Life Moves Pretty Fast Sometimes

Well, it certainly has been a busy time since my last post. Let's see if I can bring you up to speed without writing a book:

This past week we had a seminary volleyball tournament. Each class year formed a team and played each other over the course of the week. The probationary pastors (graduated students returning for a semester of classes after doing a year of ministry before ordination) needed some players so I got drafted to help play in a couple games. All the students enjoyed watching me play as I have very little actual volleyball skills. Granted, I can jump to block and from time to time can set someone up but I have no understanding of the rules or strategy of volleyball. At any rate, I enjoyed playing and I got some good time just hanging out with students which was good. The students are finally comfortable enough to sit and have conversations with me so I am really enjoying their insights and thoughts.

Classes are going well and I am gaining a new respect for teachers. Jamie, Sara, & Co. wow, you have a much tougher job than I expected. I mean, I've always had respect for teachers but you don't realize how much time it takes to plan, teach, and do the grading for a class until you actually do it. But I don't mind as I really enjoy my classes and teaching. Learning English for these students is a tool to greater empowerment so I'm happy that I can offer something to help them achieve their dreams (as sappy as that sounds). It's crazy to think that I only have five more weeks of teaching classes though. Time is flying by.

The past four days here have been a marathon of speaking engagements. On Friday, I was asked to speak at Divine Intervention School. DIS is a non-denominational school teaching over 200 students from levels ranging from 1st grade to 12th grade. Before arriving I had intended to share the same message I did with the high schoolers in Lunglei. However, when I stepped into the room I realized that the students were mainly elementary school. So I quickly had to make up a 20 min speech off the top of my head that would be engaging to children. I managed to pull that off and to teach some kung fu as well which the kids loved.

Sunday I spoke twice: once at Gilead Church to about 30 people and then another time at DIS again. At Gilead I preached about forgiveness in the church, based upon Matthew 18:21-35. Rev. Zolawma said my sermons have been getting better and that I did a great job of contextualizing my sermon. I think my sermons have improved because I finally feel like I have a sense of the people here in Mizoram so I'm more comfortable in letting myself speak more directly to them rather than a very neutral message. At DIS, I spoke on Rom 12:2;9-21 and about not allowing the images of success we see in the media (sex, drugs, money) make us chase after lifestyles that are damaging to us. If I get enough requests to see the sermons I can post them for you but since they'd be so long for this post I just decided not to since I wasn't sure how many people would be interested. Again at DIS I had to change my sermon on stage since I had planned for young kids again but the weekend crowd was mainly JHigh and HS. If you speak in international contexts, always be quick on your feet because you might have to change your sermon as you preach.

Tonight I'm scheduled to preach again, this time to the High School students at Rompelnaut. Last time I put them to sleep talking about the ressurection of the dead so hopefully this time my message will keep them awake. Lately I've been doing well keeping the young people engaged so let's hope I can redeem myself here. Other than that, I have a full week of teaching classes, preaching on Sunday, and will probably start some para-church ministry visits in the next week or so. Looking at the calendar, July feels like it's just going to fly by. I'm both sad and excited about that. I'm sad because I really love being here and have really enjoyed my summer at AICS. On the other hand, ending here means I will begin my 3 week tour of mainland India which is incredibly exciting. But I'm trying not to think about all that too much. As a wise man once said, "Life moves pretty fast. If you don't stop every once and while to take a look around, you might miss it."

Spend some time living in the present this week friends. Go to a park, go dancing, have an adventure. Until next time...

pax et bonum