Our friends arrived with food in hand. I like potluck. Meme decided to join us today for worship via FaceTime. That was neat. Hearing her sing was fun. The guys really got into doing the backup parts of the traditional He Is Risen and He Lives. We enjoyed the Lord's Supper and read through the Easter story. It really is amazing that Jesus would go through all that for us. I mean the dishonor, the battering, the desertion of friends, the weight of the sin on his perfect soul, the pain and horror of the cross. I am so undeserving of his mercy and love. His forgiveness. It was good to be in His presence this morning. I am so glad he is ALIVE!
We had invited a family over after lunch. Its Gracie's best friend here. She is rarely free to play except for Sundays and her family always wants to go out. So they invite us but want to leave before we are finished with worship and so we never go... but we had made plans to do something with them and then I found out it was Easter, so we invited them over. I told them plainly that it was Easter and I wanted them to join us for some activities and that this was just us and them, not a big outreach or party. So I was surprised when only the girl and her mom showed up around 2:30. She said Dad was sleeping.
We started with a little craft to remind us of who J is and the things he did here on Earth. The little pictures were put together to form a cross. As we reviewed each story I would translate. Mom said I could just speak English. Arg. I still translated the important parts... just couldn't help myself. Once the activity was finished she asked if we were through. I told her we wanted to do some other things. I actually did the least fun thing first, but wanted to get some foundation down for discussion while we were coloring eggs and painting rocks and talking about the hope we have in Christ. They've heard it before, THE story. Mom got a phone call, chatted for a moment then announced that she'd go first and come back for the daughter later. She said she was going to play Majong. Great! Herein lies the problem I have with most relationships with unbelievers in this city. They want to have fun, they may tolerate discussion about my King, but if it includes children's activities then they are usually out! That's why most of my close friends are much younger than me, once students that were recruited at one time or another to help with something and the friendship stuck. I am thankful for the brothers and sisters we have here. They are precious and I count many of them as dear ones, but trying to reach out, make relationship, and share with others is a challenge with four kids. I'm looking forward to having more time with children next week. We'll celebrate again with a larger crew. They like activities!
On a brighter note I met a man at the market yesterday that we lovingly call Uncle Zhang. He was the driver for our Chinese parents for many years. He told me about five years ago that his son and daughter in law believed and they were gathering with others on Sunday. I have been sharing with our "folks" for a long time and since he was often with us if we were going someplace I often shared with him too. Yesterday he told me that now he believes too! That made my day! I also got to share with 3 vegetable venders. A sister heard me sharing and chatted me up on my way out. So, there in the market were two, plus me. Where two or more are gathered.... may His Kingdom come to Wave City!
The wind is blowing and the windows rattle. All 4 kids are asleep in my room. Matt is on a train. Car horns honk. Clocks tick. But I can feel that hum of the stillness in my home. I like that. Thank you Lord for some quiet. Thank you for a day to remember the miracle of your resurrection! Thank you for the pure joy we have in sharing your story even when others may not want to hear it. Jesus is alive!!! Praise God.
