Valentines Day is a special time for those in loving relationships to buy cheap chocolate, a cheezy card from Wal-Mart, and overpriced roses for that special someone. Or you could go the other route and spend $350 on dinner at a fancy-shmancy restaurante to let them know how you really feel about them. If option A mostly resembled February 14 for you, well then, there's always next year.
Take my predicament into consideration. I live in Nepal, have no spouse or significant other (no, this is not an self promoting ad calling all single women), and I am surrounded by 22 girls in ages ranging from 7-20, most of whom are in the "I have a junior high crush on older guys" stage. So, you might be asking what ideas we concocted in order to let our 22 "special someones" know that we care about them as sisters in Christ.
Jordan and I could not let the American holiday pass without doing something nice for the girls. Plus, they had never celebrated before and we saw it as an opportunity to encourage them in their faith. So, on a bitterly cold, rainy day we made the trip to town to select all the "special ingrediants" that would make for a fun night with the girls.
It was actually a really neat time. When it comes to intentionality in the orphanage, the guys are the ones who get most of the time and attention from us. I mean, it is just hard to relate with the girls, as one can imagine, being a guy, and it can be just weird. But, we have remained open to encouraging them when we can as well and have made the most of the opportunities that we get.
Valentines Day was great! We bought a rose for each girl, as well as cake and drinks. As we presented them with the flowers and desserts we each explained how God views women, that they are created in His image and He loves them all. Sometimes, in this Hindu society, women are seen as less than men in status. Some of those same beliefs have bled into the walls of CWC, where the guys sometimes think they are superior as well. Taking a few minutes to share Gods TRUE message with our "didis" (sisters) was very beneficial (We have also talked with the guys in a recent Bible Study about their view of their sisters, which was a great time as well). After encouraging the girls over Black Forest Cake and Pepsi--and believe me, you can basically say anything to a girl while she is eating Chocolate cake--we decided to pop in the 1990's Disney hit "The Lion King". The girls loved it! They REALLY enjoyed the night devoted to just them, excluding all the guys from enjoying their fun
....THEN.......
I was standing in my room when Sabina (16 yr. old) came in with two of her friends. "Sabina wants to tell you something," Laxmi, her friend stated happily. This was the jaw dropping, heart racing part of the night for me. Sabina hesitantly walked in the door and stared at the floor as she mustered the courage to tell me her secret (my mind was saying "dont do it. Dont do it"). "Jason, brother, I...I...I LOVE you!
...And there it was...on the floor like a fish out of water...
I had no idea how to respond or what to say. I was totally shocked, even though I somewhat figured it was coming in the 10 minute saga leading up to that point where she paced outside my room and her friends coached her from inside. So, I explained that there was a small, minor age difference (almost a decade). What do 16 year olds know about love?...or me for example? It was weird! Three to four days went by before she would even look at me again. But, I guess there isn't much that I can do about that, except tell you all so you can laugh for me.
Hope your Valentines Day was sappy and...I dunno
I'm out...
Wednesday, February 28, 2007
Tuesday, February 13, 2007
Let's all join the Mennonites!
I have been reading a book lately called “Joy Unspeakable” by Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones. I have listened to some John Piper sermons this year in which he highlights great theologians—some from of old and some from of recent. Jonathon Edwards, Martin Luther, Martin Lloyd Jones, John Bunyan, and Calvin to name a few. For some reason I really like books right now that build up my theological thoughts and help me to understand God more. I love Piper! Jordan can attest to this.
So I bought some here for a few bucks and have begun reading. Among them was the one I already mentioned, “Joy Unspeakable”. The book is about the baptism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now, I know what you all are thinking, “Great, Jason has dove off into the deep end and is going to come back speaking in tongues and suggesting that we all join him in raising our hands and shouting to the Holy Heavens.” You don’t have to worry. I read with a skeptic’s mind and an open heart.
I began the book about 2 weeks ago and have read 5 chapters and really enjoy the read. I am not sure what to think about what the author says. I have followed along through scripture as he has referenced it and I have had some great conversations with friends here as I listen to their thoughts. But, I have come to no conclusion yet. I will not brief you upon the contents of the book, although it is somewhat from a charismatic standpoint, but I want to touch on a thought that has sprouted.
It would be wrong for me to quit reading because I might not see eye to eye with Jones, much like it would be wrong of me to just believe without searching Scripture and spending personal research time devoted to understanding and testing his point. But, I find myself wanting to write the guy off simply because what he teaches is slightly different than what I have heard. And really, I have not given any significant study time to be able to back up my side with any crediting evidence. I only know what I know because others believe it to be true and I just believe as they do.
As I pondered and prayed about the things that “Joy Unspeakable” suggests, I have sometimes wondered whether I really need to devote so much time and study to something that might not really matter. I guess I cannot say that it is not important, for the things of the Bible are valuable or they would not be in there, but we all know that there are more important things to apply to our lives and sometimes we can get trapped in the “petty” things.
It is easy to draw distinctions with different beliefs. “Well, the Baptists believe this, and the Presbyterians believe that. The Lutherans are different than me in this, and Pentecostals differ in this way.” In our society it is easy to draw lines and label groups of people. We are good at creating divisions and are sometimes unwilling to be united. I am one who mentally makes divisions all the time. “I am not them, they are different than me. I believe what I do, and they believe what they do.”
As a result, as I read thus said book, I quickly began to try and figure out the group of people who could be associated with the thoughts of the author. I have realized that I am less susceptible to receive the thoughts that are preached if I can associate them with a “certain group.” “Well, I don’t want to be labeled as one of them, do I?”
Sidenote (I hope I don’t lose you): Jordan and I have become close friends with a few Mennonite people from our church. We consider them some of our closest friends here. And we have had great discussions about their beliefs, values, and thoughts. They are not very different from mine. I mean, they hold to the gospel message and live for Christ daily. They only have a few minor detailed differences, and that is nothing for me to let get in the way. They are more conservative and have chosen to live without many of the things we have chosen to live with on a daily basis. They do without most name brand clothes, tvs and electronic gadgets, and many other common luxuries that we would consider part of our everyday lives. Their community is one that promotes purity in all forms. Oh, do we have something to learn from them!
So tell me, what should our life look like? We should strive towards purity and holiness, right? And this would suggest a call to live more like the Mennonites, right? I am not suggesting that everyone sell their tvs and move into huts so that they can become more holy and pure. But, many times we (myself included) live life like the world and allow things to hinder us. (My point is coming soon)
For example, lets stick with the TV idea since it is all fresh on our minds and it is the one that makes since for me. We all love TV and the shows that entertain us (trust me, I had a hard enough time missing college football this year and my current show LOST). But, what is tv nowadays: trash, sex, violence, bad language, and sacrilegious beliefs played out in everyday life of popular tv episodes. I don’t have to convince you on this one. Watch Friends for 3 minutes and you can count on hands and toes the amount of times sex is said or alluded to. But, yet we still watch.
And, if we follow the Mennonite point of view, we should consider living life without this hindrance if it is indeed a hindrance (notice my emphasis). I say this to encourage us to have a “maximized” attitude to our lives in Christ. This means that we “throw off” every thing that keeps us from knowing and bringing Glory to God. Yet, we settle for the “minimalists” view, which poses the question, “How much can I get away with and still be a decent Christian?” This question might be best illustrated by a small child testing his/her parents’ boundaries, a love struck teenager who has found his/her “perfect match” and wants to know the right physical boundaries, or a grown adult who has life “figured out” and just wants to “look good” among other fellow Christians. We have been asking the wrong question. We should ask ourselves how we can best glorify God.
God, examine my life right now and tell me the things that are hindering me from knowing you and bringing you Glory.
On the Mennonite example, I have wondered whether I will get a tv when I return home. I have basically gone 5 months now with hardly any tv watchage (my word). And, I have come to enjoy the fact that I can live without one. Does this mean that I am a Mennonite…or…that I just happen to agree with them on this. Maybe God is convicting me about how I waste my time with such useless, empty stuff? I don’t need to be labeled “Mennonite”, but I need to remember that I am not that different.
I am realizing that some of my thoughts, desires, and pursuits are not far removed from the Mennonites, and nor should I try to separate myself from them. Who knows what God wants to teach us through the Spirit? Are we closed off to certain beliefs because we don’t want to be labeled with a particular group?
I say all this to explain how I came about recognizing in Nepal my similarities with the Mennonites in this one particular idea. At first thought, I was usually quick to distinguish myself from the group, but as I entertained the idea, I soon realized that I cling to some of the same values that they do, thus making me somewhat like them.
So, back to my main thoughts on divisions from before…
We (again, myself included) are quick to say “that’s not me. I don’t believe what they do. I am not Mennonite, Amish, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of Christ, or Baptist.” But, are we really open to what the Spirit might teach us. It is easy for us to just have someone else tell us what to think rather than to devote ourselves to personal study (via the Word and prayer with the Spirit). And we never actually search for ourselves, nor do we ask the Spirit. And maybe, if we did search the Spirit, we would find that our beliefs, values, and thoughts might be more closely aligned to that of the Mennonites, or any other groups’ thoughts and convictions for that matter.
Most great theologians from several years ago can be categorized and separated into different denominations. However, they all have one thing in common; they more than likely sought God over hours of Bible reading, meditation, prayer in the Spirit, and other extended times of study and spiritual disciplines. And we recognize them as great men led by the Spirit and who honored God with their lives, not men who were told what to believe.
Yes, I might finish “Joy Unspeakable” and find out that the theological standpoint that Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones takes on the particular issue that I am reading about is in disagreement with what I know to be true…or…I might come to agree with him. Who knows? But, I must remain open to the Spirit. I remain in danger if I do not.
(I hope this appears more than a jargled mess of words)
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in Spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
-Philippians 2:1-4
PS>>> I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS. LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF THIS MAKES SENSE AND YOU HAVE AN OPINION.
***Notice***
I highly recommend “The Religious Affections” written by Jonathon Edwards. If you do check it out, you might want to find a copy that has the revised English. This has proven to be a great source to read and see into the thoughts of one of the early reformers of the church.
So I bought some here for a few bucks and have begun reading. Among them was the one I already mentioned, “Joy Unspeakable”. The book is about the baptism and the gifts of the Holy Spirit. Now, I know what you all are thinking, “Great, Jason has dove off into the deep end and is going to come back speaking in tongues and suggesting that we all join him in raising our hands and shouting to the Holy Heavens.” You don’t have to worry. I read with a skeptic’s mind and an open heart.
I began the book about 2 weeks ago and have read 5 chapters and really enjoy the read. I am not sure what to think about what the author says. I have followed along through scripture as he has referenced it and I have had some great conversations with friends here as I listen to their thoughts. But, I have come to no conclusion yet. I will not brief you upon the contents of the book, although it is somewhat from a charismatic standpoint, but I want to touch on a thought that has sprouted.
It would be wrong for me to quit reading because I might not see eye to eye with Jones, much like it would be wrong of me to just believe without searching Scripture and spending personal research time devoted to understanding and testing his point. But, I find myself wanting to write the guy off simply because what he teaches is slightly different than what I have heard. And really, I have not given any significant study time to be able to back up my side with any crediting evidence. I only know what I know because others believe it to be true and I just believe as they do.
As I pondered and prayed about the things that “Joy Unspeakable” suggests, I have sometimes wondered whether I really need to devote so much time and study to something that might not really matter. I guess I cannot say that it is not important, for the things of the Bible are valuable or they would not be in there, but we all know that there are more important things to apply to our lives and sometimes we can get trapped in the “petty” things.
It is easy to draw distinctions with different beliefs. “Well, the Baptists believe this, and the Presbyterians believe that. The Lutherans are different than me in this, and Pentecostals differ in this way.” In our society it is easy to draw lines and label groups of people. We are good at creating divisions and are sometimes unwilling to be united. I am one who mentally makes divisions all the time. “I am not them, they are different than me. I believe what I do, and they believe what they do.”
As a result, as I read thus said book, I quickly began to try and figure out the group of people who could be associated with the thoughts of the author. I have realized that I am less susceptible to receive the thoughts that are preached if I can associate them with a “certain group.” “Well, I don’t want to be labeled as one of them, do I?”
Sidenote (I hope I don’t lose you): Jordan and I have become close friends with a few Mennonite people from our church. We consider them some of our closest friends here. And we have had great discussions about their beliefs, values, and thoughts. They are not very different from mine. I mean, they hold to the gospel message and live for Christ daily. They only have a few minor detailed differences, and that is nothing for me to let get in the way. They are more conservative and have chosen to live without many of the things we have chosen to live with on a daily basis. They do without most name brand clothes, tvs and electronic gadgets, and many other common luxuries that we would consider part of our everyday lives. Their community is one that promotes purity in all forms. Oh, do we have something to learn from them!
So tell me, what should our life look like? We should strive towards purity and holiness, right? And this would suggest a call to live more like the Mennonites, right? I am not suggesting that everyone sell their tvs and move into huts so that they can become more holy and pure. But, many times we (myself included) live life like the world and allow things to hinder us. (My point is coming soon)
For example, lets stick with the TV idea since it is all fresh on our minds and it is the one that makes since for me. We all love TV and the shows that entertain us (trust me, I had a hard enough time missing college football this year and my current show LOST). But, what is tv nowadays: trash, sex, violence, bad language, and sacrilegious beliefs played out in everyday life of popular tv episodes. I don’t have to convince you on this one. Watch Friends for 3 minutes and you can count on hands and toes the amount of times sex is said or alluded to. But, yet we still watch.
And, if we follow the Mennonite point of view, we should consider living life without this hindrance if it is indeed a hindrance (notice my emphasis). I say this to encourage us to have a “maximized” attitude to our lives in Christ. This means that we “throw off” every thing that keeps us from knowing and bringing Glory to God. Yet, we settle for the “minimalists” view, which poses the question, “How much can I get away with and still be a decent Christian?” This question might be best illustrated by a small child testing his/her parents’ boundaries, a love struck teenager who has found his/her “perfect match” and wants to know the right physical boundaries, or a grown adult who has life “figured out” and just wants to “look good” among other fellow Christians. We have been asking the wrong question. We should ask ourselves how we can best glorify God.
God, examine my life right now and tell me the things that are hindering me from knowing you and bringing you Glory.
On the Mennonite example, I have wondered whether I will get a tv when I return home. I have basically gone 5 months now with hardly any tv watchage (my word). And, I have come to enjoy the fact that I can live without one. Does this mean that I am a Mennonite…or…that I just happen to agree with them on this. Maybe God is convicting me about how I waste my time with such useless, empty stuff? I don’t need to be labeled “Mennonite”, but I need to remember that I am not that different.
I am realizing that some of my thoughts, desires, and pursuits are not far removed from the Mennonites, and nor should I try to separate myself from them. Who knows what God wants to teach us through the Spirit? Are we closed off to certain beliefs because we don’t want to be labeled with a particular group?
I say all this to explain how I came about recognizing in Nepal my similarities with the Mennonites in this one particular idea. At first thought, I was usually quick to distinguish myself from the group, but as I entertained the idea, I soon realized that I cling to some of the same values that they do, thus making me somewhat like them.
So, back to my main thoughts on divisions from before…
We (again, myself included) are quick to say “that’s not me. I don’t believe what they do. I am not Mennonite, Amish, Pentecostal, Presbyterian, Lutheran, Church of Christ, or Baptist.” But, are we really open to what the Spirit might teach us. It is easy for us to just have someone else tell us what to think rather than to devote ourselves to personal study (via the Word and prayer with the Spirit). And we never actually search for ourselves, nor do we ask the Spirit. And maybe, if we did search the Spirit, we would find that our beliefs, values, and thoughts might be more closely aligned to that of the Mennonites, or any other groups’ thoughts and convictions for that matter.
Most great theologians from several years ago can be categorized and separated into different denominations. However, they all have one thing in common; they more than likely sought God over hours of Bible reading, meditation, prayer in the Spirit, and other extended times of study and spiritual disciplines. And we recognize them as great men led by the Spirit and who honored God with their lives, not men who were told what to believe.
Yes, I might finish “Joy Unspeakable” and find out that the theological standpoint that Dr. Martin Lloyd Jones takes on the particular issue that I am reading about is in disagreement with what I know to be true…or…I might come to agree with him. Who knows? But, I must remain open to the Spirit. I remain in danger if I do not.
(I hope this appears more than a jargled mess of words)
“Therefore, if you have any encouragement from being united with Christ, if any comfort from his love, if any fellowship with the Spirit, if any tenderness and compassion, then make my joy complete by being like-minded, having the same love, and being one in Spirit and in purpose. Do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit, but in humility consider others better than yourselves. Each of you should look not only to your own interests but also to the interests of others.”
-Philippians 2:1-4
PS>>> I WOULD LOVE TO HEAR YOUR THOUGHTS. LEAVE ME A COMMENT IF THIS MAKES SENSE AND YOU HAVE AN OPINION.
***Notice***
I highly recommend “The Religious Affections” written by Jonathon Edwards. If you do check it out, you might want to find a copy that has the revised English. This has proven to be a great source to read and see into the thoughts of one of the early reformers of the church.
“I am now Jason Hayes, the siksak” (eh um…nepali for teacher)
As I wrote last week about resolving to be more involved “outside” the orphanage, I felt as if God was asking me to do one thing specifically.
On Sunday, February 6, 2007 Jordan and I met with a group of friends at Nathan’s flat. We had planned to watch the Superbowl early the next morning (5:30am to be exact…and I must add that we were able to project the screen onto the wall…who knew I would be watching the Superbowl on a 50 inch screen in Nepal….but that’s another story). On Sunday night, as the group mentioned prayer requests, Nathan brought up the need for an English Teacher at his Bible College. The job would be strictly volunteer work and would only last until the end of May. He or she would teach two days a week for an hour each. The focus: to build confidence in Nepalis to allow them to engage more in conversation with others.
Like I said, God had placed this opportunity on my heart. I told Nathan that he could count on me. I leaped out over the ledge and am trusting Christ.
I start today (Tuesday: in less than 3 hours)! I will be teaching a class of 15 college-aged adults. The age group is one that I am a little unfamiliar with, and have little experience, as all of my previous experiences have involved an elementary age group. Nonetheless, I want to teach math when I return and view this as an opportunity to gain wisdom in a field that I have little experience (The planning and implementation of teaching skills are a requisite for what I will need to know in the future). Furthermore, and more importantly, I will be developing relationships with students who desire to know Christ. This is the future of Nepal. These students attend the Bible College with hopes of becoming pastors and leaders among their people. Even though I am not teaching them the Word, per se—they have other classes with other teachers educating them—God has given me an opportunity to help them learn a language that, in return, will give them many opportunities in the future as well.
Please pray that I, like Solomon, will have wisdom from God to discern how to engage these Nepali students most effectively.
On Sunday, February 6, 2007 Jordan and I met with a group of friends at Nathan’s flat. We had planned to watch the Superbowl early the next morning (5:30am to be exact…and I must add that we were able to project the screen onto the wall…who knew I would be watching the Superbowl on a 50 inch screen in Nepal….but that’s another story). On Sunday night, as the group mentioned prayer requests, Nathan brought up the need for an English Teacher at his Bible College. The job would be strictly volunteer work and would only last until the end of May. He or she would teach two days a week for an hour each. The focus: to build confidence in Nepalis to allow them to engage more in conversation with others.
Like I said, God had placed this opportunity on my heart. I told Nathan that he could count on me. I leaped out over the ledge and am trusting Christ.
I start today (Tuesday: in less than 3 hours)! I will be teaching a class of 15 college-aged adults. The age group is one that I am a little unfamiliar with, and have little experience, as all of my previous experiences have involved an elementary age group. Nonetheless, I want to teach math when I return and view this as an opportunity to gain wisdom in a field that I have little experience (The planning and implementation of teaching skills are a requisite for what I will need to know in the future). Furthermore, and more importantly, I will be developing relationships with students who desire to know Christ. This is the future of Nepal. These students attend the Bible College with hopes of becoming pastors and leaders among their people. Even though I am not teaching them the Word, per se—they have other classes with other teachers educating them—God has given me an opportunity to help them learn a language that, in return, will give them many opportunities in the future as well.
Please pray that I, like Solomon, will have wisdom from God to discern how to engage these Nepali students most effectively.
Monday, February 12, 2007
Maybe I should just write and take a vow of silence!
...First of all, before I receive several comments supporting that I remain silent for the rest of my life, allow me to explain my thoughts...
I have come to realize from my time in Nepal that I, in fact, am better at communicating things through a letter, an email, or a blog than I would be if I were talking face to face with someone. I do not consider myself gifted in the relational side of life. And, I know some that can agree with me on this one. But, being away from home has allowed me to be more intentional with the things that I say. It has forced me to think before I write (or speak) and give careful consideration to my words. It has even helped me to be intentional. And, for me, this is good! I think most will agree that I sometimes say things I should not or dont say things that I should.
In relating with family and friends I have been more open about what is going on, both inside my heart and with things around me. Some were concerned that I would not be able to talk to them and see them as much as if I had stayed around NWA. And well, they are correct that they dont see me, but I would have to argue that my communication with them has been more open and freely given. In return, I have received emails and comments from them as well detailing what their life is like. The conversations that I have had with others back home, via email, have been encouraging and confirming. Though our normal everyday conversations that I am used to in the states are refreshing, I have sensed a deeper connection, and more now so than ever. Of course, I don't get to talk to my family and friends as much as I would if I were home, but the times I do get to hear from them (usually once every week or two) are more purposeful. I feel like I know more about some now than I have for a while. I think we can all agree that we as a culture are good at the "small talk", with the exception of one, Shawn Schwartzman--the man with a thousand questions.
I second Jordan's comment about the communication that we are used to.
-"Hey, how are you?"
-"Good. How are you?"
-"Good."
-"Well, good to see you."
-"Yeah, you too."
However, I realize that I am one who uses this form of "communication" the most. I am a fan of the "small talk" conversations. And, although I usually stumble over my words to keep a conversation going (Whats your name, where are you from, what do you like? You know the usual), I love authenticity. I enjoy being able to see where people's hearts are, especially those I know and care about. It is rewarding and uniting!
I hope that this that I have learned will follow with me in May as I return home.
...Or maybe I will take a vow of silence and only write to express my thoughts and communicate things.
I have come to realize from my time in Nepal that I, in fact, am better at communicating things through a letter, an email, or a blog than I would be if I were talking face to face with someone. I do not consider myself gifted in the relational side of life. And, I know some that can agree with me on this one. But, being away from home has allowed me to be more intentional with the things that I say. It has forced me to think before I write (or speak) and give careful consideration to my words. It has even helped me to be intentional. And, for me, this is good! I think most will agree that I sometimes say things I should not or dont say things that I should.
In relating with family and friends I have been more open about what is going on, both inside my heart and with things around me. Some were concerned that I would not be able to talk to them and see them as much as if I had stayed around NWA. And well, they are correct that they dont see me, but I would have to argue that my communication with them has been more open and freely given. In return, I have received emails and comments from them as well detailing what their life is like. The conversations that I have had with others back home, via email, have been encouraging and confirming. Though our normal everyday conversations that I am used to in the states are refreshing, I have sensed a deeper connection, and more now so than ever. Of course, I don't get to talk to my family and friends as much as I would if I were home, but the times I do get to hear from them (usually once every week or two) are more purposeful. I feel like I know more about some now than I have for a while. I think we can all agree that we as a culture are good at the "small talk", with the exception of one, Shawn Schwartzman--the man with a thousand questions.
I second Jordan's comment about the communication that we are used to.
-"Hey, how are you?"
-"Good. How are you?"
-"Good."
-"Well, good to see you."
-"Yeah, you too."
However, I realize that I am one who uses this form of "communication" the most. I am a fan of the "small talk" conversations. And, although I usually stumble over my words to keep a conversation going (Whats your name, where are you from, what do you like? You know the usual), I love authenticity. I enjoy being able to see where people's hearts are, especially those I know and care about. It is rewarding and uniting!
I hope that this that I have learned will follow with me in May as I return home.
...Or maybe I will take a vow of silence and only write to express my thoughts and communicate things.
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