way too big. But what if I had a husband and children?
Through trial and error, I have learned some aspects of third-world ministry. I have been to places where hand sanitizer and toilet paper are luxuries. The girls in the photo above aren't just children worlds away with stories that would break your heart. We know each others' names, they are my sisters, and they almost knocked me fifteen feet off that ledge ten seconds after that photo was taken when they tried to all see it simultaneously.
Yet, as I walk through this nice neighborhood and wonder about the people inside of the homes, I wonder about them and their lives. Do they know their neighbors? Do they realize there's more to life than fnancial success? Most importantly, do they know that God loves them?
How can I walk my dog down this street
knowing stray dogs roam down this street?
Easy. On both streets there are people that have never heard the name of Jesus.
How can I limit ministry to the without-money poor without including the without-Jesus poor?
Third world ministry may be teaching people how to brush their teeth, handing out bracelets, and fitting them with eye glasses. It can be loving them, making a fool of yourself, and living the gospel.
Is that not also what is the first world also needs? Love, humor, and (most importantly) Jesus.
First world ministry is greeting neighbors as you pass them on the street, hand-delivering a warm breakfast to the neighbor's housesitter and inviting her over for dinner, or cutting someone else's grass because they're having a busy week. It can be releasing a child from poverty through child sponsorship and telling others about your Fridge Kid. It's loving the way Christ commands us and living the gospel.
He is the God of this city
Can I afford it?
How can I NOT?
The Great Commission commands us to GO and make disciples of ALL nations (Matthew 28:19, emphasis mine). I like to GO to another nation; it has become comfortable to me. But GO can also mean GO to the other side of the shurbery.
No matter where you live, GO and be the missionary you were called to be (Acts 1:8).
It starts with me.
<>< Katie
Thursday, August 18, 2011
Hallelujah
A Chinese woman noticed the English Bible in Mike's hand.
She pointed to it and, with a huge smile on her face, pulled her Chinese Bible out of her purse. Mike smiled back, and the exchange ended. At least as far as I could see from my seat across the over-crowded public bus.
The bus only got hotter and more crowded as we approached our destination: a Chinese church meeting at a chicken plant because they spent thirty years fighting the government to regain their land that was seized.*
Our team and several Chinese people got off at the stop at the church's gate. This woman was thrilled!
She grabbed Juanita by the arm, looked directly in her eyes, and began to ramble in Chinese. Juanita didn't understand a word of it, but she understood this woman's joy.
The woman kept trying different phrases, willing Juanita to understand.
"Hallelujah," the Chinese woman said. Juanita understood.
"Hallelujah!"
It's not identical in both languages, but it's a cognate. The two sisters could not converse with words, but they could worship together.
What more does one need?
Hallelujah,
<>< Katie
Note: Words like "Amen" and "Jesus" are also cognates. That's about all we understood of the service.
* Though it is significantly smaller and more out of the way than the original land, the Chinese government has given the church land along with monetary contributions (to make up for the rest of the acreage) and a promise to assist in the placement of a bus stop near church property. This fall, they hope to break ground to complete the 1,500-seat building by Christmas 2012. The pastor of this church rotates between it and at least ten other local churches.
She pointed to it and, with a huge smile on her face, pulled her Chinese Bible out of her purse. Mike smiled back, and the exchange ended. At least as far as I could see from my seat across the over-crowded public bus.
The bus only got hotter and more crowded as we approached our destination: a Chinese church meeting at a chicken plant because they spent thirty years fighting the government to regain their land that was seized.*
Our team and several Chinese people got off at the stop at the church's gate. This woman was thrilled!
She grabbed Juanita by the arm, looked directly in her eyes, and began to ramble in Chinese. Juanita didn't understand a word of it, but she understood this woman's joy.
The woman kept trying different phrases, willing Juanita to understand.
"Hallelujah," the Chinese woman said. Juanita understood.
"Hallelujah!"
It's not identical in both languages, but it's a cognate. The two sisters could not converse with words, but they could worship together.
What more does one need?
Hallelujah,
<>< Katie
Note: Words like "Amen" and "Jesus" are also cognates. That's about all we understood of the service.
* Though it is significantly smaller and more out of the way than the original land, the Chinese government has given the church land along with monetary contributions (to make up for the rest of the acreage) and a promise to assist in the placement of a bus stop near church property. This fall, they hope to break ground to complete the 1,500-seat building by Christmas 2012. The pastor of this church rotates between it and at least ten other local churches.
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Looks Like
Amber and I were dragging a little as we walked through yet another airport. This was our sixth airport and sixth flight involved in our journey to and from China.
We got fifteen hours of sleep between Friday morning and Monday-Round Two. Then sixteen hours between Monday-Round Two and Tuesday. There was a lot still to make up for.
A man shouted at us, "Would you care to hear about the Lord Jesus Christ?"
Normally I would have ignored him. I'm not a fan of street-corner preachers. And I just got back from China where you are constantly heckled to buy this product, hire this taxi, etc. But in a burst of energy, I turned to him, pumped my first in the air, and proudly proclaimed, "We know the Lord!"
"Doesn't look like it," he said.
We kept walking. Amber laughed. But I was annoyed.
What does it look like to love the Lord?
Does it look like this Christian t-shirt I'm wearing?
Does it look like the cross around my neck?
Does it look like kapris rather than short-shorts?
Does it look like a pep in my step even though I'm exhausted?
Does it look like the bags under my eyes from a three-week mission trip?
Maybe it's not physical.
Maybe it looks like loving, even those people who are hard to love.
Maybe it looks like serving others, even when you'd rather fall into bed.
Maybe it looks like being patient and understanding, even as you explain something for the hundredth time.
Maybe it looks like being kind to everyone, even the man in the airport using tracts.
Maybe it looks like being kind to everyone, even the man in the airport using tracts.
Maybe it doesn't look like I love the Lord.
Maybe that's something I need to work on. Now and always.
<>< Katie
Monday, August 1, 2011
Foreigner
Hi friends! I know I said I probably wouldn't blog here while I am in China... but I just can't help it. God's been teaching me some cool things and I want to share them. You can also keep up with Amber's and my adventure in China at: TheChinaAdventures.blogspot.com
I think I used to always interpret that as being rejected no more, being accepted into God's family. But having spent a week and a half in an area of China where the only Americans we see are the six members of our own team, I know what it means to be a foreigner.
To be a foreigner means to be pointed at, stared at, and watched. To struggle to communicate, to fumble with money, and question every item your chopsticks put into your mouth.
To be a member of the family means you have a bed, a place at the table, you understand the language, you eat the food, and you're included. There's no longer a need to impress, on either side, because, congratulations, you're in! The need to stare is gone because you're together as one family.
I will always be a foreigner in China but even here among my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are a family! Amen.
<>< Katie
PS: This post was sent via email because blogs, like many other things, are blocked in China. Any grave errors will be corrected upon my return to the States next week.
Ephesians 2:19 has a whole new meaning now after being in China for a week and a half. The verse says, "So then you are no longer strangers and aliens, but you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of the household of God" (ESV).
I think I used to always interpret that as being rejected no more, being accepted into God's family. But having spent a week and a half in an area of China where the only Americans we see are the six members of our own team, I know what it means to be a foreigner.
To be a foreigner means to be pointed at, stared at, and watched. To struggle to communicate, to fumble with money, and question every item your chopsticks put into your mouth.
To be a member of the family means you have a bed, a place at the table, you understand the language, you eat the food, and you're included. There's no longer a need to impress, on either side, because, congratulations, you're in! The need to stare is gone because you're together as one family.
I will always be a foreigner in China but even here among my brothers and sisters in Christ, we are a family! Amen.
<>< Katie
PS: This post was sent via email because blogs, like many other things, are blocked in China. Any grave errors will be corrected upon my return to the States next week.
Wednesday, July 20, 2011
China-Bound
Hello, friends! If all is going as planned, I am on a plane bound for China by the time you're reading this.
My friend Amber and I have had an amazing opportunity open up to us to serve the Lord in China. We've been able to see His hand in all of the planning steps along the way.
We would be honored and humbled if you would join us in praying for us for the next three weeks while we teach English and encourage Chinese Christians.
You're also welcome to join us via our blog at http://thechinaadventures.blogspot.com/.
Since our computer time will be very limited (if we have any access at all), most of my time will be spent updating that blog rather than this one. So don't panic if I don't appear on your dashboard for three weeks. I will do everything my power to return safely and share with you all of the wonderful ways we saw God work.
Thanks, friends,
<>< Katie
My friend Amber and I have had an amazing opportunity open up to us to serve the Lord in China. We've been able to see His hand in all of the planning steps along the way.
We would be honored and humbled if you would join us in praying for us for the next three weeks while we teach English and encourage Chinese Christians.
You're also welcome to join us via our blog at http://thechinaadventures.blogspot.com/.
Since our computer time will be very limited (if we have any access at all), most of my time will be spent updating that blog rather than this one. So don't panic if I don't appear on your dashboard for three weeks. I will do everything my power to return safely and share with you all of the wonderful ways we saw God work.
Thanks, friends,
<>< Katie
Monday, July 18, 2011
Have You Eaten?
In preparing for my upcoming trip to China, I met with a teacher from my high school to learn more about the culture. He also taught me some helpful phrases (here's to not speaking Spanish to Chinese people!).
We started at the beginning:
ni how
Hello
Then he said there's another phrase I'll hear more often:
ni chi le ma
Have you eaten?
He said it's not really a question of whether or not you've eaten. It used to be back when there was a famine in China. But now it has become more of a greeting.
"Like here asking 'How are you?' No one cares; it's not any of my business if you've eaten or not," he said.
America, when we ask "How are you?" Do we really care?
More often than not, the answer is no.
I heard a story once about professor and a student walking opposite ways down the hallway. The professor greeted the student and asked how he was. The student answered, and they both continued to walk towards each other. In that moment of awkwardness, again the professor asked, "How are you?" Again the student answered before they finally passed and went on their way.
That professor didn't care how the student was doing; he just wanted something to say.
I'm guilty of it, too. People ask how I am and I say "Good" before I even think about the question. In being more conscious of this, I have started to say, "No, that's a lie. I'm ok."
Of course, you can't spill your soul to everyone you meet, but it is vital to have at least one someone to whom you can say, "I'm not ok and this is why."
Take it from someone who doesn't have constant access to that kind of friend anymore... it's not easy being alone.
Because we're not intended to be alone!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3 (emphasis mine)
Let's re-claim "How are you?" and only ask if when you mean it.
But it's hard.
For me, when I really mean it, I'm trying to train myself to ask, "Are you having a good day?"
What about you? Do you have any tips?
Wo chi le
I've eaten
<>< Katie
PS: It is grammatically correct to answer "Good" OR "Well" to "How are you?" However, it would be incorrect to answer "Good" to "How are you doing" unless you are actually doing good... and serving in a soup kitchen, working on a mission trip, loving the Lord's people...
We started at the beginning:
ni how
Hello
Then he said there's another phrase I'll hear more often:
ni chi le ma
Have you eaten?
He said it's not really a question of whether or not you've eaten. It used to be back when there was a famine in China. But now it has become more of a greeting.
"Like here asking 'How are you?' No one cares; it's not any of my business if you've eaten or not," he said.
America, when we ask "How are you?" Do we really care?
More often than not, the answer is no.
I heard a story once about professor and a student walking opposite ways down the hallway. The professor greeted the student and asked how he was. The student answered, and they both continued to walk towards each other. In that moment of awkwardness, again the professor asked, "How are you?" Again the student answered before they finally passed and went on their way.
That professor didn't care how the student was doing; he just wanted something to say.
I'm guilty of it, too. People ask how I am and I say "Good" before I even think about the question. In being more conscious of this, I have started to say, "No, that's a lie. I'm ok."
Of course, you can't spill your soul to everyone you meet, but it is vital to have at least one someone to whom you can say, "I'm not ok and this is why."
Take it from someone who doesn't have constant access to that kind of friend anymore... it's not easy being alone.
Because we're not intended to be alone!
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith. For the joy set before Him He endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. Consider Him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart."
Hebrews 12:1-3 (emphasis mine)
Let's re-claim "How are you?" and only ask if when you mean it.
But it's hard.
For me, when I really mean it, I'm trying to train myself to ask, "Are you having a good day?"
What about you? Do you have any tips?
Wo chi le
I've eaten
<>< Katie
PS: It is grammatically correct to answer "Good" OR "Well" to "How are you?" However, it would be incorrect to answer "Good" to "How are you doing" unless you are actually doing good... and serving in a soup kitchen, working on a mission trip, loving the Lord's people...
Friday, July 15, 2011
Fear of Rejection
I've always struggled with fear of rejection. Part of it comes from eight long years of middle and high school feeling like an outcast.
But overcoming the fear of rejection is more than having a place saved for you at the lunch table. More than hearing the words, "Katie, we'd love for you to live in our apartment." More than, "Will you go to the dance with me?"
It also involves a graduate school saying, "We see potential in her and want to grow her." It's an employer saying, "We want her on our team!" It's someone, anyone, saying "I believe in you."
Fear of rejection is still very real in my life, even if my name is shouted joyously when I enter the caf. It still has a bigger hold than I'd care to admit, a bigger hold than I thought it did six months ago.
But in Christ I've found someone who says, "I believe in you." I've found acceptance. And it comes from the Creator of the Universe. What more can one want?
Maybe I don't know what comes after China, but I am slowly learning to say, "It's going to be alright." And do you know why?
Because God IS good. ALL the time.
Even when it's hard to believe. Even when you get seven rejections in five months. Even when the world says, "She's not good enough." Even when you're alone at the lunch table.
But overcoming the fear of rejection is more than having a place saved for you at the lunch table. More than hearing the words, "Katie, we'd love for you to live in our apartment." More than, "Will you go to the dance with me?"
It also involves a graduate school saying, "We see potential in her and want to grow her." It's an employer saying, "We want her on our team!" It's someone, anyone, saying "I believe in you."
Fear of rejection is still very real in my life, even if my name is shouted joyously when I enter the caf. It still has a bigger hold than I'd care to admit, a bigger hold than I thought it did six months ago.
But in Christ I've found someone who says, "I believe in you." I've found acceptance. And it comes from the Creator of the Universe. What more can one want?
Maybe I don't know what comes after China, but I am slowly learning to say, "It's going to be alright." And do you know why?
Because God IS good. ALL the time.
Even when it's hard to believe. Even when you get seven rejections in five months. Even when the world says, "She's not good enough." Even when you're alone at the lunch table.
Monday, July 11, 2011
Skype Date
At Lifest on Saturday two lives where forever changed in one slightly uncomfortable moment.
Peder Eide, the host of the grandstand, held the packet of a Compassion child above his head and said, "Lifest, I've never done this before. But this is Maria from Honduras and we need a sponsor for her right now. Who wants to sponsor Maria?"
There we all were, listening for the pull of the Holy Spirit, wondering who was going to step up. A woman from the sea of lawn chairs answered the call.
Peder invited her on stage and asked her why she chose to sponsor that child. A brand new Compassion sponsor, you could tell she was a little overwhelmed.
"How would you like to meet Maria?" Peder asked.
She didn't know what to say.
He invited her out to a computer that was set up to Skype Maria.
Their conversation was short yet powerful.
I cried watching Lifest Skype Honduras.
It made me homesick... for Central America. For Spanish. For kissing people on the cheek. For trying to understand the difference between mango and manga. For worshipping our God, our same God, in another country, another language, and another way and realizing He understands and is comfortable with all of it.
I can't buy a plane ticket to Nicaragua. I can't Skype my family in Costa Rica. I can't play with my kids in Guatemala.
But I can write a letter to Maria, my family's Compassion child in Columbia. I can facebook my brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. I can pray for believers in Central America and around the world. I can look forward to and prepare for my upcoming trip to China with an unquenchable excitement.
What are you going to do?
Do you sponsor a Compassion child? If so, send your child a letter. If not, why not?
Sure, most people don't get to Skype their sponsored child. My roommate Jennifer got to meet her sponsored child in the Philippines, but that's not a reality for most of us. Yet through letters and photos, your sponsored child becomes part of your family. You get to share the hope of Christ and one day you will meet your sponsored child... just not on this earth.
Think about it. Pray about it. Try it.
Excuse me now, my sister Maria is overdue for a letter.
Dios les bendiga, amigos,
<>< Katie
Peder Eide, the host of the grandstand, held the packet of a Compassion child above his head and said, "Lifest, I've never done this before. But this is Maria from Honduras and we need a sponsor for her right now. Who wants to sponsor Maria?"
There we all were, listening for the pull of the Holy Spirit, wondering who was going to step up. A woman from the sea of lawn chairs answered the call.
Peder invited her on stage and asked her why she chose to sponsor that child. A brand new Compassion sponsor, you could tell she was a little overwhelmed.
"How would you like to meet Maria?" Peder asked.
She didn't know what to say.
He invited her out to a computer that was set up to Skype Maria.
Their conversation was short yet powerful.
I cried watching Lifest Skype Honduras.
It made me homesick... for Central America. For Spanish. For kissing people on the cheek. For trying to understand the difference between mango and manga. For worshipping our God, our same God, in another country, another language, and another way and realizing He understands and is comfortable with all of it.
I can't buy a plane ticket to Nicaragua. I can't Skype my family in Costa Rica. I can't play with my kids in Guatemala.
But I can write a letter to Maria, my family's Compassion child in Columbia. I can facebook my brothers and sisters in Nicaragua, Costa Rica, and Guatemala. I can pray for believers in Central America and around the world. I can look forward to and prepare for my upcoming trip to China with an unquenchable excitement.
What are you going to do?
Do you sponsor a Compassion child? If so, send your child a letter. If not, why not?
Sure, most people don't get to Skype their sponsored child. My roommate Jennifer got to meet her sponsored child in the Philippines, but that's not a reality for most of us. Yet through letters and photos, your sponsored child becomes part of your family. You get to share the hope of Christ and one day you will meet your sponsored child... just not on this earth.
Think about it. Pray about it. Try it.
Excuse me now, my sister Maria is overdue for a letter.
Dios les bendiga, amigos,
<>< Katie
Monday, July 4, 2011
Freedom
Right now I'm reading The Heavenly Man, a nonfiction book recommended to me prior to my trip to China. It tells the story of Brother Yun, a Chinese pastor who has faced heavy persecution for his faith and ministry.
I've lost track of how many times he's been arrested, and I'm only in chapter ten (of twenty-nine). Every time he faces brutal torture, undying faith, and miraculous escapes.
In reading this testimony, I can't help but wonder what the church in the United States would look like if we had that kind of faith. The faith where we'd be willing to face electric shock, starvation, and frigid temperatures all because we believe in God. would we be found faithful or would we relent? It's convicting.
But it also makes me thankful for what we, as Americans, have. The persecution we may face is verbal slander and judgment not physical abuse and death. We live in a country where we don't have to be afraid of our churches being attacked by the government and our members arrested for simply being on the premises. We can play our Christian music in our cars, at festivals, and even in retail stores. We can proclaim we believe with our t-shirts, bumper stickers, and blog posts.
For this I am grateful. But I know the price for this freedom was very high. Men and women have lost lives and limbs fighting for our independence. For my right to write this blog post. For your opportunity to read it.
Please take the time to thank a soldier. Not just on Independence Day, Veterans' Day, and Memorial Day, but any day and every day that you are grateful for your comfortable life free from persecution.
Now, let's go out and proclaim God with more than just our music, bumper stickers, t-shirts, and blog posts. God can and does use Americans just as He uses Brother Yun and Chinese Christians.
Have you thanked Christ for the price He paid for that freedom, too?
<>< Katie
I've lost track of how many times he's been arrested, and I'm only in chapter ten (of twenty-nine). Every time he faces brutal torture, undying faith, and miraculous escapes.
In reading this testimony, I can't help but wonder what the church in the United States would look like if we had that kind of faith. The faith where we'd be willing to face electric shock, starvation, and frigid temperatures all because we believe in God. would we be found faithful or would we relent? It's convicting.
But it also makes me thankful for what we, as Americans, have. The persecution we may face is verbal slander and judgment not physical abuse and death. We live in a country where we don't have to be afraid of our churches being attacked by the government and our members arrested for simply being on the premises. We can play our Christian music in our cars, at festivals, and even in retail stores. We can proclaim we believe with our t-shirts, bumper stickers, and blog posts.
For this I am grateful. But I know the price for this freedom was very high. Men and women have lost lives and limbs fighting for our independence. For my right to write this blog post. For your opportunity to read it.
Please take the time to thank a soldier. Not just on Independence Day, Veterans' Day, and Memorial Day, but any day and every day that you are grateful for your comfortable life free from persecution.
Now, let's go out and proclaim God with more than just our music, bumper stickers, t-shirts, and blog posts. God can and does use Americans just as He uses Brother Yun and Chinese Christians.
Have you thanked Christ for the price He paid for that freedom, too?
<>< Katie
Monday, June 27, 2011
As The Deer
During our family's annual birthday celebration my grandpa was telling a story about an interaction he and Grandma had with a deer while they were on vacation.
Apparently they were driving down a woodsy neighborhood road and there were some women walking down the street towards the car. In between their car and the women was a deer. The deer was focused on the pedestrians, so Grandpa slowed down and approached it as slowly and quietly as they could.
The car got right up next to the deer before the deer took its eyes from the women and noticed Grandpa and Grandma. Of course, then it took off running.
I can't help but wonder how often we are that deer. We are the deer focused on what's ahead, the women walking towards us, rather than noticing what's going on around us.
I am that deer. I'm focused on my future career, job opportunities, and the next step rather than focusing on the here and now. I'm concerned about what I'm going to be doing when I get back from China rather than focusing on what I'll be doing while in China.
Are you the deer? Are you looking at what you'll be doing this weekend rather than what you're doing today? Are you expecting something when God's working in a different way?
Oh, deer,
<>< Katie
Apparently they were driving down a woodsy neighborhood road and there were some women walking down the street towards the car. In between their car and the women was a deer. The deer was focused on the pedestrians, so Grandpa slowed down and approached it as slowly and quietly as they could.
The car got right up next to the deer before the deer took its eyes from the women and noticed Grandpa and Grandma. Of course, then it took off running.
I can't help but wonder how often we are that deer. We are the deer focused on what's ahead, the women walking towards us, rather than noticing what's going on around us.
I am that deer. I'm focused on my future career, job opportunities, and the next step rather than focusing on the here and now. I'm concerned about what I'm going to be doing when I get back from China rather than focusing on what I'll be doing while in China.
Are you the deer? Are you looking at what you'll be doing this weekend rather than what you're doing today? Are you expecting something when God's working in a different way?
Oh, deer,
<>< Katie
Friday, March 4, 2011
China-Bound
Secretly, I've always dreamed of going to China. In my dreams I've always envisioned my future husband and me going and bringing home a child. As always, God had a different vision. (But I haven't given up mine).
An opportunity has been made available for Amber and me to go to China for three weeks this summer. We will be teaching English but--more importantly--we will be witnesses for Christ.
"Being called" to do something was not part of my church lingo growing up, and I've really wrestled with what it means to "be called" to China. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I am perusing this opportunity with the intention of doing God's will rather than not doing it because I'm unsure if it's His will or not. (My friend Ron gave me that advice years ago and it was pretty much the best advice ever).
Even though there is still a lot of unknown, I officially submitted my application today. Now I need your help, friends.
1. Pray. Pray. Pray. Right now. Pray for me as I venture on this journey. Pray for Amber and all of the other volunteers we'll be working with. Pray for the people already in China. Pray for safety and health. Pray for us as we prepare to answer tough, blunt questions about our faith. Daily. Pray. Pray. Pray. Please.
2. I have no idea where on a college student's budget I'm going to come up with $3,000 to pay for the program. I firmly believe that God provides. Support letters, bake sales, begging on my hands and knees... If you have ideas or can support us financially, leave a comment or shoot me an email (katieaxelson [at] gmail [dot] com). Even just a dollar or two helps because God can use anything!
3. If you have any materials, teaching advice, donations, etc. We'd love to hear it. Haven't really thought that far ahead, but it's never too early to start planning.
My calendar officially doesn't end until August now! I'm really excited to see what God does with this trip! This is my first trip to a foreign country where I don't speak the language. I'll let you know how well Chinese people speak Spanish and ASL... I don't promise to blog every other day while I'm in China, but I will try to update you all periodically.
Thanks!
For His glory,
<>< Katie
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Isaiah 6:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
An opportunity has been made available for Amber and me to go to China for three weeks this summer. We will be teaching English but--more importantly--we will be witnesses for Christ.
"Being called" to do something was not part of my church lingo growing up, and I've really wrestled with what it means to "be called" to China. I haven't quite figured it out yet, but I am perusing this opportunity with the intention of doing God's will rather than not doing it because I'm unsure if it's His will or not. (My friend Ron gave me that advice years ago and it was pretty much the best advice ever).
Even though there is still a lot of unknown, I officially submitted my application today. Now I need your help, friends.
1. Pray. Pray. Pray. Right now. Pray for me as I venture on this journey. Pray for Amber and all of the other volunteers we'll be working with. Pray for the people already in China. Pray for safety and health. Pray for us as we prepare to answer tough, blunt questions about our faith. Daily. Pray. Pray. Pray. Please.
2. I have no idea where on a college student's budget I'm going to come up with $3,000 to pay for the program. I firmly believe that God provides. Support letters, bake sales, begging on my hands and knees... If you have ideas or can support us financially, leave a comment or shoot me an email (katieaxelson [at] gmail [dot] com). Even just a dollar or two helps because God can use anything!
3. If you have any materials, teaching advice, donations, etc. We'd love to hear it. Haven't really thought that far ahead, but it's never too early to start planning.
My calendar officially doesn't end until August now! I'm really excited to see what God does with this trip! This is my first trip to a foreign country where I don't speak the language. I'll let you know how well Chinese people speak Spanish and ASL... I don't promise to blog every other day while I'm in China, but I will try to update you all periodically.
Thanks!
For His glory,
<>< Katie
"Then I heard the voice of the Lord saying, 'Whom shall I send? And who will go for us?' And I said, 'Here am I. Send me!'"
Isaiah 6:8
"But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” Acts 1:8
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