Only two taxi companies in Ho Chi Minh are really trustworthy and reliable. With others, you take a chance and may pay way too much for a ride. One of our visitors paid $5 for a ride that at most should have cost only $2. A long time resident told us of two tourist friends who were persuaded by a predatory taxi driver to pay $25 for a $2 ride!
Three times Jan and I have had to refuse to pay the requested taxi meter price. In all three cases we knew that the driver had purposely driven out of the way in order to run up the bill. Last night's trip from the airport to our apartment was the third time. I paid 15% less than the meter charge and our taxi driver was not very happy. But he knew and I knew that there was a more direct and less costly approach to our address. He followed me for a few steps, arguing for full payment. I refused. It is quite interesting to have a brief argument when one speaks almost no Vietnamese and the other speaks very little English.
Of course the difference was actually only a little more than a dollar. But it is the principle and the realization that these same drivers are regularly cheating tourists. I grant the fact that almost every tourist who jumps in a taxi is wealthier than most Vietnamese taxi drivers. This however does not justify dishonesty.
Honesty: God's demand and expectation of honesty runs throughout Scripture. Included are more than a few examples of dishonesty from Abraham to Ananias and Sapphira. At times I have found honesty to be embarrassing, humbling, painful, and even costly. But honesty is the best policy and it pleases God.
Now how do I explain this to my next taxi driver in Vietnamese?
Sunday, February 27, 2011
Saturday, February 26, 2011
DOWN A BLIND ALLEY
We had a few hours to explore a new city yesterday. Visiting Hanoi, connecting with new friends for 48 hours, we are staying in the Old Quarter. Frommer's Vietnam guide book recommended a self guided walking tour. I've never bothered with one of these before, but Jan was willing and so off we went.
Just three blocks from our small 3 star hotel we strolled by lovely Hoan Kiem lake that features an island pagoda. We ambled past stores on crowded sidewalks and stopped to investigate an ancient, huge banyan tree, item three on the self guided tour. Then following the guide book we entered Tam Thoung Alley. The book said to "follow the many crooks in this quiet little lane". So we did, we followed it left and right, and it was narrow. We observed the old yellow house, site four in the book. Then we continued exploring what became an increasingly quiet, increasingly little lane.
Finally we could go no further. We were surprised that we had come to a dead end. The two men in the small house at the end of the lane were equally surprised to find two foreigners staring into their doorway. We back tracked about 75 meters and found where we had turned left past the yellow house we should have turned right. That lane was not so small and was not a blind alley. As they say, "No harm, no foul".
But all of us live surrounded by people whose lives are leading down blind alleys. Living lives with no ultimate purpose and no ultimate satisfaction. One kind of blind alley was obvious as we stepped into a small Buddhist temple yesterday and saw one of the women street sellers offering her sincere prayers to spirits who cannot hear or help her now or ever.
Your friends my be prosperous, irreligous and satisfied, but without Jesus, their lives are also headed down a blind alley. If we could interest them in a Great Tour Guide Book, and if they would pay close attention to the directions ---. What if you could introduce them to the Great Tour Guide!?
Just three blocks from our small 3 star hotel we strolled by lovely Hoan Kiem lake that features an island pagoda. We ambled past stores on crowded sidewalks and stopped to investigate an ancient, huge banyan tree, item three on the self guided tour. Then following the guide book we entered Tam Thoung Alley. The book said to "follow the many crooks in this quiet little lane". So we did, we followed it left and right, and it was narrow. We observed the old yellow house, site four in the book. Then we continued exploring what became an increasingly quiet, increasingly little lane.
Finally we could go no further. We were surprised that we had come to a dead end. The two men in the small house at the end of the lane were equally surprised to find two foreigners staring into their doorway. We back tracked about 75 meters and found where we had turned left past the yellow house we should have turned right. That lane was not so small and was not a blind alley. As they say, "No harm, no foul".
But all of us live surrounded by people whose lives are leading down blind alleys. Living lives with no ultimate purpose and no ultimate satisfaction. One kind of blind alley was obvious as we stepped into a small Buddhist temple yesterday and saw one of the women street sellers offering her sincere prayers to spirits who cannot hear or help her now or ever.
Your friends my be prosperous, irreligous and satisfied, but without Jesus, their lives are also headed down a blind alley. If we could interest them in a Great Tour Guide Book, and if they would pay close attention to the directions ---. What if you could introduce them to the Great Tour Guide!?
Thursday, February 24, 2011
LISTENING WELL
There are sounds in the Vietnamese language that we English speakers never make. And there are words spelled exactly the same with a very different meaning. With one your voice stays level and with the other your voice inflection must go up or down.
Learning a new language for the first time in 40 years, Jan and I are listening as closely as we can. In fact many times we ask our young tutor to repeat a word and we stare only at her mouth. We want to hear exactly what she says and how she is vocalizing it. This is concentrated, hard listening. We do this in order to learn and to change our pronunciation.
We all know the difference between hearing and listening. Parents sometimes ask a child to repeat their instructions to be certain their child not only heard but listened. Wives sometimes stand in front of the TV in order to make sure that their husbands not only hear, but really listen. Of course the ultimate test of listening is if we respond properly.
Reading in I Samuel this morning, it is noted that the people did not listen to the prophet Samuel. They wanted a king, an official leader. They wanted to be just like the surrounding nations. God wanted them to enjoy a theocracy. He was their King. But they knew what they wanted. When Samuel warned of all the demands a human king would make on their children, they would not listen. And so God gave them a king.
Sometimes we don't listen because we don't care; or because we don't want to hear uncomfortable truth; or we don't want to change; or we want to be just like the people around us. Like the nation of Israel, we may hear (read) what God says, but that does not mean we have really listened.
So Jesus begins a little story by saying, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and (listens) puts them into practice is like a wise man ----." Matthew 7:24 How wise are you?
Learning a new language for the first time in 40 years, Jan and I are listening as closely as we can. In fact many times we ask our young tutor to repeat a word and we stare only at her mouth. We want to hear exactly what she says and how she is vocalizing it. This is concentrated, hard listening. We do this in order to learn and to change our pronunciation.
We all know the difference between hearing and listening. Parents sometimes ask a child to repeat their instructions to be certain their child not only heard but listened. Wives sometimes stand in front of the TV in order to make sure that their husbands not only hear, but really listen. Of course the ultimate test of listening is if we respond properly.
Reading in I Samuel this morning, it is noted that the people did not listen to the prophet Samuel. They wanted a king, an official leader. They wanted to be just like the surrounding nations. God wanted them to enjoy a theocracy. He was their King. But they knew what they wanted. When Samuel warned of all the demands a human king would make on their children, they would not listen. And so God gave them a king.
Sometimes we don't listen because we don't care; or because we don't want to hear uncomfortable truth; or we don't want to change; or we want to be just like the people around us. Like the nation of Israel, we may hear (read) what God says, but that does not mean we have really listened.
So Jesus begins a little story by saying, "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and (listens) puts them into practice is like a wise man ----." Matthew 7:24 How wise are you?
TEMPERATURE RISING BUT WITH AC
We have read a lot about North American cold and snow this winter. We have even seen some lovely white pictures via web newspapers. In order to help you achieve balance, if you feel you've had too much cold and snow this winter - a word about heat in Saigon.
We are coming to the end of our cold season, so we are told. That means the end of cool days reaching only to 32C (88 F) and nights as low as 20C (68 F). Right now we sit in our office/3rd bedroom with the window open and fan running, and even at 4:30 pm we can manage without AC. Of course we will go out a little later this evening and it will be a lovely 28 or 29 degrees. By morning when we re-open our windows, the breeze will feel almost too cool - maybe only 21 C.
But -- days of 34 - 38 C. are coming (93 - 100 F). So we are thankful that our landlords have just installed a lovely large AC unit for our LVG - DNG - Kitchen area. With small units in each of our bedrooms, we will only run one, maybe occasionally two units at a time. So for those of you worrying about us suffering in the heat (what? in the midst of snow and cold you have not worried about us in hot weather? :) ), we will be fine.
What has surprised and delighted us is that other than the small "mom and pop" stores, most stores and restaurants have AC. Some of them blast such cold air that Jan takes a shawl to keep from freezing. After a walk of a few blocks in 32 degrees, it is a great relief to step into a cool store. All the city taxis have AC. Of course that is no help to the majority of people who travel by motorbikes in this city; with mandatory helmets.
We have learned that it is not unusual for Vietnamese congregations to meet as early as 7:00 am for a Sunday service. That is one way to avoid the heat - and allow people to still get to work on time. However since we have been asked to hold our Sunday services at 11:30 am, we are very thankful that our host church has very good air conditioning. So once we get our legal status and begin services, the heat should not be a barrier for Sunday attendance.
We are coming to the end of our cold season, so we are told. That means the end of cool days reaching only to 32C (88 F) and nights as low as 20C (68 F). Right now we sit in our office/3rd bedroom with the window open and fan running, and even at 4:30 pm we can manage without AC. Of course we will go out a little later this evening and it will be a lovely 28 or 29 degrees. By morning when we re-open our windows, the breeze will feel almost too cool - maybe only 21 C.
But -- days of 34 - 38 C. are coming (93 - 100 F). So we are thankful that our landlords have just installed a lovely large AC unit for our LVG - DNG - Kitchen area. With small units in each of our bedrooms, we will only run one, maybe occasionally two units at a time. So for those of you worrying about us suffering in the heat (what? in the midst of snow and cold you have not worried about us in hot weather? :) ), we will be fine.
What has surprised and delighted us is that other than the small "mom and pop" stores, most stores and restaurants have AC. Some of them blast such cold air that Jan takes a shawl to keep from freezing. After a walk of a few blocks in 32 degrees, it is a great relief to step into a cool store. All the city taxis have AC. Of course that is no help to the majority of people who travel by motorbikes in this city; with mandatory helmets.
We have learned that it is not unusual for Vietnamese congregations to meet as early as 7:00 am for a Sunday service. That is one way to avoid the heat - and allow people to still get to work on time. However since we have been asked to hold our Sunday services at 11:30 am, we are very thankful that our host church has very good air conditioning. So once we get our legal status and begin services, the heat should not be a barrier for Sunday attendance.
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
IDENTIFY WITH BIBLE CHARACTERS
I had been reading the Bible regularly for two decades. Then I was forced into preaching two first person sermons by my D.Min. preaching professor, Haddon Robinson. To preach such a sermon well, you need to identify with; to work hard to "become the Bible character." Just like an actor, you have to study the character, trying to imagine all that they were experiencing, thinking and feeling. To do this is hard work, but it brings biblical stories alive - first for the preacher and then for his listeners.
Ever since, when I read over familiar biblical stories, I try to really identify with biblical characters. For example, I tend to be critical of and then filled with admiration for Gideon, featured in Judges 6 to 8. I can understand why he was hiding in the winepress (see a previous blog). But I don't know why his faith was so weak that he needed to "put out a fleece", not once but twice. After all God had sent the angel of the Lord to strongly assure him of victory over Israel's enemies. Why did he need two miracles?
On the other hand when I follow his story, I greatly admire his willingness to lead his army into battle. God insisted that the army be reduced from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300 soldiers. That is a loss of 99% before even beginning to fight. Can you imagine what amazing faith this warrior had as God insists on shrinking the army to almost nothing?
Little faith, then lots of faith. Sounds like my experience - what about you? There are times when I find it relatively easy to trust that God is in control. I am confident that He will provide; He will supply; He will give me the strength and wisdom I need. And then there are other times! Now I never have believed in "putting out a fleece" as some Christians do. I don't think Gideon's actions are given as teaching for us. On the other hand, I am sure thankful for every time I do receive another reminder that God can be trusted.
Of course the main character in Judges 6 - 8 is not Gideon, it is our great God. And so it is in our story. We are simply a small part of His Story. "So please, increase our faith Lord."
Ever since, when I read over familiar biblical stories, I try to really identify with biblical characters. For example, I tend to be critical of and then filled with admiration for Gideon, featured in Judges 6 to 8. I can understand why he was hiding in the winepress (see a previous blog). But I don't know why his faith was so weak that he needed to "put out a fleece", not once but twice. After all God had sent the angel of the Lord to strongly assure him of victory over Israel's enemies. Why did he need two miracles?
On the other hand when I follow his story, I greatly admire his willingness to lead his army into battle. God insisted that the army be reduced from 32,000 to 10,000 to 300 soldiers. That is a loss of 99% before even beginning to fight. Can you imagine what amazing faith this warrior had as God insists on shrinking the army to almost nothing?
Little faith, then lots of faith. Sounds like my experience - what about you? There are times when I find it relatively easy to trust that God is in control. I am confident that He will provide; He will supply; He will give me the strength and wisdom I need. And then there are other times! Now I never have believed in "putting out a fleece" as some Christians do. I don't think Gideon's actions are given as teaching for us. On the other hand, I am sure thankful for every time I do receive another reminder that God can be trusted.
Of course the main character in Judges 6 - 8 is not Gideon, it is our great God. And so it is in our story. We are simply a small part of His Story. "So please, increase our faith Lord."
DIFFERENT, NOT WRONG
A good word of advice to all international travellers, especially those who live in other countries: when tempted to criticize the way things are done, don't. Instead of the common complaints: "this is strange, bad, or wrong", learn to respond "this is different"!
Example: Many times in Saigon, you have to step off the sidewalk and walk for on the street for a few steps, or a block. Many motorbikes park on sidewalks, in front of stores or restaurants hay pay 12 or 15 cents for that spot. This is so common that sidewalks could be called sideparks. Or an eating place may cover most of the sidewalk with small chairs; or there could be a small sales kiosk of some sort. A sidewalk totally reserved for pedestrians is a rare luxury.
So even on the most congested streets, it is not uncommon to look at traffic, make a quick judgment call, exercise a little faith, and step off the sidewalk in order to make progress around the sidewalk. Does this seem strange? Yes, it is different, but it works in this culture. After all, the multiplication of traffic in the past 15 years has been huge, and since most people travel by motorbikes, they have to park somewhere; and many eating places cannot afford to rent a large space; and people are accustomed to walking on the street, and ----; it is not wrong, just different.
This morning I was reading the last part of Judges in my devotional time. Some of the things recorded in these chapters, as with other sections of Scripture, are --- different. Why does God allow certain things; work with certain people in spite of their failures; give instructions that seem brutal; etc.? There are a variety of helpful resources that can help us read with understanding these difficult passages. One simple help is to read these passages in the same way we should cross cultures. Life in Vietnam is different, and seems not the best. But I don't know all the history nor do I fully understand the culture. Therefore I try to withhold judgment and focus on what I enjoy. And of course month by month, I learn more, adjust, and appreciate why things are as they are.
So when I read difficult passages as I did this morning, I tell God: I don't fully know or understand why you choose and use men like Jephthah or Samson; or why you instruct the slaughter of certain peoples. I don't live in that distant time and culture. I don't live under your pre-Christ covenant. These things appear very wrong to me. But what I do know about you Lord; about your love, wisdom and justice; makes me trust you and your Word, just as Jesus did. Even when I don't like or really understand what I read - even with the help of scholarly commentaries.
You I know, and you I trust.
Example: Many times in Saigon, you have to step off the sidewalk and walk for on the street for a few steps, or a block. Many motorbikes park on sidewalks, in front of stores or restaurants hay pay 12 or 15 cents for that spot. This is so common that sidewalks could be called sideparks. Or an eating place may cover most of the sidewalk with small chairs; or there could be a small sales kiosk of some sort. A sidewalk totally reserved for pedestrians is a rare luxury.
So even on the most congested streets, it is not uncommon to look at traffic, make a quick judgment call, exercise a little faith, and step off the sidewalk in order to make progress around the sidewalk. Does this seem strange? Yes, it is different, but it works in this culture. After all, the multiplication of traffic in the past 15 years has been huge, and since most people travel by motorbikes, they have to park somewhere; and many eating places cannot afford to rent a large space; and people are accustomed to walking on the street, and ----; it is not wrong, just different.
This morning I was reading the last part of Judges in my devotional time. Some of the things recorded in these chapters, as with other sections of Scripture, are --- different. Why does God allow certain things; work with certain people in spite of their failures; give instructions that seem brutal; etc.? There are a variety of helpful resources that can help us read with understanding these difficult passages. One simple help is to read these passages in the same way we should cross cultures. Life in Vietnam is different, and seems not the best. But I don't know all the history nor do I fully understand the culture. Therefore I try to withhold judgment and focus on what I enjoy. And of course month by month, I learn more, adjust, and appreciate why things are as they are.
So when I read difficult passages as I did this morning, I tell God: I don't fully know or understand why you choose and use men like Jephthah or Samson; or why you instruct the slaughter of certain peoples. I don't live in that distant time and culture. I don't live under your pre-Christ covenant. These things appear very wrong to me. But what I do know about you Lord; about your love, wisdom and justice; makes me trust you and your Word, just as Jesus did. Even when I don't like or really understand what I read - even with the help of scholarly commentaries.
You I know, and you I trust.
Monday, February 21, 2011
Facebook and Friends
Someone recently wrote: "I have some friends on Facebook that I don't even know". Now, I have friends I don't remember - but that is due to a poor memory (and don't say anything about my age.:)) In this era of social networks websites like Facebook or Twitter, all kinds of people can become linked as "friends". Yet many of them really don't know each other. Designated friends but with no relationship!
Of course it has always been tempting, for those who enjoy "name dropping" (I admit, I've been tempted) to claim as a friend someone whom you have barely met. I have met a few famous politicians, athletes and Christian leaders; even shared a meal or a golf game with them. But I can't claim them as friends. They don't know me and I really don't know them.
I suspect that God has a huge number of "friends" like that. As a pastor, I have met people who claim they talk to God regularly as their friend - yet whose lifestyle is in great conflict with God's commands; whose religious beliefs are far different than what Jesus taught about God; and whose views on a host of issues are in direct conflict with God's truth found in Scripture.
On the other hand, in Isaiah 41:8 God calls the great man of faith, Abraham, "my friend". In Exodus it is said that God talked to Moses face to face as one speaks to a friend. Many people claim God as a friend. But wouldn't it be great if God claimed you as a friend?!!
Jesus tells his followers that in fact they are his friends, IF! Not if they have on one occasion prayed a prayer of commitment. Not if they pray to God every day or go to church every week. No, Jesus, God the Son, says: "You are my friends if you do what I command."
This makes perfect sense. If I obey the command of Jesus to love God with my whole being and love others as myself, then my life will be in synch with God. Of course we will be friends for we will share a great deal in common, as good friends always do.
Do I claim God as a friend because of some casual contact or a religious link through others? Or am I really a friend who loves God sincerely enough to obey (often failing, but truly trying) His commands? Whew, it takes my breath away, to even think that Jesus may look down on me and say "Nelson is my friend". Could you wish for anything better than that?
Of course it has always been tempting, for those who enjoy "name dropping" (I admit, I've been tempted) to claim as a friend someone whom you have barely met. I have met a few famous politicians, athletes and Christian leaders; even shared a meal or a golf game with them. But I can't claim them as friends. They don't know me and I really don't know them.
I suspect that God has a huge number of "friends" like that. As a pastor, I have met people who claim they talk to God regularly as their friend - yet whose lifestyle is in great conflict with God's commands; whose religious beliefs are far different than what Jesus taught about God; and whose views on a host of issues are in direct conflict with God's truth found in Scripture.
On the other hand, in Isaiah 41:8 God calls the great man of faith, Abraham, "my friend". In Exodus it is said that God talked to Moses face to face as one speaks to a friend. Many people claim God as a friend. But wouldn't it be great if God claimed you as a friend?!!
Jesus tells his followers that in fact they are his friends, IF! Not if they have on one occasion prayed a prayer of commitment. Not if they pray to God every day or go to church every week. No, Jesus, God the Son, says: "You are my friends if you do what I command."
This makes perfect sense. If I obey the command of Jesus to love God with my whole being and love others as myself, then my life will be in synch with God. Of course we will be friends for we will share a great deal in common, as good friends always do.
Do I claim God as a friend because of some casual contact or a religious link through others? Or am I really a friend who loves God sincerely enough to obey (often failing, but truly trying) His commands? Whew, it takes my breath away, to even think that Jesus may look down on me and say "Nelson is my friend". Could you wish for anything better than that?
Sunday, February 20, 2011
ONLY GOD CAN
They were beaten and defeated. They lived afraid; always prepared for the worst. That has to be why Gideon was not threshing wheat in the open field where the wind could blow the chaff away. Instead, Gideon was threshing wheat in the winepress. Wheat in the winepress? Oh yes, he hoped that the Midianites, who regularly visited and looted the land of Israel, would not catch him and steal his wheat. So tucked away and a little secure, he beats out his wheat in the winepress.
That is where God finds Gideon. And the angel of the Lord said "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!" Hmmm. Mighty warrior? Hiding in the winepress, afraid of the enemy? Is God mocking? Or joking? Or does God know something that no one else could know? Only God Can.
God knows the strength Gideon has that no one else could see. And God knows what Gideon can do if God is with Him. Yes, Gideon can thresh wheat in a wine press. But only God can provide the strength and confidence Gideon needs to become the mighty warrior; the leader that Israel longs for and desperately needs.
Only God can see Gideon's potential, hidden even from Gideon himself. Only God can see in you what He can do through you, if you trust Him and live in his strength. How many of us are doing a little work in the winepress of our lives, when God has more - perhaps much more - for us to do? If for a moment we could see what Only God Can!
If He appeared to you today and called you a mighty warrior (spiritually speaking of course), would you react like Gideon with shock and a "how can I"? If He simply nudges you quietly, in your thoughts as you are praying or reading Scripture - and gives you an assignment that seems overwhelming - will you give God a chance? Would you give yourself a chance to do something more than threshing wheat in the winepress? God wants to do in each of our lives what only God can! (See Judges 6; Ephesians 3:20, 21)
That is where God finds Gideon. And the angel of the Lord said "The Lord is with you, mighty warrior!" Hmmm. Mighty warrior? Hiding in the winepress, afraid of the enemy? Is God mocking? Or joking? Or does God know something that no one else could know? Only God Can.
God knows the strength Gideon has that no one else could see. And God knows what Gideon can do if God is with Him. Yes, Gideon can thresh wheat in a wine press. But only God can provide the strength and confidence Gideon needs to become the mighty warrior; the leader that Israel longs for and desperately needs.
Only God can see Gideon's potential, hidden even from Gideon himself. Only God can see in you what He can do through you, if you trust Him and live in his strength. How many of us are doing a little work in the winepress of our lives, when God has more - perhaps much more - for us to do? If for a moment we could see what Only God Can!
If He appeared to you today and called you a mighty warrior (spiritually speaking of course), would you react like Gideon with shock and a "how can I"? If He simply nudges you quietly, in your thoughts as you are praying or reading Scripture - and gives you an assignment that seems overwhelming - will you give God a chance? Would you give yourself a chance to do something more than threshing wheat in the winepress? God wants to do in each of our lives what only God can! (See Judges 6; Ephesians 3:20, 21)
Saturday, February 19, 2011
FOOD AND HEALTH STANDARDS
Are people in North America and Europe too safety conscious? We are grateful that health inspectors hold our restaurants to pretty high standards. But are they too high? By what standard can we objectively define "too"? When you visit a developing country you become aware of how widely standards can vary.
Here in Saigon you can spend any amount on restaurant food, from 50 cents to $50 for one meal. We relish the fact that you can observe Vietnamese eating at a roadside stand where there is no curb; at sidewalk cafes (actually tiny stools, no tables and the kitchen is a mobile fast food cart); small open ended restaurants that spill on to the streets; as well as a huge selection of fine Vietnamese and foreign food (Chinese, Indian, European, etc.) restaurants. Of course if you wish, you can have a pizza delivered to your door. And if you run a one person store (thousands do) then you can have an inexpensive meal of vegetables and rice or noodles delivered to your shop.
There are thousands of simple street side cafes. We see dishes being washed in a tub of cold water on the sidewalk; uncooked food that is unacquainted with a refrigerator; cooked foods collecting dust stirred by passing motorbikes and cars. And while they eat at these places regularly, Vietnamese understand when we simply confess that we don't (yet) have Vietnamese stomachs. We have played it safe for these first three months and limited ourselves to restaurants frequented by middle class Vietnamese and expats. We are thankful that so far we've had no digestive problems!
The vast number of these eating places would be closed down in North America for violating health standards; but here they feed tens of thousands every day. And they do this at very little cost. When the majority of wage earners make less than $200 a month, who would dare to close down places where people can fill their hungry stomachs for a dollar or less?
Here in Saigon you can spend any amount on restaurant food, from 50 cents to $50 for one meal. We relish the fact that you can observe Vietnamese eating at a roadside stand where there is no curb; at sidewalk cafes (actually tiny stools, no tables and the kitchen is a mobile fast food cart); small open ended restaurants that spill on to the streets; as well as a huge selection of fine Vietnamese and foreign food (Chinese, Indian, European, etc.) restaurants. Of course if you wish, you can have a pizza delivered to your door. And if you run a one person store (thousands do) then you can have an inexpensive meal of vegetables and rice or noodles delivered to your shop.
There are thousands of simple street side cafes. We see dishes being washed in a tub of cold water on the sidewalk; uncooked food that is unacquainted with a refrigerator; cooked foods collecting dust stirred by passing motorbikes and cars. And while they eat at these places regularly, Vietnamese understand when we simply confess that we don't (yet) have Vietnamese stomachs. We have played it safe for these first three months and limited ourselves to restaurants frequented by middle class Vietnamese and expats. We are thankful that so far we've had no digestive problems!
The vast number of these eating places would be closed down in North America for violating health standards; but here they feed tens of thousands every day. And they do this at very little cost. When the majority of wage earners make less than $200 a month, who would dare to close down places where people can fill their hungry stomachs for a dollar or less?
Thursday, February 17, 2011
MUSIC AND DEATH
Yesterday I heard all kinds of music. In the taxis, Vietnamese and English rock; last night in a Yogurt Shop with two expat friends; very loud Vietnamese rock; yesterday morning about 8:30 am, loud drums and cymbals in front of our building. A large Insurance Company was officially opening their office with speeches and special music performed for the invited guests.
However much earlier, at 6:30 am I heard the music of death. We hear this often because we live near what might be called a funeral home. The five piece band (drums and horns) follows the casket borne by men in either colourful or all white clothes. A few or many mourners, follow the Buddhist priest(s) who leads the procession for several blocks. They stop near our building. Then the priests and mourners get into a private bus rented because few people own cars. The bus follows the casket vehicle to the place of disposal.
The band plays loud, almost "ragtime" music. One of the popular procession pieces is the tune we in the west know as "Oh Susanna". It seems quite out of place at a time of mourning, but perhaps there are sombre Vietnamese words to that tune.
Jan and I cringe whenever we hear the early morning funeral music. (Early morning so people can still get to work, I suspect.) The music is not sad, but it signifies death without hope - or death with false hope; a heart wrenching tragedy. Far too many Vietnamese die with this kind of Buddhist funeral.
In contrast, we Christ followers do not grieve like those without hope. (I Thessalonians 4:13) A few weeks ago my oldest sister, Yvonne passed away after many years of painful ill health. As a believer, she knew that life with Christ awaited after death. She voiced a deep longing for death many times over the past several years. A few weeks before she passed away, I had discovered a twenty year old song, "All My Tears", recorded five years ago by the group Selah. The words are powerful and I find the music haunting.
When Yvonne died, I went to YouTube and played the song numerous times. I am sure the words capture what she felt. I'd be happy if one day it is sung at my funeral. Here is just the chorus. "It don't matter where you bury me. I'll be home and I'll be free. It don't matter where I lay. All my sins be washed away."
Since I really believe those words are true, I guess "it don't matter" what kind of music is played at my funeral!
However much earlier, at 6:30 am I heard the music of death. We hear this often because we live near what might be called a funeral home. The five piece band (drums and horns) follows the casket borne by men in either colourful or all white clothes. A few or many mourners, follow the Buddhist priest(s) who leads the procession for several blocks. They stop near our building. Then the priests and mourners get into a private bus rented because few people own cars. The bus follows the casket vehicle to the place of disposal.
The band plays loud, almost "ragtime" music. One of the popular procession pieces is the tune we in the west know as "Oh Susanna". It seems quite out of place at a time of mourning, but perhaps there are sombre Vietnamese words to that tune.
Jan and I cringe whenever we hear the early morning funeral music. (Early morning so people can still get to work, I suspect.) The music is not sad, but it signifies death without hope - or death with false hope; a heart wrenching tragedy. Far too many Vietnamese die with this kind of Buddhist funeral.
In contrast, we Christ followers do not grieve like those without hope. (I Thessalonians 4:13) A few weeks ago my oldest sister, Yvonne passed away after many years of painful ill health. As a believer, she knew that life with Christ awaited after death. She voiced a deep longing for death many times over the past several years. A few weeks before she passed away, I had discovered a twenty year old song, "All My Tears", recorded five years ago by the group Selah. The words are powerful and I find the music haunting.
When Yvonne died, I went to YouTube and played the song numerous times. I am sure the words capture what she felt. I'd be happy if one day it is sung at my funeral. Here is just the chorus. "It don't matter where you bury me. I'll be home and I'll be free. It don't matter where I lay. All my sins be washed away."
Since I really believe those words are true, I guess "it don't matter" what kind of music is played at my funeral!
Wednesday, February 16, 2011
Seeing Things Clearly?
We have enjoyed the cool dry season (temperatures as low as 20 degrees by early morning). But in this city of 8 million or more, dry means the pollution is not rain washed out of the air regularly. When we look out over the city each morning, we can see only a km or two. But when the wind blows the air is clear and we can see so much further. (In fact sometimes not only is our vision hampered, we can smell the pollution and Jan feels sometimes she can taste it.) Even with some pretty bad pollution, we can see, but not as well or nearly as far as we would like.
There were some pretty bright boys in the ancient city of Gibeon. They had heard the news that Israel was on the prowl; had conquered and destroyed cities like Jericho and AI. So some of the men from Gibeon dressed in old worn out clothes and sandals, gathered old, musty bread and old wineskins (water bottles). They walked over to where the Israelites were camped and appeared to have come on a long journey from a distant city.
God had told Israel to make no peace treaties with people who lived in the Promised Land. But the Gibeonites limped up to the Israelites andpretended to be from a far away city. They asked for a peace treaty. The men of Israel looked at them and asked questions. Joshua, Israel's gifted leader questioned them. Then the Israelites "sampled their provisions." They could "see" the evidence that these folks had really travelled a long distance. Therefore their far away city was of no interest to Israel. So they agreed to a peace treaty.
Harmless decision except as the author adds in a brief comment "but (they) did not inquire of the Lord." (Joshua 9:15) They could see what appeared to be good evidence for their decision to make a peace treaty. But they could not see enough. They needed to God's perspective. Failing to bother with that, they made a bad decision.
I can see some distance from our 19th storey apartment every morning. But when the wind blows, I can see so much more clearly. On my own, I can make some good decisions. But to make the best decisions, I need to do more than examine the evidence and ask intelligent questions. I need to ask and then listen for God's direction. "Dear God may we spend time asking for wisdom and direction; and then please grant us Divine guidance."
Footnote to those living in Edmonton and Calgary: although your air is way too cold these winter days, and you might long for the warmth of Saigon, enjoy your clean, clear air.
There were some pretty bright boys in the ancient city of Gibeon. They had heard the news that Israel was on the prowl; had conquered and destroyed cities like Jericho and AI. So some of the men from Gibeon dressed in old worn out clothes and sandals, gathered old, musty bread and old wineskins (water bottles). They walked over to where the Israelites were camped and appeared to have come on a long journey from a distant city.
God had told Israel to make no peace treaties with people who lived in the Promised Land. But the Gibeonites limped up to the Israelites andpretended to be from a far away city. They asked for a peace treaty. The men of Israel looked at them and asked questions. Joshua, Israel's gifted leader questioned them. Then the Israelites "sampled their provisions." They could "see" the evidence that these folks had really travelled a long distance. Therefore their far away city was of no interest to Israel. So they agreed to a peace treaty.
Harmless decision except as the author adds in a brief comment "but (they) did not inquire of the Lord." (Joshua 9:15) They could see what appeared to be good evidence for their decision to make a peace treaty. But they could not see enough. They needed to God's perspective. Failing to bother with that, they made a bad decision.
I can see some distance from our 19th storey apartment every morning. But when the wind blows, I can see so much more clearly. On my own, I can make some good decisions. But to make the best decisions, I need to do more than examine the evidence and ask intelligent questions. I need to ask and then listen for God's direction. "Dear God may we spend time asking for wisdom and direction; and then please grant us Divine guidance."
Footnote to those living in Edmonton and Calgary: although your air is way too cold these winter days, and you might long for the warmth of Saigon, enjoy your clean, clear air.
Monday, February 14, 2011
A NEW LEADER
As I read the opening chapters of Joshua, I always smile and also find encouragement. So here are three quick thoughts from what for many are familiar verses.
1. Would you be encouraged by the words of the people of Israel? While Moses led them for 40 years, they had grumbled against their leader about lack of food, lack of comfort, lack of water, and the vindictive nastiness of Moses. Several times they wanted to go back to Egypt, disobeyed Moses instructions and at least once talked of replacing Moses with another leader. And now they promise Joshua, "Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you." Joshua 1:17 I have to smile at how encouraged (?)Joshua must have felt by those words!
2. I count at least 6 times that Joshua is told by Moses, God or the nation: "be strong and courageous." If he needed to hear that, so do we! God's promise to Joshua is His promise to us as well: "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 So come on, be strong courageous today!
3. God loves us and uses people like us. But He does not need us. If a leader of Moses calibre could be so smoothly replaced by Joshua; if within weeks of Moses death, Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land; then none of us is indispensable. This is why we need to keep reminding ourselves that "who I am and who I am becoming is much more important than what I do and what I hope to do." If I make myself available, God loves me and will use me. But He does not need me. So I can relax (for example as I feel underemployed here in Vietnam!).
1. Would you be encouraged by the words of the people of Israel? While Moses led them for 40 years, they had grumbled against their leader about lack of food, lack of comfort, lack of water, and the vindictive nastiness of Moses. Several times they wanted to go back to Egypt, disobeyed Moses instructions and at least once talked of replacing Moses with another leader. And now they promise Joshua, "Just as we fully obeyed Moses, so we will obey you." Joshua 1:17 I have to smile at how encouraged (?)Joshua must have felt by those words!
2. I count at least 6 times that Joshua is told by Moses, God or the nation: "be strong and courageous." If he needed to hear that, so do we! God's promise to Joshua is His promise to us as well: "for the Lord your God will be with you wherever you go." Joshua 1:9 So come on, be strong courageous today!
3. God loves us and uses people like us. But He does not need us. If a leader of Moses calibre could be so smoothly replaced by Joshua; if within weeks of Moses death, Joshua leads Israel into the Promised Land; then none of us is indispensable. This is why we need to keep reminding ourselves that "who I am and who I am becoming is much more important than what I do and what I hope to do." If I make myself available, God loves me and will use me. But He does not need me. So I can relax (for example as I feel underemployed here in Vietnam!).
Sunday, February 13, 2011
WORDS ARE YOUR LIFE
We speak and write a lot of words in our family. Chris and Jeannie both publish journal articles; Kent's second book has just been published; Chris, Kent, and at least two nephews, have regular blogs. We are a verbal family. Sprinkled among our extended family are quite a number of teachers, professors, authors, preachers and actors.
I am always surprised and delighted when someone quotes to me something I once said to them or something they heard in one of my sermons or lectures. Why? Because I know that most words, if not ignored at the moment or forgotten within minutes, make only a temporary impression. And few words are life changing or life giving. We all know that!
So I ask "WHY?" Why is it that when I raise the subject of daily Bible reading, a large number of Christ followers admit that they read the Bible at best, two or three times a week. They admit, most with little embarrassment, that they have never established a regular pattern of Bible reading. Yet these same people believe that the Bible is the one uniquely inspired book from God. They affirm the importance of the Bible, and on most days, they don't take time to read it! I could never understand that disconnect.
Today I was struck by the statement: "They are not just idle words for you - they are your life." Deuteronomy 32:47 Since my one semester of Hebrew is long forgotten, I went to my computer to check this verse in a variety of translations. Sure enough they all agree - these words from God, Moses saya to the nation of Israel - these words from God "are your life".
Earlier in Deuteronomy, Moses wrote "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." 8:3 This is the verse Jesus quotes in Matthew 4:4,when He is tempted by Satan.
No book, no blog, no journal will ever come close to providing eternal, spirit feeding, life giving, God inspired words like we find in the Bible. So as a Christ follower, believing what the Bible says about itself and Jesus validates, I try to daily place some of these life giving words in my mind and life. Seems to me that just makes sense? Does it to you?
I am always surprised and delighted when someone quotes to me something I once said to them or something they heard in one of my sermons or lectures. Why? Because I know that most words, if not ignored at the moment or forgotten within minutes, make only a temporary impression. And few words are life changing or life giving. We all know that!
So I ask "WHY?" Why is it that when I raise the subject of daily Bible reading, a large number of Christ followers admit that they read the Bible at best, two or three times a week. They admit, most with little embarrassment, that they have never established a regular pattern of Bible reading. Yet these same people believe that the Bible is the one uniquely inspired book from God. They affirm the importance of the Bible, and on most days, they don't take time to read it! I could never understand that disconnect.
Today I was struck by the statement: "They are not just idle words for you - they are your life." Deuteronomy 32:47 Since my one semester of Hebrew is long forgotten, I went to my computer to check this verse in a variety of translations. Sure enough they all agree - these words from God, Moses saya to the nation of Israel - these words from God "are your life".
Earlier in Deuteronomy, Moses wrote "man does not live on bread alone but on every word that comes from the mouth of God." 8:3 This is the verse Jesus quotes in Matthew 4:4,when He is tempted by Satan.
No book, no blog, no journal will ever come close to providing eternal, spirit feeding, life giving, God inspired words like we find in the Bible. So as a Christ follower, believing what the Bible says about itself and Jesus validates, I try to daily place some of these life giving words in my mind and life. Seems to me that just makes sense? Does it to you?
Friday, February 11, 2011
One Thing I Wish
I have often envied the personality strengths and the abilities of others. There are many strengths I don't have that I've often wanted. Had God offered to grant me one wish in the area of ability, I might have asked for a great memory. I've forgotten many verses that I once memorized; not remembered much from great books I have read; failed to remember the names of people with whom I spent significant time. And now of course as Jan and I are studying the challenging Vietnamese language my memory deficiency is glaring once again.
While I've never had a good memory (you could confirm this through my high school French teacher, were she still alive), I have worked hard at obeying Scripture and cultivating a healthy "spiritual memory". Many times in the Bible, God's people are told positively to remember and negatively "not to forget".
God warns the people of Israel through Moses many times. See for example Deuteronomy 6:12, 7:18, 8:2, 11, 18. As they are entering the Promised Land, God challenges them to remember all the miracles He has performed for their liberation and protection. He calls them not to forget Him and His commands, even though they will be surrounded by city-states where people worship other gods and have different moral standards. The danger is immanent that when they are safe and prosperous, not feeling a great need for God's help and protection, they will forget and wander from God.
The other day a pastor friend shared with me the story of a young couple in his congregation. In the midst of a family crisis they were at church every Sunday, being strengthened by the love, concern and prayers of God's people in that faith community. But the crisis is past, all is well, and he has not seen them at church for quite some time. It seems like they are suffering from a very bad spiritual memory.
If you, like me have a poor memory, I empathize. But please, make sure you remember what is most important: God's goodness to you; His loving relationship with you; and the wisdom of obeying His Commands. Cultivate a healthy spiritual memory.
Oh, and there are two really good things about a having a bad memory. 1. It is impossible to hold a grudge when you don't remember what they did or who did it to you. 2. When in old age you develop dementia, no one will notice the difference. Don't forget - I told you!
While I've never had a good memory (you could confirm this through my high school French teacher, were she still alive), I have worked hard at obeying Scripture and cultivating a healthy "spiritual memory". Many times in the Bible, God's people are told positively to remember and negatively "not to forget".
God warns the people of Israel through Moses many times. See for example Deuteronomy 6:12, 7:18, 8:2, 11, 18. As they are entering the Promised Land, God challenges them to remember all the miracles He has performed for their liberation and protection. He calls them not to forget Him and His commands, even though they will be surrounded by city-states where people worship other gods and have different moral standards. The danger is immanent that when they are safe and prosperous, not feeling a great need for God's help and protection, they will forget and wander from God.
The other day a pastor friend shared with me the story of a young couple in his congregation. In the midst of a family crisis they were at church every Sunday, being strengthened by the love, concern and prayers of God's people in that faith community. But the crisis is past, all is well, and he has not seen them at church for quite some time. It seems like they are suffering from a very bad spiritual memory.
If you, like me have a poor memory, I empathize. But please, make sure you remember what is most important: God's goodness to you; His loving relationship with you; and the wisdom of obeying His Commands. Cultivate a healthy spiritual memory.
Oh, and there are two really good things about a having a bad memory. 1. It is impossible to hold a grudge when you don't remember what they did or who did it to you. 2. When in old age you develop dementia, no one will notice the difference. Don't forget - I told you!
Thursday, February 10, 2011
What God Wants
In our me centred culture, a lot of people are constantly tuned to WIIFM - What's in it for me?
Knowing this, and being kind of tuned that way ourselves, we Christians will often encourage others to come to faith in Jesus, with the sole emphasis: here is all that God offers to you; here is all that God can do for you. If we are not careful, those of us who preach, teach and lead churches can use only this approach - doing our enthusiastic best to tell people all the good things that they will experience if they "commit to follow Jesus." This is not wrong, but it is very incomplete and can be very unbalanced.
A far better approach is to help people face the solemn, very biblical and God centred question: What does God want from me?
One often quoted biblical response is to from Micah 6:8: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." But this verse does not cover all of God's response.
This morning I read again the more complete answer given in Deuteronomy 10:12. "And now. O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"
I don't think God, humans or believers have changed. I am sure that this is still what God expects from you and me: 1. To worship Him with reverence and holy fear. 2. To live like Him (walk in His ways) 3. To love Him. 4. To serve Him wholeheartedly. 5. To obey His commands.
This verse provides an amazingly thorough answer to the question: What does God want from me? I believe Jesus taught the same truth and the rest of the NT confirms it.
Most surprising, if you have never really noticed this verse before, is the last phrase: "for your own good." If I stay God centred, giving God what He wants and deserves, it will ultimately result in the best for me.
This is absolutely true; but you cannot know this experientially, until you begin to respond by faith to God's desire for you. Those of us who have been living this way, not perfectly, but sincerely, have proved that seeking to do and be what God wants, really is for our own good. It is and has been, the best way to live.
Knowing this, and being kind of tuned that way ourselves, we Christians will often encourage others to come to faith in Jesus, with the sole emphasis: here is all that God offers to you; here is all that God can do for you. If we are not careful, those of us who preach, teach and lead churches can use only this approach - doing our enthusiastic best to tell people all the good things that they will experience if they "commit to follow Jesus." This is not wrong, but it is very incomplete and can be very unbalanced.
A far better approach is to help people face the solemn, very biblical and God centred question: What does God want from me?
One often quoted biblical response is to from Micah 6:8: "He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." But this verse does not cover all of God's response.
This morning I read again the more complete answer given in Deuteronomy 10:12. "And now. O Israel, what does the Lord your God ask of you but to fear the Lord your God, to walk in all his ways, to love him, to serve the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and to observe the Lord's commands and decrees that I am giving you today for your own good?"
I don't think God, humans or believers have changed. I am sure that this is still what God expects from you and me: 1. To worship Him with reverence and holy fear. 2. To live like Him (walk in His ways) 3. To love Him. 4. To serve Him wholeheartedly. 5. To obey His commands.
This verse provides an amazingly thorough answer to the question: What does God want from me? I believe Jesus taught the same truth and the rest of the NT confirms it.
Most surprising, if you have never really noticed this verse before, is the last phrase: "for your own good." If I stay God centred, giving God what He wants and deserves, it will ultimately result in the best for me.
This is absolutely true; but you cannot know this experientially, until you begin to respond by faith to God's desire for you. Those of us who have been living this way, not perfectly, but sincerely, have proved that seeking to do and be what God wants, really is for our own good. It is and has been, the best way to live.
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Mot Hai Ba Bon
Yes, as you can guess, we are back to the basics in language study. It has been decades since I last learned to count in another language. The interesting thing about Vietnamese is that the above words don't tell you all you need to know in counting from one to four. You need to know that when written (or typed on a Vietnamese typewriter) there is a dot below the "o" in "Mot", which means your voice needs to drop. And over the "o" in "Bon" there is an accent angling upward that indicates your voice tone needs to go up. When you come to "seven" which is simply "Bay", you need to notice the squiggly over top of the "a" which indicates your voice needs to kind of go up and down.
Two hours a week, three times a week we are finally semi-immersed in language study. Fortunately we have a fine young tutor who is willing to teach us what we need to know to function rather than be fluent. (One good friend, here for ten years, working almost exclusively with Vietnamese, tells us he understands about 70% of what is communicated. After ten years!)
So today we learned numbers that are very important here: "thousand" (you remember that 20,000 dong equals one dollar, right?) and "million"(one million dong equals only $50). We learned how to ask how much does it cost, and what is the total amount. Now we need to remember the words, remember the pronunciation, remember the tones and remember how they go together in a sentence. Not a problem - if you have a great memory.
For those of us with a mediocre, aged memory - well we will give you a progress report in a while.
Two hours a week, three times a week we are finally semi-immersed in language study. Fortunately we have a fine young tutor who is willing to teach us what we need to know to function rather than be fluent. (One good friend, here for ten years, working almost exclusively with Vietnamese, tells us he understands about 70% of what is communicated. After ten years!)
So today we learned numbers that are very important here: "thousand" (you remember that 20,000 dong equals one dollar, right?) and "million"(one million dong equals only $50). We learned how to ask how much does it cost, and what is the total amount. Now we need to remember the words, remember the pronunciation, remember the tones and remember how they go together in a sentence. Not a problem - if you have a great memory.
For those of us with a mediocre, aged memory - well we will give you a progress report in a while.
Tuesday, February 8, 2011
Birthdays Greetings
Last night Jan and I ate outside (temperature about 29 degrees) at a downtown BBQ place where the grill is in the centre of each table. The meat and vegetables are served raw. A bowl of rice and a small bowl of oil for the grill are served with the food. Also of course several small bowls of sauces. The restaurant is decorated with while "Christmas lights" hanging from overhead trees. It is popular with Vietnamese and expats. So it seemed a great place to celebrate my birthday.
My thanks to a number of you for your birthday greetings. As Jeannie our daughter wrote, who would have guessed a year ago that this birthday would be celebrated while living in Ho Chi Minh City, after parasailing last month in Malaysia!
Shelly sent two video greetings from Simone and Cormac. (Kent was in Boston yesterday.) The greeting was unique: 5 year old Simone sang an entire verse and chorus of the carol "We Three Kings" as she walked back and forth in their family room. This was followed by a resounding verse of Happy Birthday Dear Papa, ending with a "cha, cha, cha". I am not sure where the carol or the cha, cha, cha came from, but they were delightful. Then on the next brief video, with prompting from Shelly, 23 month old Cormac whispered a Happy Birthday.
Anyone living overseas finds the distance from family disconcerting. However we are so fortunate in this era to quickly connect by emails, telephone videos and Skype calls. Jan and I recall our year in Japan four decades ago, when we were communicating by letters and the very occasional, expensive long distance phone call. I cannot imagine the feeling of isolation for those who ventured across oceans 100 years ago ----- often they heard of major family events weeks and even months later. So we could wish to be near family and friends, but we are very grateful for electronic communication.
My thanks to a number of you for your birthday greetings. As Jeannie our daughter wrote, who would have guessed a year ago that this birthday would be celebrated while living in Ho Chi Minh City, after parasailing last month in Malaysia!
Shelly sent two video greetings from Simone and Cormac. (Kent was in Boston yesterday.) The greeting was unique: 5 year old Simone sang an entire verse and chorus of the carol "We Three Kings" as she walked back and forth in their family room. This was followed by a resounding verse of Happy Birthday Dear Papa, ending with a "cha, cha, cha". I am not sure where the carol or the cha, cha, cha came from, but they were delightful. Then on the next brief video, with prompting from Shelly, 23 month old Cormac whispered a Happy Birthday.
Anyone living overseas finds the distance from family disconcerting. However we are so fortunate in this era to quickly connect by emails, telephone videos and Skype calls. Jan and I recall our year in Japan four decades ago, when we were communicating by letters and the very occasional, expensive long distance phone call. I cannot imagine the feeling of isolation for those who ventured across oceans 100 years ago ----- often they heard of major family events weeks and even months later. So we could wish to be near family and friends, but we are very grateful for electronic communication.
Sunday, February 6, 2011
Gaining Traffic Perspective
All first time visitors comment on the traffic in Saigon. They notice that at least ten motorbikes for every car. They feel overwhelmed at the challenge of walking across a busy street as traffic weaves on both sides of pedestrians. There seems to be chaos at every major intersection as cars and motorbikes jockey for position. From someone who has just arrived from the "well regulated, stay in your own lane, wait your turn to make a left turn", streets of North America, the traffic seems chaotic.
But if you are observant, after a while you gain a different perspective. There are rules that everyone follows (generally). Traffic is quite predictable. If you and your motorbike are stuck at a light behind many vehicles and want to make a right turn, it is logical and acceptable to take a corner shortcut by using the sidewalk. If you can jump ahead quickly just before the light changes, you and ten other motorbikes can make a left turn before oncoming traffic. If your motorbike leans slightly to the left, the taxi driver behind you will not be surprised that you are turning left - no need to signal. While your car should stay in the left lane, leaving the inside lane for motorbikes, it is understood that if you are in a hurry and feeling aggressive, you may drive for a while in the righthand lane - preferably with your blinker on indicating you will get back in the left lane sometime soon.
Yes, to a newcomer, traffic looks chaotic, even bizarre. But you need the proper perspective. There are rules - just few enforced written rules. However traffic patterns do follow predictable patterns. This is not chaos. As an observant passenger in a hundred taxis, I assure you, you just need to change your perspective. Then the traffic is seen to flow like a river. OK, a river with some sudden rocks and rapids and an occasional immediate dam. But perspective helps you see, predict and enjoy the flow.
But if you are observant, after a while you gain a different perspective. There are rules that everyone follows (generally). Traffic is quite predictable. If you and your motorbike are stuck at a light behind many vehicles and want to make a right turn, it is logical and acceptable to take a corner shortcut by using the sidewalk. If you can jump ahead quickly just before the light changes, you and ten other motorbikes can make a left turn before oncoming traffic. If your motorbike leans slightly to the left, the taxi driver behind you will not be surprised that you are turning left - no need to signal. While your car should stay in the left lane, leaving the inside lane for motorbikes, it is understood that if you are in a hurry and feeling aggressive, you may drive for a while in the righthand lane - preferably with your blinker on indicating you will get back in the left lane sometime soon.
Yes, to a newcomer, traffic looks chaotic, even bizarre. But you need the proper perspective. There are rules - just few enforced written rules. However traffic patterns do follow predictable patterns. This is not chaos. As an observant passenger in a hundred taxis, I assure you, you just need to change your perspective. Then the traffic is seen to flow like a river. OK, a river with some sudden rocks and rapids and an occasional immediate dam. But perspective helps you see, predict and enjoy the flow.
We Need Each Other
There are a lot of young expat professionals - single or married - and life here for them is pretty good. They have few constraints and little in the way of accountability outside of their jobs. So a lot of life is lived in the cafes and the bars, and everyone seems to be having a great time. However few of them really experience meaningful community.
The above perspective was impressed upon us this past week through three different contacts.
1. A young American couple at our New Year's Eve party (Feb. 2nd) told of former American expats who may not even be Christ followers. These former expats advised a friend: when you arrive in your overseas posting, find a church - that is where you will find community!
2. Over lunch last week, two young professional women who have been here for 18 months and 30 months respectively, described vividly the need they see in the young expat adults in Saigon. They need an easy to find church which makes young professionals - both Christ followers and those investigating Christian faith - really welcome. They need a community of believers that will encourage and challenge them.
3. A young African man whom we have met in the local Vietnamese church knows that I am a pastor expecting to start an English speaking congregation. He sent me a note at the start of the Sunday service asking me to pray with him at the end of the service. He is struggling spiritually, far from home and surrounded by those who don't follow Christ. I prayed with him that his faith would not fade or falter; that he would continue to live for Christ.
I hope you who read this blog are experiencing warm fellowship in a healthy (not perfect, but healthy) local church. We need God, and he made us to need each other.
We want our new church here in Ho Chi Minh City to be a warm, welcoming place where people will connect with Christ and with others. We are waiting to see what God will do.
The above perspective was impressed upon us this past week through three different contacts.
1. A young American couple at our New Year's Eve party (Feb. 2nd) told of former American expats who may not even be Christ followers. These former expats advised a friend: when you arrive in your overseas posting, find a church - that is where you will find community!
2. Over lunch last week, two young professional women who have been here for 18 months and 30 months respectively, described vividly the need they see in the young expat adults in Saigon. They need an easy to find church which makes young professionals - both Christ followers and those investigating Christian faith - really welcome. They need a community of believers that will encourage and challenge them.
3. A young African man whom we have met in the local Vietnamese church knows that I am a pastor expecting to start an English speaking congregation. He sent me a note at the start of the Sunday service asking me to pray with him at the end of the service. He is struggling spiritually, far from home and surrounded by those who don't follow Christ. I prayed with him that his faith would not fade or falter; that he would continue to live for Christ.
I hope you who read this blog are experiencing warm fellowship in a healthy (not perfect, but healthy) local church. We need God, and he made us to need each other.
We want our new church here in Ho Chi Minh City to be a warm, welcoming place where people will connect with Christ and with others. We are waiting to see what God will do.
Saturday, February 5, 2011
New Year's Dragon Dance
The Dragon Dance is very popular among Chinese and also among Vietnamese. We have seen such dances each of the first three days of this New Year. A small factory a few doors away and across the street has hosted such a dance on Thursday (New Year's Day) and again today. So today I went down for a close up look and some pictures. (Sorry, I have not yet learned how to include pictures in my blog.)
The groups we have seen involve about twelve young men dressed in gold and green. One plays a large drum and one the cymbals. The rest carry the dragon on a series of poles attached to the "ribbon like" body of the dragon. The art of weaving the 10 meter long dragon in a variety of movements takes some real coordination. Sometimes the men holding the dragon poles have to jump over another part of the dragon body as it weaves up and down and in circles. It is quite entertaining.
The dragon is considered friendly and a symbol of power. I suspect it has some connection with good luck and prosperity since many of the symbols we see at this time of year: giving of lucky money; old man and fat man in costumes (long life and prosperity); etc. all have to do with good fortune in the New Year. We listened with interest as Vietnamese friends recited a number of the superstitions still widely believed regarding how to start the New Year correctly for good luck.
While these things seem like fun and provide entertainment, it is sad that many Vietnamese are seriously hampered by superstition. We all naturally want to control what lies ahead of us and may fear the future. Since no one can control everything by sheer force of will and decisive action, any other help may be welcome. Some people place their hope in superstitious actions, some in placing bets, some in placing offerings or prayers to some god or gods.
Followers of Jesus should not be found praying for good luck or simply a safe prosperous life. We should be found praying to our Creator God as our Lord taught us to pray: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Christians place their hope in a Sovereign God who is in ultimate control. While He allows this world of suffering to continue, He promises that one day through our Lord Jesus Christ history will come to a conclusion and all followers of Jesus will share in God's ultimate wonderful eternal perfect rule. So with the apostle Paul we pray "Come, O Lord!" (I Corinthians 16:22)
The groups we have seen involve about twelve young men dressed in gold and green. One plays a large drum and one the cymbals. The rest carry the dragon on a series of poles attached to the "ribbon like" body of the dragon. The art of weaving the 10 meter long dragon in a variety of movements takes some real coordination. Sometimes the men holding the dragon poles have to jump over another part of the dragon body as it weaves up and down and in circles. It is quite entertaining.
The dragon is considered friendly and a symbol of power. I suspect it has some connection with good luck and prosperity since many of the symbols we see at this time of year: giving of lucky money; old man and fat man in costumes (long life and prosperity); etc. all have to do with good fortune in the New Year. We listened with interest as Vietnamese friends recited a number of the superstitions still widely believed regarding how to start the New Year correctly for good luck.
While these things seem like fun and provide entertainment, it is sad that many Vietnamese are seriously hampered by superstition. We all naturally want to control what lies ahead of us and may fear the future. Since no one can control everything by sheer force of will and decisive action, any other help may be welcome. Some people place their hope in superstitious actions, some in placing bets, some in placing offerings or prayers to some god or gods.
Followers of Jesus should not be found praying for good luck or simply a safe prosperous life. We should be found praying to our Creator God as our Lord taught us to pray: "Your kingdom come, your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven."
Christians place their hope in a Sovereign God who is in ultimate control. While He allows this world of suffering to continue, He promises that one day through our Lord Jesus Christ history will come to a conclusion and all followers of Jesus will share in God's ultimate wonderful eternal perfect rule. So with the apostle Paul we pray "Come, O Lord!" (I Corinthians 16:22)
Friday, February 4, 2011
Friendly Vietnam
On February 3rd (New Year's Day here) we took a taxi to our friends house for dinner. We were standing on a corner, thinking their house should be right "here", but didn't realize their house was about 50 meters off the street down a small side street (while bearing an address from the main street?). As I called to get some direction from them on my cell phone, an older man standing by us, began to help us, even though we had a language barrier.
Four hours later, we were back on the same corner, having said goodbye to our friends. There were few taxis passing by and the ones we saw were occupied. The driver of a mid-size private bus must have noticed two foreigners trying to flag a taxi. He pulled up across the street from us - held up his cell phone and evidently asked if we would like him to call a taxi. We nodded, smiled and gestured. And in three minutes a taxi arrived, the driver telling us he had been contacted.
These kinds of gestures you might expect in any small town, but this is a city of 8 million plus. We have regularly been impressed by the general friendly attitude found among the people of Saigon. From nods and smiles when we walk to the local market; greetings from security people in our apartment; the very practical help of our next door neighbour; the handing back of a 100,000 bill when I should have given a merchant only 10,000. (I've never before dealt with so much cash!)
People here make it easy to enjoy life in this city. And we do.
By the way if you notice that sometimes I post twice in one day, and miss another day, it is due to the twelve hour time difference between Vietnam and where google blogs are hosted. As I write this latest blog, it is 11:00 am here on a Saturday, but only 11 pm or earlier on Friday evening in North America.
Four hours later, we were back on the same corner, having said goodbye to our friends. There were few taxis passing by and the ones we saw were occupied. The driver of a mid-size private bus must have noticed two foreigners trying to flag a taxi. He pulled up across the street from us - held up his cell phone and evidently asked if we would like him to call a taxi. We nodded, smiled and gestured. And in three minutes a taxi arrived, the driver telling us he had been contacted.
These kinds of gestures you might expect in any small town, but this is a city of 8 million plus. We have regularly been impressed by the general friendly attitude found among the people of Saigon. From nods and smiles when we walk to the local market; greetings from security people in our apartment; the very practical help of our next door neighbour; the handing back of a 100,000 bill when I should have given a merchant only 10,000. (I've never before dealt with so much cash!)
People here make it easy to enjoy life in this city. And we do.
By the way if you notice that sometimes I post twice in one day, and miss another day, it is due to the twelve hour time difference between Vietnam and where google blogs are hosted. As I write this latest blog, it is 11:00 am here on a Saturday, but only 11 pm or earlier on Friday evening in North America.
God Cares for His Leaders
I am always impressed by the leadership strength and leadership struggles of Moses. No matter how many times I have read his story in the early books of the Bible, I am impressed again and again. And of course, as with all Bible stories, the main character in the story of Moses is not Moses but God! All of the Bible is God's story.
For some reason, Miriam and Aaron, his sister and brother, become dissatisfied that Moses occupies the prime place of leadership in Israel. This is not the first or last time that there has been competition and jealousy over who should occupy the senior position of leadership. They use the issue of Moses marriage, of which they disapprove, as a time to challenge his leadership. They claim to have equal access, or equal standing before God as leaders of Israel. (Numbers 12) They apparently want more recognition, if not more power.
Now it does not surprise me that Moses is challenged by those serving under him. Neither their criticism nor competition should surprise anyone who has studied leadership or served for long in a leadership position. But I am impressed by the fact that Moses does not defend himself under their attack, for it would have been natural and logical for him to do so. (It may have been Joshua who adds an editorial comment about the humility of Moses. 12:3)
What is even more impressive is the fact that God defends Moses and directly confronts Aaron and Miriam. God knows who He wants to lead his people. And He can defend those leaders. The challenge for us - as it was with Moses, David and other biblical leaders - is deciding when attacked: is this the rare time when I should defend myself, or more likely, is this a time when I wait for God to defend me?
If you are a leader in Christian circles, sooner or later, you will be criticized and attacked. May God give you the wisdom, self control and the humility to simply be quiet and let God (perhaps through others or circumstances) defend you.
For some reason, Miriam and Aaron, his sister and brother, become dissatisfied that Moses occupies the prime place of leadership in Israel. This is not the first or last time that there has been competition and jealousy over who should occupy the senior position of leadership. They use the issue of Moses marriage, of which they disapprove, as a time to challenge his leadership. They claim to have equal access, or equal standing before God as leaders of Israel. (Numbers 12) They apparently want more recognition, if not more power.
Now it does not surprise me that Moses is challenged by those serving under him. Neither their criticism nor competition should surprise anyone who has studied leadership or served for long in a leadership position. But I am impressed by the fact that Moses does not defend himself under their attack, for it would have been natural and logical for him to do so. (It may have been Joshua who adds an editorial comment about the humility of Moses. 12:3)
What is even more impressive is the fact that God defends Moses and directly confronts Aaron and Miriam. God knows who He wants to lead his people. And He can defend those leaders. The challenge for us - as it was with Moses, David and other biblical leaders - is deciding when attacked: is this the rare time when I should defend myself, or more likely, is this a time when I wait for God to defend me?
If you are a leader in Christian circles, sooner or later, you will be criticized and attacked. May God give you the wisdom, self control and the humility to simply be quiet and let God (perhaps through others or circumstances) defend you.
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