Some friends from Canada were recently visiting and observed me posing for a picture with four older Vietnamese men. One friend commented with a smile, "I noticed Nelson that you were the tallest person in the photo." I smiled and said I have noticed (and I kind of like the fact) that I am often the tallest person in a group of Vietnamese.
The measurement "tall" is obviously a relative term. At about grade seven I stopped gaining height and in the next few years watched almost all of the boys and a few of the girls grow past me. "Tall" is not an adjective that is used for me in North America. But here among most women; and among men over 40, I am often the tallest. Given the change in diet and living conditions, a good number of the younger men and teens are growing beyond my 5'7" height.
"Big" is also a relative term. Jan (who buys tops marked 8 or 10 in North America) here in Saigon buys tops marked as Xlarge; anything else is too small for her. And she weighs 15 pounds less than she did four months ago in Calgary! We do have fun joking about her being extra large in this land of very petite women. The terms "tall or big" are relative to the people against whom you are measured.
Why do so many people believe that moral and ethical definitions and standards are all relative? We probably see this most clearly in the area of sexual ethics and in debates about abortion and euthanasia. If tall and big change according to different cultures or different eras, should it not be the same with morality and ethics?
That seems a logical conclusion if there is no absolute standard by which we can measure. However
Christians who take the Bible seriously believe that we do have an absolute standard. The Bible gives us truth that is not generated from a changing culture but from an unchanging God. His truth must remain our standard even in a culture that likes to claim almost everything is "relative".
Monday, January 31, 2011
Relevance in Leviticus
My habit over the past several decades has been to read through the Bible each year. I admit that some parts of the Bible I "speed read" - always however watching for "stop and think" places. The book of Leviticus is one of those mostly "speed read" Bible books for me. Many of the passages are very historically Israel specific. But some especially reveal the eternal heart and desires of God.
As I was reading Leviticus this morning I stopped to think and pray at several points. One place was Leviticus 19:15. "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly." A complementary passage is Exodus 22:6 - 9. "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. --- Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. --- Do not oppress the alien;" In many biblical passages we are reminded that God cares deeply for the defenceless who most often are the poor and the aliens.
I was encouraged this week to read of several people convicted and given 2 to 12 year jail sentences here in Vietnam. Running several masseuse parlours, they were guilty of in effect, holding helpless women captive in miserable employment situations. When the police closed in on these places, they freed sixty six women who were paid little and could not "pay their way" to freedom.
On the other hand, I read about a billionaire Tunisian who has fled to Canada and wonder if with all his money he will ever experience justice regarding where and how he obtained his wealth.
We are thankful whenever governments and courts, whether in the USS, Canada or Vietnam defend the poor and the defenceless. How hard it is to provide equal treatment to the poor and wealthy alike. And then I remember that even in the church, if we are not careful, we will show favouritism to the rich and the powerful. James 2:1 - 7 warns us about that.
"Please God help us always to see people and treat people, the way you do."
As I was reading Leviticus this morning I stopped to think and pray at several points. One place was Leviticus 19:15. "Do not pervert justice; do not show partiality to the poor or favouritism to the great, but judge your neighbour fairly." A complementary passage is Exodus 22:6 - 9. "Do not deny justice to your poor people in their lawsuits. --- Do not accept a bribe, for a bribe blinds those who see and twists the words of the righteous. --- Do not oppress the alien;" In many biblical passages we are reminded that God cares deeply for the defenceless who most often are the poor and the aliens.
I was encouraged this week to read of several people convicted and given 2 to 12 year jail sentences here in Vietnam. Running several masseuse parlours, they were guilty of in effect, holding helpless women captive in miserable employment situations. When the police closed in on these places, they freed sixty six women who were paid little and could not "pay their way" to freedom.
On the other hand, I read about a billionaire Tunisian who has fled to Canada and wonder if with all his money he will ever experience justice regarding where and how he obtained his wealth.
We are thankful whenever governments and courts, whether in the USS, Canada or Vietnam defend the poor and the defenceless. How hard it is to provide equal treatment to the poor and wealthy alike. And then I remember that even in the church, if we are not careful, we will show favouritism to the rich and the powerful. James 2:1 - 7 warns us about that.
"Please God help us always to see people and treat people, the way you do."
Sunday, January 30, 2011
Bono on Grace
I shared this quote with some folks today, and thought it was worth sharing on my blog.
In the book Bono: In Conversation with Michka Assaya, (2005) the lead singer and songwriter for the rock group U2;
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between grace and karma."
Saying that the idea of karma is central to all religions, Bono explained:
"It's a mind-blowing concept that the God who created the universe might be looking for company, a real relationship with people, but the thing that keeps me on my knees is the difference between grace and karma."
Saying that the idea of karma is central to all religions, Bono explained:
"What you put out comes back to you: an eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, or in physics—in physical laws—every action is met by an equal or an opposite one. It's clear to me that karma is at the very heart of the universe. I'm absolutely sure of it. And yet, along comes this idea called grace to upend all that "as you reap, so you will sow" stuff. Grace defies reason and logic. Love interrupts, if you like, the consequences of your actions, which in my case is very good news indeed, because I've done a lot of stupid stuff. …
It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
It doesn't excuse my mistakes, but I'm holding out for grace. I'm holding out that Jesus took my sins onto the cross, because I know who I am, and I hope I don't have to depend on my own religiosity."
"Amazing grace, how sweet the sound ---."
Saturday, January 29, 2011
Reunification Palace
The President's Palace, a Ho Chi Minh City landmark, was built on the ruins of an old French palace, built during the French colonial century. This impressive building was completed and occupied by the President of South Vietnam in 1967. Eight years later the North Vietnamese won the war. The Palace was then renamed the Reunification Palace and is now a museum and tourist attraction.
It contains several lovely large conference and entertainment rooms, an office, library, formal dining room, theatre, and living quarters. Built during the war it has at least two levels underground which provided the headquarters for the war effort and a place of safety for the President in case of bombing. On the ground level is a large room with walls covered with photos which chart the course of the Vietnam War.
We have led two sets of guests through the building this month. It is well worth a visit if ever you come to our city. The 1970's projection equipment, war time telephones and other items remind visitors of the vast technological changes that have occurred in 35 years.
I find it to be an attractive building set within lovely park like grounds. It is not altogether tranquil since two tanks and jet plane sit amidst the trees and constant downtown traffic is seen and heard just outside the gates.
I don't know how much the palace construction costs totalled. I do know that it was expensive and took almost five years to build; and then was occupied for only eight years. On each of my three visits I have wondered about the time, energy and cost involved for a brief 8 year occupancy. We humans do spend a lot of time and effort on things that either don't last - or we don't last to enjoy them for long. Jesus had quite a lot to say on that subject, didn't He?
It contains several lovely large conference and entertainment rooms, an office, library, formal dining room, theatre, and living quarters. Built during the war it has at least two levels underground which provided the headquarters for the war effort and a place of safety for the President in case of bombing. On the ground level is a large room with walls covered with photos which chart the course of the Vietnam War.
We have led two sets of guests through the building this month. It is well worth a visit if ever you come to our city. The 1970's projection equipment, war time telephones and other items remind visitors of the vast technological changes that have occurred in 35 years.
I find it to be an attractive building set within lovely park like grounds. It is not altogether tranquil since two tanks and jet plane sit amidst the trees and constant downtown traffic is seen and heard just outside the gates.
I don't know how much the palace construction costs totalled. I do know that it was expensive and took almost five years to build; and then was occupied for only eight years. On each of my three visits I have wondered about the time, energy and cost involved for a brief 8 year occupancy. We humans do spend a lot of time and effort on things that either don't last - or we don't last to enjoy them for long. Jesus had quite a lot to say on that subject, didn't He?
Friday, January 28, 2011
DEEP CONCERN
Most of us care deeply about those closest to us. We pray often, perhaps daily for these few for whom we feel such love. But who cares enough to identify deeply with and pray seriously for a nation or a people group?
Moses did. When the people of Israel rejected God and turned to idolatry, God was prepared to destroy them. But Moses steps between in intercession. Though the Israelites had criticized and rebelled against him several times, he cares deeply for them. Worried that they might be destroyed Moses says: "But now please forgive their sin - but it not, then blot me out of the book you have written." Wow! In effect he is saying, "I care enough and identify with my people so much, that if you God reject them, then reject me too. Exodus 32:30 - 34
Paul did. He had been badly treated by his Jewish people who felt he was a traitor to Judaism since He claimed Jesus as Messiah. Yet he continued to love them deeply. He writes: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Romans 9:3, 4 Whew! Those are strong words. No wonder that in every new city Paul visited, he would first go to the Synagogue to share the Good News of Jesu
I know Christians who feel this kind of deep identity with and deep concern for a certain people group. Sometimes it is their own country or their ethnic group. Sometimes it is a country or people to which they feel God has called them. Sometimes it is for a people they have never met. Yet always this deep concern moves them to pray seriously and often.
I am thankful for those I have met who for years have cared deeply and prayed often for the people of Vietnam. Some have lived here. Others have never visited yet long to see many more Vietnamese come to faith. Would you let God stir your heart to care deeply enough to pray seriously and often for at least one nation or people group - for their spiritual needs and physical needs; for their leaders and their churches?
Moses did. When the people of Israel rejected God and turned to idolatry, God was prepared to destroy them. But Moses steps between in intercession. Though the Israelites had criticized and rebelled against him several times, he cares deeply for them. Worried that they might be destroyed Moses says: "But now please forgive their sin - but it not, then blot me out of the book you have written." Wow! In effect he is saying, "I care enough and identify with my people so much, that if you God reject them, then reject me too. Exodus 32:30 - 34
Paul did. He had been badly treated by his Jewish people who felt he was a traitor to Judaism since He claimed Jesus as Messiah. Yet he continued to love them deeply. He writes: "I have great sorrow and unceasing anguish in my heart. For I could wish that I myself were cursed and cut off from Christ for the sake of my brothers, those of my own race, the people of Israel." Romans 9:3, 4 Whew! Those are strong words. No wonder that in every new city Paul visited, he would first go to the Synagogue to share the Good News of Jesu
I know Christians who feel this kind of deep identity with and deep concern for a certain people group. Sometimes it is their own country or their ethnic group. Sometimes it is a country or people to which they feel God has called them. Sometimes it is for a people they have never met. Yet always this deep concern moves them to pray seriously and often.
I am thankful for those I have met who for years have cared deeply and prayed often for the people of Vietnam. Some have lived here. Others have never visited yet long to see many more Vietnamese come to faith. Would you let God stir your heart to care deeply enough to pray seriously and often for at least one nation or people group - for their spiritual needs and physical needs; for their leaders and their churches?
Thursday, January 27, 2011
Cu Chi Tunnels
Jan and I visited this week one of the Ho Chi Minh area's most popular tourist spots, the Cu Chi tunnels. They are located just 60 km outside of the city, named for the town of Cu Chi. During the Vietnam war thousands of North Vietnamese soldiers infiltrated into this area and found many sympathetic southerners.
American and South Vietnamese army and air force repeatedly bombed and swept the area, engaging the enemy.
To counter the overwhelming military power of these forces, the people of Cu Chi and the North Vietnamese military, built a tunnel complex which eventually totalled at least 200 km in length. At times these tunnels were at three different depths. Hospitals, school rooms, kitchens, dining areas and meeting rooms were all built in bunkers or inside the tunnels themselves. We walked through the bunkers and even crawled through a "sample" tunnel. The site provides a war time propaganda film and a display of traps for enemy soldiers. I have read that many American war veterans have visited this site.
It left us with an admiration for the ingenuity and endurance of those who fought. And it increased our revulsion from the horror of war. How tragic that over 58,000 American troops died fighting in Vietnam; and over 2 million Vietnamese (combatants and civilians) died. We are grateful that there is peace here now and that relations between Vietnam and the USA have been greatly improved over the past decade.
American and South Vietnamese army and air force repeatedly bombed and swept the area, engaging the enemy.
To counter the overwhelming military power of these forces, the people of Cu Chi and the North Vietnamese military, built a tunnel complex which eventually totalled at least 200 km in length. At times these tunnels were at three different depths. Hospitals, school rooms, kitchens, dining areas and meeting rooms were all built in bunkers or inside the tunnels themselves. We walked through the bunkers and even crawled through a "sample" tunnel. The site provides a war time propaganda film and a display of traps for enemy soldiers. I have read that many American war veterans have visited this site.
It left us with an admiration for the ingenuity and endurance of those who fought. And it increased our revulsion from the horror of war. How tragic that over 58,000 American troops died fighting in Vietnam; and over 2 million Vietnamese (combatants and civilians) died. We are grateful that there is peace here now and that relations between Vietnam and the USA have been greatly improved over the past decade.
Sunday, January 23, 2011
Wrong Again
One of the dangers when living in a new country is being too quick to jump to a conclusion. A specific, accurate, but limited observation can be the grounds for a wrong generalization or conclusion. For example: we have been told that everything either slows down or stops at Tet (Asian New Year). We were told this slow down starts long before Tet (February 3rd this year) and stays that way for days afterward.
As referenced in an earlier blog, I love to watch the ships on the busy Saigon River. Observation from our 19th window: the port dock suddenly had many empty "parking spots" for ocean going ships. Conclusion: it must be the beginning of the Tet slow down.
Wrong. We returned from five days in Malaysia to find all of the berths full; the dock and river are very busy. No Tet slow down (at least not yet). I am very glad my hasty conclusion was wrong.
One of the dangers in life is being too quick to jump to conclusions. How many times have I misjudged situations because I generalized, formed an opinion, came to a too quick conclusion from one accurate but limited observation?
The people of Israel were waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai. They had sworn allegiance to him and to his God. But Moses took too long up on the mountain. At least that is what they observed. They waited for a day, a week, a month and Moses did not return from his dramatic meeting with God. With accuracy they observed: we are without a leader and without any sign of his God. Nothing is happening.
So they jumped to a disastrous conclusion and asked Aaron to make them a substitute, visible god. They asked for an idol - like all their neighbour nations had. The Ten Commandments (along with other instructions) coming down from Mt. Sinai. Yet before Moses had time to deliver the commandments, the first and second commands are broken by Israel.
In a new country and culture; in life; in our relationship with God; let's not jump to conclusions too quickly. Too often we will be wrong. Sometimes as at Mt. Sinai, the results can be tragic.
As referenced in an earlier blog, I love to watch the ships on the busy Saigon River. Observation from our 19th window: the port dock suddenly had many empty "parking spots" for ocean going ships. Conclusion: it must be the beginning of the Tet slow down.
Wrong. We returned from five days in Malaysia to find all of the berths full; the dock and river are very busy. No Tet slow down (at least not yet). I am very glad my hasty conclusion was wrong.
One of the dangers in life is being too quick to jump to conclusions. How many times have I misjudged situations because I generalized, formed an opinion, came to a too quick conclusion from one accurate but limited observation?
The people of Israel were waiting for Moses to return from Mount Sinai. They had sworn allegiance to him and to his God. But Moses took too long up on the mountain. At least that is what they observed. They waited for a day, a week, a month and Moses did not return from his dramatic meeting with God. With accuracy they observed: we are without a leader and without any sign of his God. Nothing is happening.
So they jumped to a disastrous conclusion and asked Aaron to make them a substitute, visible god. They asked for an idol - like all their neighbour nations had. The Ten Commandments (along with other instructions) coming down from Mt. Sinai. Yet before Moses had time to deliver the commandments, the first and second commands are broken by Israel.
In a new country and culture; in life; in our relationship with God; let's not jump to conclusions too quickly. Too often we will be wrong. Sometimes as at Mt. Sinai, the results can be tragic.
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Fear and Fear
I just came back from Penang, Malaysia, where I drank water from the tap every day. It is one of the few places in Asia where westerners without local immunities can drink the local water. Here in Ho Chi Minh I have drank (drunk?) only about 2 ounces of water from the tap in 2 months. And then it was by mistake.
I fear what may happen if I drink the local water and so, like all foreigners and many locals, we buy large jugs of water, each of which provides our needs for about a week. My fear of what may happen to my digestive system, etc., keeps me from drinking. Healthy fear keeps us from a lot of mistakes.
Today I read the Ten Commandments given to Moses at Mount Sinai. The people of Israel are awe struck by God's display of power there: thunder, lightning, darkness, loud trumpet, minor earthquake, etc. They tremble with fear and ask Moses to be their "go between". They fear that if they get too close to God they will die.
But Moses makes this very interesting statement in reply. "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." Ex. 20:20 Those who are the people of God should not fear God as though He is an unfeeling, angry, Judge. On the other hand there is a reverence, a holy awe/fear that should grow in us, the more we understand the "otherness" of God. He is far above and beyond us in character, power and knowledge. Knowing who He is and that we must one day answer to Him should move us to reject sin which is disobedience to Him and move us to embrace righteousness. I wonder how many of us need a little more healthy fear of God?
For more on this subject see II Corinthians 5:11 and Hebrews 12:18 - 24
I fear what may happen if I drink the local water and so, like all foreigners and many locals, we buy large jugs of water, each of which provides our needs for about a week. My fear of what may happen to my digestive system, etc., keeps me from drinking. Healthy fear keeps us from a lot of mistakes.
Today I read the Ten Commandments given to Moses at Mount Sinai. The people of Israel are awe struck by God's display of power there: thunder, lightning, darkness, loud trumpet, minor earthquake, etc. They tremble with fear and ask Moses to be their "go between". They fear that if they get too close to God they will die.
But Moses makes this very interesting statement in reply. "Do not be afraid. God has come to test you so that the fear of God will be with you to keep you from sinning." Ex. 20:20 Those who are the people of God should not fear God as though He is an unfeeling, angry, Judge. On the other hand there is a reverence, a holy awe/fear that should grow in us, the more we understand the "otherness" of God. He is far above and beyond us in character, power and knowledge. Knowing who He is and that we must one day answer to Him should move us to reject sin which is disobedience to Him and move us to embrace righteousness. I wonder how many of us need a little more healthy fear of God?
For more on this subject see II Corinthians 5:11 and Hebrews 12:18 - 24
Friday, January 21, 2011
Another view from above
Thirty years later, I finally did it. I wanted to do it back then, but we had a young family and finances were tight. However here in Malaysia, the price seemed right, the ocean was beautiful and I am not getting any younger. So I did it today. I was hooked up to a parachute and a motor boat and took flight! At last, I experienced the pleasure of quietness and weightlessness; of soaring in the air without an engine. Far too quickly we returned and I floated back to the sandy beach from where I had departed.
So now I know a little more of what we all would love to do - wouldn't we? To soar like an eagle with little or no effort on the updrafts? What a thrill it would be to move on the wind like that.
Today I read from where God uses a word picture to describe his care of the very new nation of Israel. "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4 When Israel could not do it, God freed them from slavery.
And earlier this week I was reminded of the wonderful promise to God's people: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
So now I know a little more of what we all would love to do - wouldn't we? To soar like an eagle with little or no effort on the updrafts? What a thrill it would be to move on the wind like that.
Today I read from where God uses a word picture to describe his care of the very new nation of Israel. "You yourselves have seen what I did to Egypt, and how I carried you on eagles' wings and brought you to myself." Exodus 19:4 When Israel could not do it, God freed them from slavery.
And earlier this week I was reminded of the wonderful promise to God's people: "Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall, but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not faint.
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Waiting, Praying, Action
We heard a great sermon on the topic of waiting this morning. If you are familiar with the Bible, you would expect the speaker to refer, as he did, to Abraham, Moses, and the people of Israel who waited 400 years before God through Moses released them from slavery.
I've just been reading about these folks in my daily Bible reading. However what struck me today was a brief reference not to waiting but to the opposite. Now I admit there have been too many times when I have taken action too quickly. I should have waited and I should have prayed more. I have slowly learned to wait more patiently on God's timing and to pray longer for His direction.
Yet it is possible, as in so many aspects of the Christian life (or life in general) to err on either side of an equation. So I smiled today as I read God's response to Moses found in Exodus 14. (Maybe part of my smile was because I was reading these words on a 17th floor balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.)
The people of Israel were afraid of the pursuing Egyptian Army. They complained to Moses and he challenged them "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." 14:13 But then, I think, Moses must have been waiting and praying - when He should have been trusting God enough to spring into action.
For God says to Moses "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff ---". In other words: it is good that you are telling the people to trust me, but now is the time for you to move! Do something! This is not the time to wait and pray. It is a time for faith motivated action.
Here is a question for today: is this a time in your life for patient waiting, enduring prayer or faith based initiative? Remember you could be waiting for God to do something, when He might be saying: "You have been waiting and praying. Now it is time to move on. Raise your staff ----."
I've just been reading about these folks in my daily Bible reading. However what struck me today was a brief reference not to waiting but to the opposite. Now I admit there have been too many times when I have taken action too quickly. I should have waited and I should have prayed more. I have slowly learned to wait more patiently on God's timing and to pray longer for His direction.
Yet it is possible, as in so many aspects of the Christian life (or life in general) to err on either side of an equation. So I smiled today as I read God's response to Moses found in Exodus 14. (Maybe part of my smile was because I was reading these words on a 17th floor balcony overlooking the Indian Ocean.)
The people of Israel were afraid of the pursuing Egyptian Army. They complained to Moses and he challenged them "Do not be afraid. Stand firm and you will see the deliverance the Lord will bring you today." 14:13 But then, I think, Moses must have been waiting and praying - when He should have been trusting God enough to spring into action.
For God says to Moses "Why are you crying out to me? Tell the Israelites to move on. Raise your staff ---". In other words: it is good that you are telling the people to trust me, but now is the time for you to move! Do something! This is not the time to wait and pray. It is a time for faith motivated action.
Here is a question for today: is this a time in your life for patient waiting, enduring prayer or faith based initiative? Remember you could be waiting for God to do something, when He might be saying: "You have been waiting and praying. Now it is time to move on. Raise your staff ----."
Perspective changes quickly
We landed on the island of Penang, Malaysia on Monday afternoon. We were met by friends, crowded into their vehicle and began driving on the wrong side of the road. I should mention all the other cars were on the wrong side as well.
This was no surprise since with background in the British Empire we expected to be on the left side of the road. A million people live on Penang, so rush hour traffic on this small island is quite dense. What amazed Jan and myself was that everyone was travelling in cars. Where were all the motorbikes?!
That evening we went for a half hour walk and again were amazed. We did not dodge around any parked motor bikes nor have to thread our way through them as we crossed the street. We've only lived in Ho Chi Minh for two months, yet motorbikes everywhere now seem very normal. The absence of thousands of motorbikes seems quite abnormal.
Isn't it amazing how we humans can so quickly adapt to a "new normal"? This is a great strength - normally! Sadly, we know it is far too easy for individuals and for cultures to adopt poor or even destructive ways of living and have them quickly become the accepted "new normal".
I wonder if in any personal relationship, without realizing it, I may have adjusted to a new normal which is actually damaging and may ultimately be destructive? How healthy is your "new normal" these days?
This was no surprise since with background in the British Empire we expected to be on the left side of the road. A million people live on Penang, so rush hour traffic on this small island is quite dense. What amazed Jan and myself was that everyone was travelling in cars. Where were all the motorbikes?!
That evening we went for a half hour walk and again were amazed. We did not dodge around any parked motor bikes nor have to thread our way through them as we crossed the street. We've only lived in Ho Chi Minh for two months, yet motorbikes everywhere now seem very normal. The absence of thousands of motorbikes seems quite abnormal.
Isn't it amazing how we humans can so quickly adapt to a "new normal"? This is a great strength - normally! Sadly, we know it is far too easy for individuals and for cultures to adopt poor or even destructive ways of living and have them quickly become the accepted "new normal".
I wonder if in any personal relationship, without realizing it, I may have adjusted to a new normal which is actually damaging and may ultimately be destructive? How healthy is your "new normal" these days?
Sunday, January 16, 2011
Communication is a Challenge
OK, I know very little Vietnamese, even after a few hours with Rosetta Stone lessons and two months in the country. But surely my pronunciation is not too bad - is it?
How many ways can you say "Victory Hotel, Nam Ky Khoi and Vo Van Tan St."? Actually given tones and accents, enough ways that I had to direct the taxi driver most of the way with words for left, right and straight. Then when within two blocks, the driver clearly said "Vo Van Tan and Victory Hotel." My words exactly!
Is Vietnamese a difficult language? Not the most difficult in the world, but yes it is. Last week Jan had lunch with a woman who has been in country for a decade and seems to have very good language facility. (Good enough to correct documents that are translated badly.) In the restaurant she asked for salt and the server looked blankly at her. She tried again, and again. Finally she realized, (the server still did not), that her tone was not quite right and so she had been saying "mosquito", not "salt". Hmmm, you would have thought the context of a restaurant would have helped - but not so.
Jan and I will begin working with a language tutor next week. Our goal is to simply learn "survival Vietnamese". At our age, with our linguistic skills, that is the best we can hope for. I don't care if I never learn how to ask for salt - or for mosquitos.
How many ways can you say "Victory Hotel, Nam Ky Khoi and Vo Van Tan St."? Actually given tones and accents, enough ways that I had to direct the taxi driver most of the way with words for left, right and straight. Then when within two blocks, the driver clearly said "Vo Van Tan and Victory Hotel." My words exactly!
Is Vietnamese a difficult language? Not the most difficult in the world, but yes it is. Last week Jan had lunch with a woman who has been in country for a decade and seems to have very good language facility. (Good enough to correct documents that are translated badly.) In the restaurant she asked for salt and the server looked blankly at her. She tried again, and again. Finally she realized, (the server still did not), that her tone was not quite right and so she had been saying "mosquito", not "salt". Hmmm, you would have thought the context of a restaurant would have helped - but not so.
Jan and I will begin working with a language tutor next week. Our goal is to simply learn "survival Vietnamese". At our age, with our linguistic skills, that is the best we can hope for. I don't care if I never learn how to ask for salt - or for mosquitos.
Saturday, January 15, 2011
THE VIEW FROM ABOVE
Thousands of cars drive by the dock yards on the busy street next to our HCMC apartment building. But because of buildings that line the street, none of them see what we see. We have "the view from above" (19 storeys above). What we have noticed intrigues us.
Since moving into this apartment on December 1st, Jan and I have enjoyed our view of the busty Saigon River and the extensive dockyards near us. I have often spent 5 or 10 minutes watching a ship loading or unloading. Occasionally I have looked at the right time to see a ship being nudged into its docking place by a couple of tugboats. Once I observed the casting of the lines as a ship started toward the ocean.
But in the last week the dockyard has grown strangely quiet. Where normally there are six ocean going ships lined along the docks, there is now only one. What is happening? We've heard that there are plans to replace these docks with apartments and villas. But is it happening this soon?
I suspect the lack of activity may be in preparation for the big Tet holiday. If all the dockworkers take a one or two week vacation soon, maybe the ships are being sent elsewhere for the next month.
What has caused me concern (for I love watching the dockyard activity) is not even noticed by the thousands driving near the docks. I am sure they have noticed nothing out of the normal. It is only because we have the "view from above"that we know most dock work has stopped. Those we used to observe busily serving the ships are nowhere to be seen.
Am I still serving God the way I should? Maybe no one else knows. The One with the "view from above" has the answer. I need to remember that it is His accurate view that counts. I Corinthians 4:1 - 5
Since moving into this apartment on December 1st, Jan and I have enjoyed our view of the busty Saigon River and the extensive dockyards near us. I have often spent 5 or 10 minutes watching a ship loading or unloading. Occasionally I have looked at the right time to see a ship being nudged into its docking place by a couple of tugboats. Once I observed the casting of the lines as a ship started toward the ocean.
But in the last week the dockyard has grown strangely quiet. Where normally there are six ocean going ships lined along the docks, there is now only one. What is happening? We've heard that there are plans to replace these docks with apartments and villas. But is it happening this soon?
I suspect the lack of activity may be in preparation for the big Tet holiday. If all the dockworkers take a one or two week vacation soon, maybe the ships are being sent elsewhere for the next month.
What has caused me concern (for I love watching the dockyard activity) is not even noticed by the thousands driving near the docks. I am sure they have noticed nothing out of the normal. It is only because we have the "view from above"that we know most dock work has stopped. Those we used to observe busily serving the ships are nowhere to be seen.
Am I still serving God the way I should? Maybe no one else knows. The One with the "view from above" has the answer. I need to remember that it is His accurate view that counts. I Corinthians 4:1 - 5
WORDS FOR TWO NEW YEARS
Today, as usual we attended the Vietnamese Sunday service of the Saigon congregation. The guest preacher framed his sermon as a biblical challenge for both New Years.
Especially in our Toronto church, with as many as 200 Chinese in the Sunday services, we were always conscious of the Lunar New Year, even while most of us celebrated the Gregorian New Year. The Lunar New Year falls sometime between mid-January and mid-February. Vietnam makes little note of the Gregorian New Year but Vietnamese will celebrate for a week or more when "Tet" arrives this year on February 3rd.
The "New Year" sermon today was on Matthew 6:25 - 34: Wonderful timely words of Jesus for a New Year. Don't worry, don't focus your life on material things. Trust the God who provides in nature for flowers and birds. He cares a great deal more for you. Don't worry about the future - "each day has enough trouble of its own." Focus on things that count beyond this life. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness."
So a New Year's prayer for you - either belated or premature, depending when you celebrate the New Year. "May you spend little time and energy (none?) worrying and much time actively living for and like Christ Jesus; praying for and helping His Kingdom, His rule to come in this needy world, as it is in Heaven."
Especially in our Toronto church, with as many as 200 Chinese in the Sunday services, we were always conscious of the Lunar New Year, even while most of us celebrated the Gregorian New Year. The Lunar New Year falls sometime between mid-January and mid-February. Vietnam makes little note of the Gregorian New Year but Vietnamese will celebrate for a week or more when "Tet" arrives this year on February 3rd.
The "New Year" sermon today was on Matthew 6:25 - 34: Wonderful timely words of Jesus for a New Year. Don't worry, don't focus your life on material things. Trust the God who provides in nature for flowers and birds. He cares a great deal more for you. Don't worry about the future - "each day has enough trouble of its own." Focus on things that count beyond this life. "Seek first his kingdom and his righteousness."
So a New Year's prayer for you - either belated or premature, depending when you celebrate the New Year. "May you spend little time and energy (none?) worrying and much time actively living for and like Christ Jesus; praying for and helping His Kingdom, His rule to come in this needy world, as it is in Heaven."
The View From Above
We have never lived more than two storeys above ground level. When we first moved to Ho Chi Minh City and began to look for apartments, Jan was convinced that we should not go higher than 6 storeys. Her logic was clear: if there is a power outage or the elevators are broken, we don't want to climb more than six flights of stairs. Especially if we are carrying groceries. Especially at our stage of life.
We looked at a number of apartments in a variety of locations and then made our choice. On December 1st, 2010 we moved into a spacious 19th floor apartment. If ever the elevators are out of commission for more than 12 hours, I guess we will camp out in the lobby.
As some of you veteran apartment dwellers know, waiting for elevators every day is not quite as convenient as stepping out the front door and into your car. There are some other limitations to apartment dwelling that I will not go into - at least not here, not now.
But oh my, what a view. Never, from any of our first floor living rooms, or second storey bedroom windows, have we ever had a view like this! The viewpoint from above, from 65 meters above, is really worth the inconvenience of time spent waiting for elevators! It provides a radically different view of life below.
Hmmm; I wonder, from where are you viewing life?
We looked at a number of apartments in a variety of locations and then made our choice. On December 1st, 2010 we moved into a spacious 19th floor apartment. If ever the elevators are out of commission for more than 12 hours, I guess we will camp out in the lobby.
As some of you veteran apartment dwellers know, waiting for elevators every day is not quite as convenient as stepping out the front door and into your car. There are some other limitations to apartment dwelling that I will not go into - at least not here, not now.
But oh my, what a view. Never, from any of our first floor living rooms, or second storey bedroom windows, have we ever had a view like this! The viewpoint from above, from 65 meters above, is really worth the inconvenience of time spent waiting for elevators! It provides a radically different view of life below.
Hmmm; I wonder, from where are you viewing life?
But God Will
I've just finished reading again the story of Joseph (Genesis 37 - 50). The man went through amazing ups and downs between the ages of 17 and 40. Almost killed by jealous brothers; sold into slavery; climbs the ladder where he is "employed"; unjustly thrown into prison; becomes assistant prison warden; assured of help by a person of influence; forgotten for two years and finally is ushered into the presence of the powerful Pharaoh.
Joseph, slave and prisoner now is invited to interpret Pharoah's dream. And he says "I cannot do it but God will."
I can only imagine how many dark despairing moments Joseph experienced over the 13 years between being sold into slavery and being appointed Prime Minister of Egypt. How often did He wonder if God had abandoned him? And yet his faith never dies.
His brothers are terrified when they realize powerful man before whom they stand is the same helpless brother they almost killed and sold as a slave two decades earlier. Here was the man who to them was as good as dead. And now their lives hang by a thread held in the all powerful hands of Joseph. His life for 17 years had in effect been devastated and ruined by their inhumane, ungodly actions. Yet Joseph affirms not once but three times "God sent me to Egypt."
Of course, as with Joseph, it is easier to see the hand and plan of God in our lives when we look back. It is more difficult to believe that God is at work right now in my situation. Yet we learn from a life like Joseph that the Sovereign God of Scripture is in control. We remember the wonderful promise for all believers, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."Romans 8:28
Joseph, slave and prisoner now is invited to interpret Pharoah's dream. And he says "I cannot do it but God will."
I can only imagine how many dark despairing moments Joseph experienced over the 13 years between being sold into slavery and being appointed Prime Minister of Egypt. How often did He wonder if God had abandoned him? And yet his faith never dies.
His brothers are terrified when they realize powerful man before whom they stand is the same helpless brother they almost killed and sold as a slave two decades earlier. Here was the man who to them was as good as dead. And now their lives hang by a thread held in the all powerful hands of Joseph. His life for 17 years had in effect been devastated and ruined by their inhumane, ungodly actions. Yet Joseph affirms not once but three times "God sent me to Egypt."
Of course, as with Joseph, it is easier to see the hand and plan of God in our lives when we look back. It is more difficult to believe that God is at work right now in my situation. Yet we learn from a life like Joseph that the Sovereign God of Scripture is in control. We remember the wonderful promise for all believers, "And we know that in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose."Romans 8:28
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