My last two weeks here in Mizoram have been an all out blitz. Everyday I'm busy writing, editing, teaching, or traveling somewhere. Everyone here, including myself, is trying to make the most of my last few days here so I always feels as though I'm just coming from or about to go to an event. Monday, however, was a special event.
My alarm clock went off at about 4:45 am, much to my displeasure. Living in a place with no A/C, you cherish cool rainy nights because you actually get some good rest. However, I had to be awaken from pleasant slumber to hop in a car with the AICS chaplain so we could begin our travels out to a Bru (sp?) village.
The Bru are an ethnic minority here in Mizoram living mostly in small rural villages in the western part of the state. Either due to culture or location (I'm not sure which), these people have not modernized in the same way that those in Aizawl or Lunglei have. Or perhaps living in Aizawl, the capital city, has skewed my perspective. Either way, Rev. Zolawma wanted me to visit the Bru so I could be exposed to the way poor, rural people live in Mizoram.
The trip took about 5.5 hours to make as the chaplain and I had to navigate the difficult roads of Mizoram in his small car. Traveling on roads nearly washed out in something akin to a Pinto can be a little difficult but at about 10:30 am we reached the village. The village we visited, whose name escapes me at the moment, is the largest Bru settlement in Mizoram. Here there are about 600-700 huts. These huts are incredibly basic because they are modeled after the traditional homes.
A traditional Bru hut sits raised 3 or 4 ft off the ground on large bamboo posts. The four walls are made of bamboo thatch work (no nails or pegs) and the roof is composed of leaves. The inside is just one large room without an interior dividers. In one corner is a fireplace which is much more akin to a campfire than what you're probably imagining. Although I was invited into one of the homes, the chaplain marveled at the modernization of many of the huts. As I discovered, "modernization" meant some huts had tin roofs, four walls (the front of a traditional hut was left open), and some houses had televisions that ran off of batteries. I realized quickly the size of the scales which were over my eyes since I wouldn't have associated a tin roof with modernization (at least not in the past 100 yrs). Nevertheless, his remarks were quite accurate as you could see some of the effects of modernization and globalization amongst certain members of the community.
When we arrived, we were greeted by the faculty of the local Baptist High School which provides education to some 200 students ranging from kindergarten to high school. A lunch had been prepared for the chaplain and I which we were happy to take since we haven't eaten anything but some small crackers. There was little time for small talk though because all the children were waiting for us to visit the school (we arrived about an hour late). Although I didn't realize until I got there, the school had prepared a special reception for me.
As I walked into the large room, the children all stared in amazement at me. Not because of my dashing good looks but more because a 6'2" white man is not something you'll see often for the Bru (the chaplain actually described it as a 'once in a lifetime experience' for them). The chaplain and I were seat at the front of the room at a special table with the headmaster facing all the students. I must admit, I felt a bit odd considering the nature of my reception. I was treated as though I was a special dignitary from the United States on tour or something. I was humbled by the event as I didn't feel worthy of such a welcome.
These feelings came not only as I sat down, but as the program began. An 1-1.5 hr long program had been made for me to showcase the school. The kindergarten classes sang songs, elementary students recited Bible verses, junior high girls sang solos, the high school chior performed, and some high school students even did a traditional Bru dance. I did my best to take some pictures and videos as I also wanted to pay attention to the students.
After the performances, I was asked to say a few words to the students. In many ways, I repeated some of the things I told the students in Lunglei: work hard at your studies, you can be whatever you want to be, and maybe one day you can visit a far away place. I told them a couple stories about growing up in Texas and they loved my stories about feeding Texas longhorns. As a result, I've decided that if you are a Texan cowboy then everyone in the world loves you. Except the Yanks in America, but that's only because they're jealous haha.
Anyways, I wasn't done just with speaking because the chaplain got up and asked the kids if they would like to see some kung fu. The kids all cheered so I did a quick demonstration for them. As I began my demonstration, I noticed that the outside of the room was lined with villagers. Apparently, the parents of the children had requested to watch the event because they were just as interested to see a white person. I was glad to see them but it's an odd sensation to be the main event of someone's month. At any rate, I had a great time and at the end we passed out some candy we brought to give to the children.
After a quick tour of some parts of the village and some tea, it was back in the car for the chaplain and I. At about 1:45 pm, we began the journey home. Around 7:20, we finally made it back to AICS completely exhausted. The tough roads, heavy monsoon rains we encountered for most of the way home, and length of the day wore us both out. But I was really happy to make the trip.
Post-visit I have a lot of thoughts and comments which I don't have time to make here as breakfast will soon be served. Suffice it to say, I'm thinking about what it means to be "poor." "Poor" in America in no way captures the reality faced by most people in the world. I mean, think about it, are you poor if you don't own a car? Are you poor if you only have 3 pairs of shoes? Are you poor if you only own 7 shirts? are you poor if you don't own a TV? In Mizoram, if you have 7 shirts, 3 pairs of shoes, and a TV you're actually living pretty well. I had a faculty person say I had so much stuff here in Mizoram and yet everything I brought can fit inside the backpack I use for luggage. Think about it.
What about our lives is esssential? What about them are things we think are essential but actually aren't? If you have reliable and easy access to clean drinking water, sufficient food, basic education, and medical care are you still considered poor? What does it mean to be poor? That's the question of the day.
pax et bonum
Thursday, July 29, 2010
Friday, July 23, 2010
TNT & Samsara
Today was quite a different day than I usually have around Mizoram because I visited one of the Christian social work centers. The experience was enlightening, challenging, encouraging, disheartening, and sobering all at the same time. The site I visited was Thutak Nunpuitu Team (TNT), one of the most popular organizations here in Mizoram. Founded in 1988 by an itinerate evangelist and healer, TNT literally means "those who live by truth team." As one church leader described the organization, "TNT is a strong organization engaged in uplifting destitute and marginalized people. The association makes use of different approaches in its ministry."
TNT has a staff of 68 workers who serve the 1,000 recipients comprised of orphans, recovering drug addicts, special needs, and impoverished. The enormous number of people in which the organization serves makes the site incredible. TNT exists as a campus sitting in the hills outside Aizawl. I didn't take any pictures of the place because I didn't want to seem like a tourist so this account will serve as the memory I have.
My tour began with a glimpse into the kitchen where the cooks were getting their first break of the day. Cooking for the first meal of the day begins at 1 am as huge black pots rougly 4 ft in diameter and 3 ft high are used to make breakfast. My guide said that cooking will continue non-stop for the rest of the day as finishing one meal simply begins the task of preparing for the next meal. Which makes sense when you consider that 1,000+ people must be fed twice a day (Mizos traditionally do not take lunch).
Next, we moved to the rehab center TNT runs. The center is divided into two sections based upon the progress of the participants. When a new person arrives, they are moved into a dorm until there are 10 people and then the treatment process begins. The dorms are much like barracks: large buildings with two rows of bunks running the length of the room. Beds are basic: wooden frame, bamboo thatch work for a mattress, blanket, and pillow. Each day operates under a tight schedule posted outside the hostel encompassing breakfast, cleaning the area, lecture, counseling, sermon, cleaning, counselling, dinner, prayers, sleep. I assume the schedule helps keep the minds of those in rehab off the thoughts of addiction.
From the rehab center we walked down to the orphanage. The orphanage houses aproximately 400 children ranging from elementary to high school. TNT employs teachers (who work for very little money) to educate the children in hopes that upon leaving they can get a job to support themselves. Many children are either former street children or literal orphans placed here by extended family. When I was there, class had ended so the children were running around playing with balls made of plastic bags tied with plastic netting to make a softball sized ball.
The dorms for children were quite saddening to see. The dorms were again in barrack like fashion but slightly altered. For example, the boys dorm was a large building divided into three or four sections probably 20 x 30 ft. The sides of the sections had two large concrete slabs, one above the other like bunk beds. The slabs, as I found out, were the beds for the children. The boys get a thin blank to place on their section of the concrete slab and then a worn, thin comforter with pillow. Since the children were awake I didn't see anyone sleeping but I could only imagine 300 boys sleeping next to each other on these concrete slabs called beds. The girls' dorm had the same set up but seemed a bit cleaner.
After exploring the orphanage section (the different functions of the campus are quite literal sections with clear distinctions), we visited the special needs area. This area particularly struck a cord with me. Perhaps subconscious flashbacks to my time in Mexico in high school began to play. Regardless, we entered through the gate where a large amount of construction was being done to create a new building for the patients. Here is where the understaffing of TNT really began to be displayed (in case you missed it, 68 workers for 1,000 people are not good numbers). The special needs children and adults are basically left to sit around or wander in gated areas with one or two supervisors watching. Their sleeping conditions are the same as the children. I almost lost it as I walked past a man lying on the concrete slab wrapped in his blanket like a cacoon. I'm no expert on caring for those with special needs, but I feel I can confidently say that these people could use many more caretakers.
We concluded our tour by checking out the dorm for the ranchhands and farms that work at TNT. As I discovered, TNT raised their own chickens, turkeys,and cattle to feed the residents. In addition, they grow many of their own crops to consume. As a result, TNT seeks to be as self-sustaining as possible in regards to food consumption. A great idea although the wooden floor was so old and filled with holes I was worried the floor would give out from under me.
Thus was the end of my tour of TNT. By the time came to leave, my head and heart were swirling with a number of complex emotions. On the one hand, I was saddened to see the living conditions of the children, recovering drug addicts, and special needs people living at TNT. Yet on the other hand, I couldn't deny that although I would consider the conditions far beyond sub-standard or acceptable, this was the best that could be provided. I mean, where else would these people go? TNT is providing as best they can so I have to be thankful and appreciative of that. And although I know I cannot demand standards which simply don't exist here, I couldn't help but wish TNT was able to provide more. But I imagine these sentiments would be shared by the TNT staff as well. Most of the staff, by the way, are unpaid and live and work at TNT solely because they wish to help people. That's truly inspiring.
Nevertheless, my tour of TNT reawakened the unsettling emotions which I have managed to escape from in the past two months in Mizoram. My time at AICS and my trip to Lunglei all showed me the best that Mizoram has to offer. Yet Mizoram, just like anywhere else in the world, has its broken places as well. Seeing these places brought back the pain which my heart has grown accustomed too and social consciousness I've been trying to burn into my being. But perhaps it's best I explain what I'm talking about...
The Hindu tradition has a word called samsara which is central to its perspective. Samsara is Sanskirt meaning "flow" or "runaround." As Dr. Charles Ryerson writes,
To be more clear, the more I travel around the world and the more I study, the greater my dissatisfaction with the world. To compound my state, I seem to experience the reality of my own limitations and subsequent frustrations. To know that right now people are dying from diseases cured fifty years ago, mothers choosing drugs over caring for their newborns, people killing each other, oppressing one another...well, such consciousness is a bit over-whelming. Perhaps for this reason when my mom asked about certain experiences I had in Africa I told her, "you don't want to know. It's best you not know some of the things I saw." The same is true for Princeton, Houston, Beijing, Aizawl, and everywhere else I've traveled.
I am reminded today of both why I am joining the ministry and why I am not the same person I was a year ago. My grandparents told me it's good to be aware but that I must also learn to accept that I can only do so much. I think that last part of advice is something I'm still struggling with. When I envision my future, I some times see myself back in Houston working amongst the poor and helping the city that birthed me. Yet, at other times (esp days like today) I can't help but think that I need to travel abroad to places where the standard of living is so far below what is considered poor in America. I guess ever since I was a child I wanted to change the world. But perhaps the world is not enough, I wish I could change the fundamental essense of the universe. I wish I could make poverty an outdated concept or idea that people study in history class but lack the historical proximity to truly understand the meaning of poverty.
But this is a fantasy. Even Jesus tells me, "the poor will always be among you." I must admit I'm now catching myself, realizing I'm bearing my soul to some readers who have never met me. My apologies. Suffice it to say, at this point in my life I am grappling with the reality of injustice while at the same time attempting to discern what role I will play in combating the issue. All the while ever reminded that no matter what I do, the powerful play will go on.
I will now attempt to close this long blog post. Indeed, if you've made it this far I applaud your diligence. What I want to leave you with is this: tonight, tomorrow, this week, this month I want you to look past the veil that is over our eyes. Go visit your local soup kitchen one Saturday morning or participate in your local faith traditions' social work program. See what life is like, have that experience placed into your consciousness. Then go live a life of generosity, kindness, love, and peace. You don't have to sell everything you own or quit your job to work at a prison ministry (or maybe for you that's true), but you do need to live a life marked by serving others. Because as a wise man once told me, "the world is in no greater need of people who say 'love your neighbor as yourself.' But the world is in desperate need of people who actually love like that."
pax et bonum
TNT has a staff of 68 workers who serve the 1,000 recipients comprised of orphans, recovering drug addicts, special needs, and impoverished. The enormous number of people in which the organization serves makes the site incredible. TNT exists as a campus sitting in the hills outside Aizawl. I didn't take any pictures of the place because I didn't want to seem like a tourist so this account will serve as the memory I have.
My tour began with a glimpse into the kitchen where the cooks were getting their first break of the day. Cooking for the first meal of the day begins at 1 am as huge black pots rougly 4 ft in diameter and 3 ft high are used to make breakfast. My guide said that cooking will continue non-stop for the rest of the day as finishing one meal simply begins the task of preparing for the next meal. Which makes sense when you consider that 1,000+ people must be fed twice a day (Mizos traditionally do not take lunch).
Next, we moved to the rehab center TNT runs. The center is divided into two sections based upon the progress of the participants. When a new person arrives, they are moved into a dorm until there are 10 people and then the treatment process begins. The dorms are much like barracks: large buildings with two rows of bunks running the length of the room. Beds are basic: wooden frame, bamboo thatch work for a mattress, blanket, and pillow. Each day operates under a tight schedule posted outside the hostel encompassing breakfast, cleaning the area, lecture, counseling, sermon, cleaning, counselling, dinner, prayers, sleep. I assume the schedule helps keep the minds of those in rehab off the thoughts of addiction.
From the rehab center we walked down to the orphanage. The orphanage houses aproximately 400 children ranging from elementary to high school. TNT employs teachers (who work for very little money) to educate the children in hopes that upon leaving they can get a job to support themselves. Many children are either former street children or literal orphans placed here by extended family. When I was there, class had ended so the children were running around playing with balls made of plastic bags tied with plastic netting to make a softball sized ball.
The dorms for children were quite saddening to see. The dorms were again in barrack like fashion but slightly altered. For example, the boys dorm was a large building divided into three or four sections probably 20 x 30 ft. The sides of the sections had two large concrete slabs, one above the other like bunk beds. The slabs, as I found out, were the beds for the children. The boys get a thin blank to place on their section of the concrete slab and then a worn, thin comforter with pillow. Since the children were awake I didn't see anyone sleeping but I could only imagine 300 boys sleeping next to each other on these concrete slabs called beds. The girls' dorm had the same set up but seemed a bit cleaner.
After exploring the orphanage section (the different functions of the campus are quite literal sections with clear distinctions), we visited the special needs area. This area particularly struck a cord with me. Perhaps subconscious flashbacks to my time in Mexico in high school began to play. Regardless, we entered through the gate where a large amount of construction was being done to create a new building for the patients. Here is where the understaffing of TNT really began to be displayed (in case you missed it, 68 workers for 1,000 people are not good numbers). The special needs children and adults are basically left to sit around or wander in gated areas with one or two supervisors watching. Their sleeping conditions are the same as the children. I almost lost it as I walked past a man lying on the concrete slab wrapped in his blanket like a cacoon. I'm no expert on caring for those with special needs, but I feel I can confidently say that these people could use many more caretakers.
We concluded our tour by checking out the dorm for the ranchhands and farms that work at TNT. As I discovered, TNT raised their own chickens, turkeys,and cattle to feed the residents. In addition, they grow many of their own crops to consume. As a result, TNT seeks to be as self-sustaining as possible in regards to food consumption. A great idea although the wooden floor was so old and filled with holes I was worried the floor would give out from under me.
Thus was the end of my tour of TNT. By the time came to leave, my head and heart were swirling with a number of complex emotions. On the one hand, I was saddened to see the living conditions of the children, recovering drug addicts, and special needs people living at TNT. Yet on the other hand, I couldn't deny that although I would consider the conditions far beyond sub-standard or acceptable, this was the best that could be provided. I mean, where else would these people go? TNT is providing as best they can so I have to be thankful and appreciative of that. And although I know I cannot demand standards which simply don't exist here, I couldn't help but wish TNT was able to provide more. But I imagine these sentiments would be shared by the TNT staff as well. Most of the staff, by the way, are unpaid and live and work at TNT solely because they wish to help people. That's truly inspiring.
Nevertheless, my tour of TNT reawakened the unsettling emotions which I have managed to escape from in the past two months in Mizoram. My time at AICS and my trip to Lunglei all showed me the best that Mizoram has to offer. Yet Mizoram, just like anywhere else in the world, has its broken places as well. Seeing these places brought back the pain which my heart has grown accustomed too and social consciousness I've been trying to burn into my being. But perhaps it's best I explain what I'm talking about...
The Hindu tradition has a word called samsara which is central to its perspective. Samsara is Sanskirt meaning "flow" or "runaround." As Dr. Charles Ryerson writes,
The dominant metaphor for this word is water, either the ocean or a river. Samsara is what one must be liberated or saved from. In this view, as a person becomes more conscious, and consciousness is a key term, one feels more the frustrations and limitations of life. The deeper one thinks and feels, the more one finds that one is in pain because one longs for what the phenomenal world cannot give. This becomes genuine suffering on the deepest level.Although I am not a Hindu, I think that this description properly describes a feeling that has developed in me over the past year. Indeed, before leaving for India I had a long conversation with my grandfather. He told me, "Austin, I feel as though you are not the same happy go lucky person that you were last summer. You have changed, become more serious." His remarks were not alone as a friend told me the same before I left Princeton. I went on to explain to my grandfather my experiences around the world which have been incredibly difficult for me to experience and process. Indeed, my growing awareness and meditation on the conditions of people around the world have lead to a growing cynicism and seriousness in my approach.
To be more clear, the more I travel around the world and the more I study, the greater my dissatisfaction with the world. To compound my state, I seem to experience the reality of my own limitations and subsequent frustrations. To know that right now people are dying from diseases cured fifty years ago, mothers choosing drugs over caring for their newborns, people killing each other, oppressing one another...well, such consciousness is a bit over-whelming. Perhaps for this reason when my mom asked about certain experiences I had in Africa I told her, "you don't want to know. It's best you not know some of the things I saw." The same is true for Princeton, Houston, Beijing, Aizawl, and everywhere else I've traveled.
I am reminded today of both why I am joining the ministry and why I am not the same person I was a year ago. My grandparents told me it's good to be aware but that I must also learn to accept that I can only do so much. I think that last part of advice is something I'm still struggling with. When I envision my future, I some times see myself back in Houston working amongst the poor and helping the city that birthed me. Yet, at other times (esp days like today) I can't help but think that I need to travel abroad to places where the standard of living is so far below what is considered poor in America. I guess ever since I was a child I wanted to change the world. But perhaps the world is not enough, I wish I could change the fundamental essense of the universe. I wish I could make poverty an outdated concept or idea that people study in history class but lack the historical proximity to truly understand the meaning of poverty.
But this is a fantasy. Even Jesus tells me, "the poor will always be among you." I must admit I'm now catching myself, realizing I'm bearing my soul to some readers who have never met me. My apologies. Suffice it to say, at this point in my life I am grappling with the reality of injustice while at the same time attempting to discern what role I will play in combating the issue. All the while ever reminded that no matter what I do, the powerful play will go on.
I will now attempt to close this long blog post. Indeed, if you've made it this far I applaud your diligence. What I want to leave you with is this: tonight, tomorrow, this week, this month I want you to look past the veil that is over our eyes. Go visit your local soup kitchen one Saturday morning or participate in your local faith traditions' social work program. See what life is like, have that experience placed into your consciousness. Then go live a life of generosity, kindness, love, and peace. You don't have to sell everything you own or quit your job to work at a prison ministry (or maybe for you that's true), but you do need to live a life marked by serving others. Because as a wise man once told me, "the world is in no greater need of people who say 'love your neighbor as yourself.' But the world is in desperate need of people who actually love like that."
pax et bonum
Monday, July 19, 2010
Dinners & Perspectives
Unlike previous weeks here in Mizoram, this past week seemed to move by very slowly. Of course, considering that the summer is suppose to be my break from the stresses of academic life I can't really complain. The ease of the week was due in part to my supervisor, Rev. Zolawma, being gone and Principal Hnuni leaving as well. As a result, I spent most of my week meeting with people and preparing for my classes.
Although I was sad to see Principal leave, her absense has opened new doors for me. While she was at AICS, Principal always had me join her and her family for meals. Now that she is gone, other faculty members and even students are inviting me to eat with them. So that's been a fun experience. Everyone here is so impressed that I'm able to eat Mizo food without problems and that I take my meals by using my hands like everyone else.
One night, Professor Ronmingliani had myself and another student over for dinner. She studied for about 5 yrs in the UK so she made a "Western" meal for us one night. We had chicken, mashed potatoes, corn with green beans, and peas. For a moment I thought I was back in the South haha. Afterwards, the three of us had a long discussion on the role of women in the church. I never realized how much of a feminist I am until I arrived here and have been an advocate for women in the ministry. I also didn't realize how much random information is stuck up in my head. I feel like the computer who wore tennis shoes. Students will ask me about the history of the decline of the church in Europe, my theology of Scripture or missiology, the changing view of marriage in the US, etc. I'll begin to answer talking about cultural trends, theological shifts, key leaders, etc. then stop and think to myself, "how did I know that?" Guess I actually did pay attention in class all those years at Baylor. Naw, I probably just saw that stuff on TV haha.
I've also eaten with the students in the dorm (or "hostel" as it's called here) a couple times. That's been an interesting experience and opened my eyes up a lot. The first funny thing is how quiet the students are when they eat. Mizos, as I've noticed, are much more comfortable sitting in silence with one another than Americans are. The cafeteria is no different as students eat silently then rush off to the next event. The daily schedule here is so packed that student eat very quickly (15-20 mins) then head off to class or worship service.
In the States, I think students really take for granted all the services that are provided for them. At PTS, I've really made it a point to get to know the cafeteria staff, cleaning people, etc. because I am thankful for all their work. But being here takes my gratitude to another level. Students at AICS are responsible for serving the food, preparing and cleaning the dining hall, and washing dishes. That's on top of the gardening (which entails literally cutting the grass with knives because there are no lawn mowers here), picking up trash, helping with building projects, and more. I would imagine that US students would not attend a seminary where the students did all the maintenance work (admittedly I might not be soo keen on the idea) but here everyone does the work because that's what you have to do in order to get an education.
So the next time you're walking around the office, at your house, the mall, or wherever, stop and take the 30 secs required to say hello and thank you to the people who make your life work. The security guard, the cleaning people, the gardeners, etc. Just like you, they're doing a tough job and probably so you don't have to. So say thanks at least. But even better if you get to know them. When you treat everyone with dignity and respect, the world will look a whole lot different.
Anyways, aside from my sermonette, this week Rev. Zolawma has returned so life might return to a quick pace. I have a lot of trips to make in the next 3 weeks before I leave. I hope to visit some rural villages and also visit the social work programs around Aizawl. Also, I need to finish editting my paper for the faculty-student seminar. Then in a month, I'll be standing in front of the Taj...my life is ridiculous. Well, I guess that's all the updates I have for you. Have a good week.
pax et bonum
Although I was sad to see Principal leave, her absense has opened new doors for me. While she was at AICS, Principal always had me join her and her family for meals. Now that she is gone, other faculty members and even students are inviting me to eat with them. So that's been a fun experience. Everyone here is so impressed that I'm able to eat Mizo food without problems and that I take my meals by using my hands like everyone else.
One night, Professor Ronmingliani had myself and another student over for dinner. She studied for about 5 yrs in the UK so she made a "Western" meal for us one night. We had chicken, mashed potatoes, corn with green beans, and peas. For a moment I thought I was back in the South haha. Afterwards, the three of us had a long discussion on the role of women in the church. I never realized how much of a feminist I am until I arrived here and have been an advocate for women in the ministry. I also didn't realize how much random information is stuck up in my head. I feel like the computer who wore tennis shoes. Students will ask me about the history of the decline of the church in Europe, my theology of Scripture or missiology, the changing view of marriage in the US, etc. I'll begin to answer talking about cultural trends, theological shifts, key leaders, etc. then stop and think to myself, "how did I know that?" Guess I actually did pay attention in class all those years at Baylor. Naw, I probably just saw that stuff on TV haha.
I've also eaten with the students in the dorm (or "hostel" as it's called here) a couple times. That's been an interesting experience and opened my eyes up a lot. The first funny thing is how quiet the students are when they eat. Mizos, as I've noticed, are much more comfortable sitting in silence with one another than Americans are. The cafeteria is no different as students eat silently then rush off to the next event. The daily schedule here is so packed that student eat very quickly (15-20 mins) then head off to class or worship service.
In the States, I think students really take for granted all the services that are provided for them. At PTS, I've really made it a point to get to know the cafeteria staff, cleaning people, etc. because I am thankful for all their work. But being here takes my gratitude to another level. Students at AICS are responsible for serving the food, preparing and cleaning the dining hall, and washing dishes. That's on top of the gardening (which entails literally cutting the grass with knives because there are no lawn mowers here), picking up trash, helping with building projects, and more. I would imagine that US students would not attend a seminary where the students did all the maintenance work (admittedly I might not be soo keen on the idea) but here everyone does the work because that's what you have to do in order to get an education.
So the next time you're walking around the office, at your house, the mall, or wherever, stop and take the 30 secs required to say hello and thank you to the people who make your life work. The security guard, the cleaning people, the gardeners, etc. Just like you, they're doing a tough job and probably so you don't have to. So say thanks at least. But even better if you get to know them. When you treat everyone with dignity and respect, the world will look a whole lot different.
Anyways, aside from my sermonette, this week Rev. Zolawma has returned so life might return to a quick pace. I have a lot of trips to make in the next 3 weeks before I leave. I hope to visit some rural villages and also visit the social work programs around Aizawl. Also, I need to finish editting my paper for the faculty-student seminar. Then in a month, I'll be standing in front of the Taj...my life is ridiculous. Well, I guess that's all the updates I have for you. Have a good week.
pax et bonum
Monday, July 12, 2010
Fresh I Stay
So another week has come to a close here in Mizoram. As I think about what to write, I feel as though all I have to say is "same old, same old." But perhaps that thought is the new topic to write about for the week. It seems that after about a month and a half, I have slowly become adjusted to my life here in Mizoram. Driving through the streets of Aizawl, eating in local resturaunts, no A/C, showering with a bucket, etc have all become part of my normal life. It's crazy to think that many things I felt were standard parts of my lifestyle have become non-essentials now.
I've grown accustomed to concrete walls, Indian television stations, daily monsoon rains, and broken english. But I've truly enjoyed my time here thus far and it is still shocking to think that in 4 weeks I will leave here for mainland India. My time here has been filled with lots of self-reflection which has provided me with a better understanding of myself and my interactions with the world. After my first year of seminary I had a lot to process, I think I finally got a chance to do that which has been a blessing.
In the past month I've read the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Obadiah. I've been challenged by their social vision, words on forgiveness, and boldness in truth. I think their words have shaped my outlook as well and I have to be thankful for that.
This week my life in Mizoram takes a shift as Principal, her son John (whose become a good friend of mine), and her daughter Judith (who has been a new friend as well) all leave to travel to Canada for Judith's wedding. Since I have shared almost every meal with this family, it will be quite different to not have them around. In addition, Judith lives in Canada so today will be the last time I see her. Principal and John return the first week of August which happens to be the last week I am in Mizoram. I am sad that our time together is coming to a close but I am very thankful for all the time we have had together. Principal took me into her home like family and I am grateful for that.
The rest of my week finds me going about the usual itinerary. I have four English classes to teach, a pre-emptive sermon to prepare, and a backpacking trip to plan. English class is still going well, I've now started to switch the focus from grammar to speech so hopefully the students continue to grow from that. Also, in about 2.5 weeks I'm suppose to present a 10-11 page research paper at the AICS Faculty-Student Day. Since copies of my paper will be given to all students and faculty in addition to it undoubtedly being used as a model for everyone, I've decided to edit a research paper I wrote previously so that my work will be good quality.
So as you can see, a "normal week" actually encompasses a lot. Yesterday I counted that in the month I've been here I've spoken 13 times(7 sermons, 6 messages). Rev Zolawma told me that I've spoken more times in one month than he has in a year haha. Come to think of it, I probably need to prepare for my classes tomorrow. I hope all is well back in the states. And if you're a Spanish futbol fan or a Miami Heat fan, I'm sure you're week is going very well.
pax et bonum
I've grown accustomed to concrete walls, Indian television stations, daily monsoon rains, and broken english. But I've truly enjoyed my time here thus far and it is still shocking to think that in 4 weeks I will leave here for mainland India. My time here has been filled with lots of self-reflection which has provided me with a better understanding of myself and my interactions with the world. After my first year of seminary I had a lot to process, I think I finally got a chance to do that which has been a blessing.
In the past month I've read the prophets Isaiah, Jeremiah, Ezekiel, Amos, and Obadiah. I've been challenged by their social vision, words on forgiveness, and boldness in truth. I think their words have shaped my outlook as well and I have to be thankful for that.
This week my life in Mizoram takes a shift as Principal, her son John (whose become a good friend of mine), and her daughter Judith (who has been a new friend as well) all leave to travel to Canada for Judith's wedding. Since I have shared almost every meal with this family, it will be quite different to not have them around. In addition, Judith lives in Canada so today will be the last time I see her. Principal and John return the first week of August which happens to be the last week I am in Mizoram. I am sad that our time together is coming to a close but I am very thankful for all the time we have had together. Principal took me into her home like family and I am grateful for that.
The rest of my week finds me going about the usual itinerary. I have four English classes to teach, a pre-emptive sermon to prepare, and a backpacking trip to plan. English class is still going well, I've now started to switch the focus from grammar to speech so hopefully the students continue to grow from that. Also, in about 2.5 weeks I'm suppose to present a 10-11 page research paper at the AICS Faculty-Student Day. Since copies of my paper will be given to all students and faculty in addition to it undoubtedly being used as a model for everyone, I've decided to edit a research paper I wrote previously so that my work will be good quality.
So as you can see, a "normal week" actually encompasses a lot. Yesterday I counted that in the month I've been here I've spoken 13 times(7 sermons, 6 messages). Rev Zolawma told me that I've spoken more times in one month than he has in a year haha. Come to think of it, I probably need to prepare for my classes tomorrow. I hope all is well back in the states. And if you're a Spanish futbol fan or a Miami Heat fan, I'm sure you're week is going very well.
pax et bonum
Monday, July 5, 2010
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
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
Monday, June 28, 2010
Gotta Keep It Movin
So life is really switching into gear here in Mizoram. This past week I went to a wedding, spoke at a business presentation as a creative consultant, preached, and taught classes. Now it seems I'm always moving, especially after being informed that in the next week I will deliver 4 messages in 3 days.
I also had some fun last week at a special event the seminary puts on for "freshers" (new students). During the event, upperclassmen present songs, skits, and even do stand-up. During the program, each fresher is called up to be introduced and to draw a random upperclassmen's name from a hat. The upperclassmen who gets picked then asks the student a funny question. For instance, one guy asked, "So, do you like me?" When the student said "yes," he just stood there in awkward silence then smiled and passed the mic. We all bust out laughing because it was so awkwardly funny the way the guy pulled it off. I really enjoyed the time to gather and have a good laugh at ourselves. That's something I appreciate about the approach to seminary here: full of laughter and fun. Which isn't to say they don't take studies here seriously. Principal Hnuni runs a tight shift but the school is well respected and students move on to great positions so I guess it works out in the end.
I was also presented with gifts from the seminary including a nice Mizo necktie, Mizo bag, and hat. I was very thankful and continue to feel slightly bad about my celebrity status here. Everywhere I go I'm invited to speak or stay. Some times I'll speak at the churches where my fellow AICS-ers are interning before they've recieved a chance to speak. Hopefully these churches provide them opportunities to do so because I feel as though I'm taking people's spots. No one seems too upset so I guess that's good, but still.
On another note, this week marks a full month I've been living here in Mizoram. That's a crazy thought, but I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm sure the next month will go by quickly. I'm still loving teaching english and my students are enjoying all the funny english slang I've been teaching. Last week we learned "what's up?" before moving on to Present Verbs. I think tomorrow will be "high-fives."
I use slang and other items to share about American culture then draw connections with Mizo culture. I've also been assigning free write topics to give my students an opportunity to talk about their culture. This week's question was about gender roles and how the sexes are treated (I gave a talk about the history of gender roles in the US before giving to topic. I saw a couple eyes with glimmers of feminism. Wonderful.)
Well, that's all I have for you now. I'm sure this week will provide enough for me to write about later. It'll give you a chance to catch up on some of those long posts if you hadn't made it through. Hope your summer is going well and I've enjoyed hearing from all of you!
pax et bonum
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Yea, apocalyptic literature is very interesting and incredibly complex. I bet that was a cool class. Glad to hear your trip is good to go! I've always wanted to go to Egypt so I'm a little jealous. You'll have to take a lot of photos for me and tell me all about it!
I also had some fun last week at a special event the seminary puts on for "freshers" (new students). During the event, upperclassmen present songs, skits, and even do stand-up. During the program, each fresher is called up to be introduced and to draw a random upperclassmen's name from a hat. The upperclassmen who gets picked then asks the student a funny question. For instance, one guy asked, "So, do you like me?" When the student said "yes," he just stood there in awkward silence then smiled and passed the mic. We all bust out laughing because it was so awkwardly funny the way the guy pulled it off. I really enjoyed the time to gather and have a good laugh at ourselves. That's something I appreciate about the approach to seminary here: full of laughter and fun. Which isn't to say they don't take studies here seriously. Principal Hnuni runs a tight shift but the school is well respected and students move on to great positions so I guess it works out in the end.
I was also presented with gifts from the seminary including a nice Mizo necktie, Mizo bag, and hat. I was very thankful and continue to feel slightly bad about my celebrity status here. Everywhere I go I'm invited to speak or stay. Some times I'll speak at the churches where my fellow AICS-ers are interning before they've recieved a chance to speak. Hopefully these churches provide them opportunities to do so because I feel as though I'm taking people's spots. No one seems too upset so I guess that's good, but still.
On another note, this week marks a full month I've been living here in Mizoram. That's a crazy thought, but I've really enjoyed my time here and I'm sure the next month will go by quickly. I'm still loving teaching english and my students are enjoying all the funny english slang I've been teaching. Last week we learned "what's up?" before moving on to Present Verbs. I think tomorrow will be "high-fives."
I use slang and other items to share about American culture then draw connections with Mizo culture. I've also been assigning free write topics to give my students an opportunity to talk about their culture. This week's question was about gender roles and how the sexes are treated (I gave a talk about the history of gender roles in the US before giving to topic. I saw a couple eyes with glimmers of feminism. Wonderful.)
Well, that's all I have for you now. I'm sure this week will provide enough for me to write about later. It'll give you a chance to catch up on some of those long posts if you hadn't made it through. Hope your summer is going well and I've enjoyed hearing from all of you!
pax et bonum
SHOUT OUT SECTION:
Kirsten- Yea, apocalyptic literature is very interesting and incredibly complex. I bet that was a cool class. Glad to hear your trip is good to go! I've always wanted to go to Egypt so I'm a little jealous. You'll have to take a lot of photos for me and tell me all about it!
Wednesday, June 23, 2010
Preaching in Mizoram is Easier on TV
So I've met one of my first big challenges that I'll have to overcome during my time in Mizoram: preaching. For those who know me, the challenge might seem odd as I am quite comfortable speaking in front of large crowds. The difficulty comes when I have to speak with a translator, especially if the translator is not fluent in english. As a result, it's tough to build momentum in a message because I have to wait for a minute after each sentence for translation. In addition, to help with translation I've been writing manuscripts. But I really hate manuscripts because I become very mechanical as I read what I wrote and my style of preaching always relies upon the fluid expression of ideas (so I most often preach from an outline).
It's good though, I'm glad I have a challenge I can work on while I'm here. I have all this in mind because last night I was asked to speak at Romplenot (sp?) church in Aizawl. Romplenot is the second largest church in Aizawl with about 700 members. Last Sunday, one of the elders asked that I speak on the "resurrection of the dead" at their Wednesday night Bible study as part of their series on the Second Coming of Christ. I accepted the offer although I knew I would have some difficulty writing the message.
My main difficulty comes from two main points: First, many Christians today are pretty entrenched into whatever ideas they have about the Second Coming. Most people get their ideas from books like Left Behind or some supposed scholar who wrote a book on the subject. As a result, when you preach about this issue everyone feels that they are a scholar on the matter and are deadset in their ways. For instance, many Christians might be upset if I told them that most of the imagery in the book of Revelations has to do with the Roman empire and nothing to do with some future evil political leader. Although I am the one with a bachelor's degree and soon to be masters in the subject who quotes PhD scholars, you'd be surprised how many people want to correct people like me (and quite passionately I might add). So needless to say, I'm always hesitant to speak on such matters.
Second, my personal theology doesn't really emphasize eschatology. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus enthroned in power. I just don't find conversations about who the anti-Christ is all that important. Jesus, and the rest of the Bible, seems more concerned with how you treat the poor, how we act toward one another, and who God is rather than on the end of time. So I tend to speak on these issues rather than speculating on things we just can't know.
Whew, okay, enough of my soap box. At any rate, I prepared the message for wednesday night with the idea that I'd have about thirty 40-50 yr old church leaders in the crowd. Rev. Zolawma said the crowd would be small with the World Cup going on and few young people would be in attendance. Also, the pastor fancies himself an eschatology expert (go figure) so even Rev. Zolawma told me to be careful in how I crafted my sermon.
But when we arrived, I was informed that over 100 high school students were going to be in attendance (students here stay in dorms like boarding schools so I guess they just invited the dorms or "hostels" as they're called here.). "Perfect," I thought, "I've just written a dense Bible study for old folks and now my crowd is 99% teenagers who could careless about the subject I was given." But when life gives you lemons, some times things go sour.
I'm grown enough to admit that by the end of my 35 mins, many students were snoozing. Even amongst the first 7 rows of all girls (students divided themselves into sections by sex. also, why does God like to mock me?), who were quite interested in a young western man preaching, I had some closed eyes. My 30 or so old folks, who the message was for, seemed to be with me right until the I made my third turn in the message. See, I'm a social justice minded preacher who reads the prophets and doesn't think you should give a message without some practical point. So when I started on the "quit oppressing the poor" and the "go seek forgiveness from someone you've wronged" points, the old folks were not so happy. They wanted to hear about what the new bodies of the resurrected in the future were like, I told them to go clothe the naked bodies that were here. Nevertheless, all the old folks thanked me afterward and I think I'll get a chance to redeem myself with the teenagers later. Rev. Zolawma told me next time he'll have them tell us who will be in the crowd so we can give the proper message. I was thankful for his understanding.
At any rate, below I've posted my message from last night for those avid readers who want to read more. For those of you who are worried my blogs are getting too long, this is the point in the post where you can move on to YouTube or Facebook. So like a nervous singer, I've given you all the reasons why if you don't like the performance not to be too harsh haha. But I'd love to hear feedback on the message if you feel so inclined. Until next time, pax et bonum.
Resurrecting the Dead to Lives of Love and Justice
Tonight we continue the series exploring subject of the Second Coming of Christ or, as theologians would refer to it, eschatology. For those of you unfamiliar with the word, “eschatology” is a term which literally means “the study of the last things.” To be more specific, eschatology studies the end of history. As Christians, we believe that history will conclude with the return of Jesus the Christ. As a result, Dr. Bob Patterson of Baylor University favors referring to eschatology as “the study of Christian hope.” Indeed, the book of Revelations (where Christians draw much of their imagery for the end of time) is a letter written to provide hope to the persecuted Christian community during the first or second century. Tonight, may we find hope in our study of one topic involved in Christian eschatology: the resurrection of the dead.
When we think about what the Bible says about the resurrection of the dead, we often think about the book of Revelations. We might also think about Jesus debating with the Sadducees or Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthians. But I think that few of us think about the prophets Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. As a matter of fact, the idea of the dead being raised at the end of time originates in the Old Testament. Although we often associate the discussion of the resurrection of the dead with Paul or John of Patmos, our study tonight begins with the prophet Daniel. In the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1b-2, the prophet writes,
The debate about interpretation was among the three major schools of Judaism that existed in first-century Palestine: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. Much of our knowledge of these schools of thought comes from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus. Josephus tells us that among these three schools, only the Pharisees and the Essenes believed in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, on the other hand, believed “that souls die with the bodies” and therefore rejected the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection of the dead. As a result, it’s important to keep in mind that the belief in the resurrection of the dead has a long, yet hotly debated history. This history dates back long before Jesus teaches about the end of time or Paul and John of Patmos write about it. In addition, the early Christian teachings concerning the resurrection of the dead develop from a tradition in which the issue is not agreed upon by religious leaders.
Indeed, our only knowledge of Jesus’ position on the issue comes from a dialogue with the Sadducees recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 20 verses 27-40, Luke writes:
The information given to us by the prophet Daniel and by Jesus provide a source of great hope. They tell us that God will deliver his people by raising them to new, everlasting life. For God’s chosen, there truly is no “end of time” because they will live forever. But some of you may wonder if it is necessary to believe in the resurrection of the dead considering that the early Jewish teachers in Jesus’ own time did not agree on the subject. Indeed we are left with the question, “do we have to believe in the resurrection of the dead?” If you are secretly asking this question or something like it, then you are not alone. The same question appears to have been asked by the Christians in Corinth during the time of Paul. The apostle addresses the issue by telling the Corinthian church that belief in the resurrection of the dead is essential for Christians. Paul explains his position in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, selected verses beginning with verse 12. He writes:
Paul continues his discussion about the resurrection of the dead by addressing the nature of those who will be raised. The writing found here is very similar to the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. If you are interested in further study on the nature of the resurrection of the dead, I encourage you to read the entirety of chapter 15 in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. You will find the way in which the apostle provides hope to Christians based upon faith in Jesus’ overcoming death. But for our time here tonight, we will move on to other issues.
We have now seen that the resurrection of the dead was prophesized by the prophet Daniel, taught by Jesus, and written about by Paul. Each teacher believed the resurrection of the dead was an essential belief of the faith demonstrating God’s love, justice, and promise of hope for his people. But perhaps some of you are still not satisfied with simply the promise of the dead rising. Some may say, “I am not dead or dying so what does this have to do with me?” Or maybe since you cannot experience resurrection until the end of time you might wonder if the belief has any significance for your life today.
For those of you wondering what practical importance belief in the resurrection of the dead has for you, let us turn to Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 6 verses 8-13. The apostle writes:
The question for tonight’s Bible study is this: are you still living as one who is dead? Are you still without the life-giving breath of love in your life? If so, the apostle Paul calls you to rise to a new way of living found in Christ. Indeed, God is persistently inviting us to participate in his present, yet coming kingdom. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not we will accept his invitation. Perhaps that means for you that tonight you need to seek forgiveness from a person you have wronged, or to grant forgiveness to a person who has wronged you. Each of us still has times in our lives where we live as those who are dead rather than those who have been raised. So tonight I challenge all of us to awake to new life and to live as those who have been resurrected. We are no longer slaves to sin and bound by death, but have been delivered by God into new life. Now our great hope is in Jesus who is the Christ, the lamb of God, who rescues us from sin. May we also live a life which rescues others from the death of poverty, injustice, and oppression. For in this way we live as true sons and daughters of the resurrection and awake to everlasting life.
It's good though, I'm glad I have a challenge I can work on while I'm here. I have all this in mind because last night I was asked to speak at Romplenot (sp?) church in Aizawl. Romplenot is the second largest church in Aizawl with about 700 members. Last Sunday, one of the elders asked that I speak on the "resurrection of the dead" at their Wednesday night Bible study as part of their series on the Second Coming of Christ. I accepted the offer although I knew I would have some difficulty writing the message.
My main difficulty comes from two main points: First, many Christians today are pretty entrenched into whatever ideas they have about the Second Coming. Most people get their ideas from books like Left Behind or some supposed scholar who wrote a book on the subject. As a result, when you preach about this issue everyone feels that they are a scholar on the matter and are deadset in their ways. For instance, many Christians might be upset if I told them that most of the imagery in the book of Revelations has to do with the Roman empire and nothing to do with some future evil political leader. Although I am the one with a bachelor's degree and soon to be masters in the subject who quotes PhD scholars, you'd be surprised how many people want to correct people like me (and quite passionately I might add). So needless to say, I'm always hesitant to speak on such matters.
Second, my personal theology doesn't really emphasize eschatology. Don't get me wrong, I believe in the resurrection of the dead and Jesus enthroned in power. I just don't find conversations about who the anti-Christ is all that important. Jesus, and the rest of the Bible, seems more concerned with how you treat the poor, how we act toward one another, and who God is rather than on the end of time. So I tend to speak on these issues rather than speculating on things we just can't know.
Whew, okay, enough of my soap box. At any rate, I prepared the message for wednesday night with the idea that I'd have about thirty 40-50 yr old church leaders in the crowd. Rev. Zolawma said the crowd would be small with the World Cup going on and few young people would be in attendance. Also, the pastor fancies himself an eschatology expert (go figure) so even Rev. Zolawma told me to be careful in how I crafted my sermon.
But when we arrived, I was informed that over 100 high school students were going to be in attendance (students here stay in dorms like boarding schools so I guess they just invited the dorms or "hostels" as they're called here.). "Perfect," I thought, "I've just written a dense Bible study for old folks and now my crowd is 99% teenagers who could careless about the subject I was given." But when life gives you lemons, some times things go sour.
I'm grown enough to admit that by the end of my 35 mins, many students were snoozing. Even amongst the first 7 rows of all girls (students divided themselves into sections by sex. also, why does God like to mock me?), who were quite interested in a young western man preaching, I had some closed eyes. My 30 or so old folks, who the message was for, seemed to be with me right until the I made my third turn in the message. See, I'm a social justice minded preacher who reads the prophets and doesn't think you should give a message without some practical point. So when I started on the "quit oppressing the poor" and the "go seek forgiveness from someone you've wronged" points, the old folks were not so happy. They wanted to hear about what the new bodies of the resurrected in the future were like, I told them to go clothe the naked bodies that were here. Nevertheless, all the old folks thanked me afterward and I think I'll get a chance to redeem myself with the teenagers later. Rev. Zolawma told me next time he'll have them tell us who will be in the crowd so we can give the proper message. I was thankful for his understanding.
At any rate, below I've posted my message from last night for those avid readers who want to read more. For those of you who are worried my blogs are getting too long, this is the point in the post where you can move on to YouTube or Facebook. So like a nervous singer, I've given you all the reasons why if you don't like the performance not to be too harsh haha. But I'd love to hear feedback on the message if you feel so inclined. Until next time, pax et bonum.
Resurrecting the Dead to Lives of Love and Justice
Tonight we continue the series exploring subject of the Second Coming of Christ or, as theologians would refer to it, eschatology. For those of you unfamiliar with the word, “eschatology” is a term which literally means “the study of the last things.” To be more specific, eschatology studies the end of history. As Christians, we believe that history will conclude with the return of Jesus the Christ. As a result, Dr. Bob Patterson of Baylor University favors referring to eschatology as “the study of Christian hope.” Indeed, the book of Revelations (where Christians draw much of their imagery for the end of time) is a letter written to provide hope to the persecuted Christian community during the first or second century. Tonight, may we find hope in our study of one topic involved in Christian eschatology: the resurrection of the dead.
When we think about what the Bible says about the resurrection of the dead, we often think about the book of Revelations. We might also think about Jesus debating with the Sadducees or Paul writing his first letter to the Corinthians. But I think that few of us think about the prophets Daniel, Isaiah, and Ezekiel. As a matter of fact, the idea of the dead being raised at the end of time originates in the Old Testament. Although we often associate the discussion of the resurrection of the dead with Paul or John of Patmos, our study tonight begins with the prophet Daniel. In the book of Daniel chapter 12 verse 1b-2, the prophet writes,
But at that time your people shall be delivered, everyone whose name shall be found written in the book. 2And many of those who sleep in the dust of the earth shall awake, some to everlasting life, and some to shame and everlasting contempt.In the passage from Daniel, we see very clearly the prophet writing about the “awaking” or rising of the dead at the conclusion of history. For Daniel, at the end of time all the dead will rise to either punishment or reward. Although the passage seems very clear, the proper interpretation of the writing was a debated issue around the time of Jesus.
The debate about interpretation was among the three major schools of Judaism that existed in first-century Palestine: the Pharisees, the Sadducees, and the Essenes. Much of our knowledge of these schools of thought comes from the ancient Jewish historian Josephus. Josephus tells us that among these three schools, only the Pharisees and the Essenes believed in the resurrection of the dead. The Sadducees, on the other hand, believed “that souls die with the bodies” and therefore rejected the Pharisees’ belief in the resurrection of the dead. As a result, it’s important to keep in mind that the belief in the resurrection of the dead has a long, yet hotly debated history. This history dates back long before Jesus teaches about the end of time or Paul and John of Patmos write about it. In addition, the early Christian teachings concerning the resurrection of the dead develop from a tradition in which the issue is not agreed upon by religious leaders.
Indeed, our only knowledge of Jesus’ position on the issue comes from a dialogue with the Sadducees recorded in the Gospels of Matthew and Luke. In the Gospel according to Luke, chapter 20 verses 27-40, Luke writes:
27There came to him some Sadducees, those who deny that there is a resurrection, 28and they asked him a question, saying, "Teacher, Moses wrote for us that if a man’s brother dies, having a wife but no children, the man must take the widow and raise up offspring for his brother. 29Now there were seven brothers. The first took a wife, and died without children. 30And the second 31and the third took her, and likewise all seven left no children and died. 32Afterward the woman also died. 33In the resurrection, therefore, whose wife will the woman be? For the seven had her as wife."In verses 34-38, Jesus provides details about the nature of the resurrection of the dead which the apostle Paul will expand upon in his first letter to the Corinthians. Amongst these details, Jesus teaches that those who have been raised to new life can no longer die because they have been made like the heavenly beings. Indeed, those who have been raised from the dead will be equal with the angels and become members of God’s family. Jesus frames his argument in the context of Moses’ confession that the LORD is a god of the living. As a result, those whom God has called his own cannot die because the LORD is not god of the dead but the god of those who live to him.
34And Jesus said to them, "The sons of this age marry and are given in marriage, 35but those who are considered worthy to attain to that age and to the resurrection from the dead neither marry nor are given in marriage, 36for they cannot die anymore, because they are equal to angels and are sons of God, being sons of the resurrection. 37But that the dead are raised, even Moses showed, in the passage about the bush, where he calls the Lord the God of Abraham and the God of Isaac and the God of Jacob. 38Now he is not God of the dead, but of the living, for all live to him." 39Then some of the scribes answered, "Teacher, you have spoken well." 40For they no longer dared to ask him any question.
The information given to us by the prophet Daniel and by Jesus provide a source of great hope. They tell us that God will deliver his people by raising them to new, everlasting life. For God’s chosen, there truly is no “end of time” because they will live forever. But some of you may wonder if it is necessary to believe in the resurrection of the dead considering that the early Jewish teachers in Jesus’ own time did not agree on the subject. Indeed we are left with the question, “do we have to believe in the resurrection of the dead?” If you are secretly asking this question or something like it, then you are not alone. The same question appears to have been asked by the Christians in Corinth during the time of Paul. The apostle addresses the issue by telling the Corinthian church that belief in the resurrection of the dead is essential for Christians. Paul explains his position in 1 Corinthians, chapter 15, selected verses beginning with verse 12. He writes:
12Now if Christ is proclaimed as raised from the dead, how can some of you say that there is no resurrection of the dead? 13But if there is no resurrection of the dead, then not even Christ has been raised...17And if Christ has not been raised, your faith is futile and you are still in your sins. 18Then those also who have fallen asleep in Christ have perished…20But in fact Christ has been raised from the dead, the first-fruits of those who have fallen asleep. 21For as by a man came death, by a man has come also the resurrection of the dead. 22For as in Adam all die, so also in Christ shall all be made alive.Paul instructs the Christian community at Corinth that if they do not believe the dead are raised, then they do not believe that Jesus was raised from the dead. Yet such a claim goes against the teachings of Christianity since the belief in Jesus’ resurrection from the dead is the central teaching and foundational belief of the faith. Indeed if we belief anything which contradicts the teaching of God’s resurrection of Jesus from the dead, then we have rejected the rest of the faith because all other beliefs come from the confession of Jesus’ resurrection. As a result, believing in the resurrection of the dead is incredibly important to our faith and to our understanding of our identity as Christians. As Jesus says, we are sons and daughters of the resurrection. We are the people God will deliver from the grip of death. Since Christ was raised from the dead, so we also look to God’s raising us to everlasting life.
Paul continues his discussion about the resurrection of the dead by addressing the nature of those who will be raised. The writing found here is very similar to the teachings of Jesus found in the Gospel of Luke. If you are interested in further study on the nature of the resurrection of the dead, I encourage you to read the entirety of chapter 15 in Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians. You will find the way in which the apostle provides hope to Christians based upon faith in Jesus’ overcoming death. But for our time here tonight, we will move on to other issues.
We have now seen that the resurrection of the dead was prophesized by the prophet Daniel, taught by Jesus, and written about by Paul. Each teacher believed the resurrection of the dead was an essential belief of the faith demonstrating God’s love, justice, and promise of hope for his people. But perhaps some of you are still not satisfied with simply the promise of the dead rising. Some may say, “I am not dead or dying so what does this have to do with me?” Or maybe since you cannot experience resurrection until the end of time you might wonder if the belief has any significance for your life today.
For those of you wondering what practical importance belief in the resurrection of the dead has for you, let us turn to Paul’s letter to the Romans, chapter 6 verses 8-13. The apostle writes:
8Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him. 10For the death he died he died to sin, once for all, but the life he lives he lives to God. 11So you also must consider yourselves dead to sin and alive to God in Christ Jesus.Paul’s message to the Romans tells us that the resurrection of the dead not only gives hope for tomorrow, but challenges us today. If we are raised in Christ from the dead, then we are raised to a new life as well. Such new life begins here and now, given to us upon our baptism in which we participate in the death and resurrection of Jesus. By participating in the death, we no longer allow sin to rule over us; by participating in the resurrection, we live out the teachings of the gospel each day. Therefore, as those who have been raised to new life in Christ, Paul challenges us to daily embody the love of Christ to others. We must not practice corruption, deceitful dealing, and oppression. We must not forget the poor and the needy in their time of trouble. We must not refuse to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and visit the prisoner. Indeed, if we have been raised from the dead then we will daily “learn to do good; seek justice, correct oppression; bring justice to the fatherless, [and] plead the widow’s cause,” just as the prophet Isaiah instructs us. Indeed, the resurrection of the dead is not an empty promise for the perishing but it is a challenge for the living. The resurrection of the dead is not a far off hope for some future time, but a hope to be lived today. As the church, we are the community of the resurrected ones; we are the people whose mission it is to bring new light into an often dark world.
12Let not sin therefore reign in your mortal body, to make you obey its passions. 13 Do not present your members to sin as instruments for unrighteousness, but present yourselves to God as those who have been brought from death to life, and your members to God as instruments for righteousness.
The question for tonight’s Bible study is this: are you still living as one who is dead? Are you still without the life-giving breath of love in your life? If so, the apostle Paul calls you to rise to a new way of living found in Christ. Indeed, God is persistently inviting us to participate in his present, yet coming kingdom. The question we must ask ourselves is whether or not we will accept his invitation. Perhaps that means for you that tonight you need to seek forgiveness from a person you have wronged, or to grant forgiveness to a person who has wronged you. Each of us still has times in our lives where we live as those who are dead rather than those who have been raised. So tonight I challenge all of us to awake to new life and to live as those who have been resurrected. We are no longer slaves to sin and bound by death, but have been delivered by God into new life. Now our great hope is in Jesus who is the Christ, the lamb of God, who rescues us from sin. May we also live a life which rescues others from the death of poverty, injustice, and oppression. For in this way we live as true sons and daughters of the resurrection and awake to everlasting life.
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