Life in SA has been slowing down lately, so I have finally had a desire to blog again. The end of November was quite busy as everything was coming to a close (school ends in november here). We had many closing activities including a Kids Klub Sports Day, and a "P" Party. We also have a new member of our team, her name is Dwight, and we found her in a pile of wood. Anyways, enough of the small talk...Tim Story time!!!
Tim Story: When we were in Chicago for our training, Tim, two of our other friends, and myself were standing in one of the rooms talking. Tired of standing, Tim decided to jump up onto his bed. However, he forgot that he slept on the middle bunk of a 3 bed bunk-bed. So, as he jumped up (backwards) he slammed his head on the bottom of the top bunk. I have never been so scared, and then so happy to see that he didn't completely destroy his head....though it has had some consequences now, as he has unlearned how to tie his shoes.
I've been reading through Hebrews lately, and it talks about spiritual maturity. I thought this was an interesting term because too often we tend to focus on spiritual "knowingness" versus spiritual maturity, which I believe is a much more attainable goal.
Coming from a Mennonite church and now working with a Charistmatic church, there was some readjustment (growing pains) that had to take place for my team and I. Everything was different, everything was new, making it easy for us to become a little defensive and to just sit on our own theology. I have even witnessed some debates about which approach to the Christian faith is "right." The problem with these debates is that they focus too much on "knowingness" rather than genuine, spiritual maturity....which includes the ability to look at your own theology and view it through a critical lens.
So instead of being on a constant search of knowingness (honestly, if anyone can say they know exactly who God is...i would want to speak with them), I think Christians should be seeking spirtual maturity in the form of; church unity, a desire for spiritual challenges, and an active faith.
Ofcourse, this isn't simply a decision that can be made over night....this is a process that will last an entire lifetime and it will inevitably take a great amount of sacrifice and endurance. However, in the end....it will all be worth it.
I want to thank you for the comments on my last blog/rant. Tim now responds to "chenger"....its a wonderful thing.
Sunday, December 6, 2009
Sunday, November 15, 2009
due to circumstances completely within my control...I have not blogged for over 3 weeks. However, the time has come once again, to grace the world with my thoughts.
There will be no Tim story this time. However, there were several things he wished for me to pass on to all of you. 1.) Tim Wenger knows absolutely nothing about Star Wars. In fact, he has never stayed awake throughout an entire film! 2.) Tim's life goal is to "get rich or die trying." 3.) The best material to make harmonicas out of is PVC pipe. Incidentally, Tim is also able to kill a man using any size of PVC pipe...thus, the harmonica will inevitably have multiple functions. 5.) Tim's favorite number is 5, so I skipped 4. Why "5" you ask? He has 5 toes, 5 fingers, 5 limbs, and the size of his sideburns is "FIVE" 6.) Tim believes in reincarnation. He did a Facebook test to see what he will be in his next life and discovered that he will be "your wildest dreams." 7.) For every song Tim sings, God spares a llama from being killed by Nickelback. 8.) While discussing a security issue here, we asked Tim what we should do if he were to parish. He responded with, "If I'm dead, you've all been dead for weeks."
Well, after a week of struggling through a massive sunburn (and the inevitable peel to follow), we are once again looking forward to another week with its many joys and challenges. Lately I have been thinking about what it means to love your neighbour and how i can do that on a daily basis.
To love your neighbour is a commandment that is as important as loving your God...so obviously it should be a big part of a Christian's life. However, I think that we neglect this commandment all too often. Neglecting this commandment can have some devastating results. Not only does it separate us from God, but it can be the reason relationships are broken, wars are started, racism is enabled. Clearly, Jesus saw things that we didn't. Somehow, we have perverted the idea of loving your neighbour into something that is so far from the truth
In South Africa, the long lasting effects of Apartheid can still be seen. I have seen the townships where Black people were assigned to live, and still do live. South Africa has a first-world economy. However, the conditions that the townships are clearly third-world. I have also seen cashiers at the store choose which customers they wish to serve based on race, which is completely unfathomable in Canada. The idea of Apartheid was accelerated in the 50's by Hendrik Voerwerd, who believed that he was doing God's will, and saw his actions as God sent, a prime example of how we have perverted the idea of loving our neighbour. The entire idea of Apartheid was to separate every ethnicity from each other, in order to prevent the Black community as a whole from rising up into power (turning neighbours into strangers). They did this by setting up separate communities for the different groups, often kept apart by a highway, river, or railway; and by declining rights to the different groups. Obviously, this has had some devastating effects.
Now, in post Apartheid South Africa, we are faced with crime rates that are unlike anywhere else in the world, poverty that is staggering, wealth that is concentrated in a largely white minority, and an inability to see past the past and into the future...an inability to love our neighbour as our self.
In one example, a woman (i am shaky on this story, so im sorry if its incorrect or lacks info) had had her family killed in front of her by a white South African army personal. During the Truth and Reconciliation process that has been undertaken in South Africa to deal with the aftermath of Apartheid, this woman and man were brought face to face in the courtroom, and the judge asked the woman what she thought would be a fair punishment. The woman's response was "I wish to have Mr.??? visit me once a week, to see where I live, and to eat with me, since I do not have any children to do this with." In short, the woman chose justice instead of vengeance...a beautiful example of loving your neighbour.
However, these examples seem hard to come by, and that is a depressing thought. In the end, we can set up programs to help homeless people, we can vote for the person we think will solve our social issues, we can become more environmentally friendly, these are all great things (and can be part of loving our neighbour) but what it all comes down to is that the human heart must change...we must love our neighbour AS ourselves...and only then will we see hope.
Seeing as no one has likely made it this far in my blog...Tim also wanted me to let you all know that if 10 ppl comment on this blog (useful comments please) that he will legally change his first name to "Chenger." Get it....chenger wenger! yup....
Kyle
There will be no Tim story this time. However, there were several things he wished for me to pass on to all of you. 1.) Tim Wenger knows absolutely nothing about Star Wars. In fact, he has never stayed awake throughout an entire film! 2.) Tim's life goal is to "get rich or die trying." 3.) The best material to make harmonicas out of is PVC pipe. Incidentally, Tim is also able to kill a man using any size of PVC pipe...thus, the harmonica will inevitably have multiple functions. 5.) Tim's favorite number is 5, so I skipped 4. Why "5" you ask? He has 5 toes, 5 fingers, 5 limbs, and the size of his sideburns is "FIVE" 6.) Tim believes in reincarnation. He did a Facebook test to see what he will be in his next life and discovered that he will be "your wildest dreams." 7.) For every song Tim sings, God spares a llama from being killed by Nickelback. 8.) While discussing a security issue here, we asked Tim what we should do if he were to parish. He responded with, "If I'm dead, you've all been dead for weeks."
Well, after a week of struggling through a massive sunburn (and the inevitable peel to follow), we are once again looking forward to another week with its many joys and challenges. Lately I have been thinking about what it means to love your neighbour and how i can do that on a daily basis.
To love your neighbour is a commandment that is as important as loving your God...so obviously it should be a big part of a Christian's life. However, I think that we neglect this commandment all too often. Neglecting this commandment can have some devastating results. Not only does it separate us from God, but it can be the reason relationships are broken, wars are started, racism is enabled. Clearly, Jesus saw things that we didn't. Somehow, we have perverted the idea of loving your neighbour into something that is so far from the truth
In South Africa, the long lasting effects of Apartheid can still be seen. I have seen the townships where Black people were assigned to live, and still do live. South Africa has a first-world economy. However, the conditions that the townships are clearly third-world. I have also seen cashiers at the store choose which customers they wish to serve based on race, which is completely unfathomable in Canada. The idea of Apartheid was accelerated in the 50's by Hendrik Voerwerd, who believed that he was doing God's will, and saw his actions as God sent, a prime example of how we have perverted the idea of loving our neighbour. The entire idea of Apartheid was to separate every ethnicity from each other, in order to prevent the Black community as a whole from rising up into power (turning neighbours into strangers). They did this by setting up separate communities for the different groups, often kept apart by a highway, river, or railway; and by declining rights to the different groups. Obviously, this has had some devastating effects.
Now, in post Apartheid South Africa, we are faced with crime rates that are unlike anywhere else in the world, poverty that is staggering, wealth that is concentrated in a largely white minority, and an inability to see past the past and into the future...an inability to love our neighbour as our self.
In one example, a woman (i am shaky on this story, so im sorry if its incorrect or lacks info) had had her family killed in front of her by a white South African army personal. During the Truth and Reconciliation process that has been undertaken in South Africa to deal with the aftermath of Apartheid, this woman and man were brought face to face in the courtroom, and the judge asked the woman what she thought would be a fair punishment. The woman's response was "I wish to have Mr.??? visit me once a week, to see where I live, and to eat with me, since I do not have any children to do this with." In short, the woman chose justice instead of vengeance...a beautiful example of loving your neighbour.
However, these examples seem hard to come by, and that is a depressing thought. In the end, we can set up programs to help homeless people, we can vote for the person we think will solve our social issues, we can become more environmentally friendly, these are all great things (and can be part of loving our neighbour) but what it all comes down to is that the human heart must change...we must love our neighbour AS ourselves...and only then will we see hope.
Seeing as no one has likely made it this far in my blog...Tim also wanted me to let you all know that if 10 ppl comment on this blog (useful comments please) that he will legally change his first name to "Chenger." Get it....chenger wenger! yup....
Kyle
Tuesday, October 27, 2009
nothing changes
2nd blog post in under a week...be happy...really im just compensating for my huge lack of blogging prior to this.
Tim Story #4: This one is short. On one occasion, Tim was called a "trekkie", what we thought was an appropriate title...if you know Tim at all. However, Tim took offence to the name and quickly responded, "Actually...its Trekker." No one will make that mistake again.
About 6 months ago, I was given the job to paint the trim on the buildings on my Uncle's farm. It was may, and that means that Manitoba can receive a wide range of different weather. I remember one day in particular where it was about 5 degrees outside, and I was high up on a ladder. I was miserable, and just counting down the days until I would leave for Africa...it was the only thing that kept me going at the time. I knew I had to work hard to make money so I could feel good about leaving...knowing that the funds would be there. So, with Africa constantly in the back of my mind...I climbed up the ladder in the freezing cold and painted for hours upon hours, weeks upon weeks, until it was done.
Fast forward 6 months from that moment, and I am in South Africa, climbing up a ladder, in the rain, so I can clean leaves out of the eaves troughs of some of buildings on the Church property. It seems i'm back where I started...except this time, I'm in Africa. Its in times like these, where the irony of the situation is so staggering, that I cant help but wonder what I could be doing if I were back home. Because, right in that moment, 20 feet in the air, in the rain, scooping goop out of the gutters, in a town where i know almost no one, in a country completely foreign to me....sitting in my room studying almost sounded tempting.
However, as I looked back at my life at home, and especially the months leading up to my departure, I realized just how comfortable my life was. I had my family and friends around me, I had a purpose for my life, I was in university and doing well...etc etc. The point is, I had a good life. Now I'm realizing that comfort is not what Christianity is about at all. Jesus said that we are to give up everything, and take up our cross and follow Him....that doesnt sound comfortable at all. So maybe thats why South Africa doesnt feel quite like a vacation. I'm really excited to be here...but its not like im just hangin out on the beach during the day and living the life of a tourist and calling it missions.
This month has required sacrifice, commitment, flexibility (insert angry face)... but above everything else, I have had to "die to the flesh" daily in order to get through the day. I have had to lose whatever earthly desires or feeling that have been present, and simply (or not so simply) become a living example of God's love to the people here in SA. Whether that means going to a boarding house to lead a bible study with 30 kids, or cleaning gutters in the rain...I have chosen to take up my cross...whatever that means.
Kyle
Tim Story #4: This one is short. On one occasion, Tim was called a "trekkie", what we thought was an appropriate title...if you know Tim at all. However, Tim took offence to the name and quickly responded, "Actually...its Trekker." No one will make that mistake again.
About 6 months ago, I was given the job to paint the trim on the buildings on my Uncle's farm. It was may, and that means that Manitoba can receive a wide range of different weather. I remember one day in particular where it was about 5 degrees outside, and I was high up on a ladder. I was miserable, and just counting down the days until I would leave for Africa...it was the only thing that kept me going at the time. I knew I had to work hard to make money so I could feel good about leaving...knowing that the funds would be there. So, with Africa constantly in the back of my mind...I climbed up the ladder in the freezing cold and painted for hours upon hours, weeks upon weeks, until it was done.
Fast forward 6 months from that moment, and I am in South Africa, climbing up a ladder, in the rain, so I can clean leaves out of the eaves troughs of some of buildings on the Church property. It seems i'm back where I started...except this time, I'm in Africa. Its in times like these, where the irony of the situation is so staggering, that I cant help but wonder what I could be doing if I were back home. Because, right in that moment, 20 feet in the air, in the rain, scooping goop out of the gutters, in a town where i know almost no one, in a country completely foreign to me....sitting in my room studying almost sounded tempting.
However, as I looked back at my life at home, and especially the months leading up to my departure, I realized just how comfortable my life was. I had my family and friends around me, I had a purpose for my life, I was in university and doing well...etc etc. The point is, I had a good life. Now I'm realizing that comfort is not what Christianity is about at all. Jesus said that we are to give up everything, and take up our cross and follow Him....that doesnt sound comfortable at all. So maybe thats why South Africa doesnt feel quite like a vacation. I'm really excited to be here...but its not like im just hangin out on the beach during the day and living the life of a tourist and calling it missions.
This month has required sacrifice, commitment, flexibility (insert angry face)... but above everything else, I have had to "die to the flesh" daily in order to get through the day. I have had to lose whatever earthly desires or feeling that have been present, and simply (or not so simply) become a living example of God's love to the people here in SA. Whether that means going to a boarding house to lead a bible study with 30 kids, or cleaning gutters in the rain...I have chosen to take up my cross...whatever that means.
Kyle
Thursday, October 22, 2009
Im very sorry about this blog
Its been nearly three weeks since I last posted a blog...but as life gets busier, my blog just doesnt keep up....plus i still hate it! However, this is in fact, the 4th time i have sat down to write an entry....i deleted the past 3 because they simply turned into rants. Hopefully this one will hold some structure. Firstly......
TIM STORY #3!!!!!! Oh yes...be excited.
This time, were goin WAY back....all the way back to our first week in Chicago. I had just recently met Tim and the rest of our team, and obviously the first few days a little awkward and we all differ in the way we break this awkwardness. Tims approach was....different. One of the first things he ever said to me was, "did you know I used to be a communist?" I responded appropriately, "I assumed so, as I used to be one as well" His eyes lit up. "Have you ever read the communist manifesto?" he continued. I paused for a second, choosing my words carefully. "Absolutely I have. In fact, I have most of it memorized." I have never seen someone so stunned. He continued on for the next 5 minutes telling me that Marx had it wrong and how he no longer thought he was a genius. I responded sporadically, making up quotes from the manifesto in order to counter his argument...clearly i won. The debate ended with me saying that no matter how close the gap between the rich and the poor got, communism would never work. we have not talked about this subject since.
This past week has been one of challenge, and one of great joy. I have finally felt completely at home in South Africa, but only after a weekend that consisted of a great deal of frustration. I will spare you some of the details of the weekend, as there will be a video posted on facebook quite soon...i think. There are 3 things I want to mention though: 1.) The Kids Camp 2.) The Game reserve 3.) Some thoughts on what God is doing in SA.
1.) The kids camp was....sigh....i dont even know how to start this. It feels like ive talked about it too much and reflected on it to death. But i guess i must do it again. Basically, about 80 kids showed up at the church property for a weekend intended to help them encounter God in a powerful way. However, the only powerful way that I could see them encountering God is through fear. One of the first things that they did was show the children a clip from the passion of the christ. They showed the crucifixion scene...yup...the one with all the blood, all the gore, all the weeping...etc etc. Not surpsingly, we had kids in tears and covering their eyes by the end of it. However, they stopped the clip after that, not realizing what they missed, perhaps. Talking with kids later on, we noticed something....some of the kids werent even aware that Jesus had risen from the dead! All they knew is that He died and suffered! So when we asked kids what the cross meant to them, the most common response was "guilt." I found it incredibly sad that they only knew that Jesus died, not necassarily that He died to save us at this point, and not that He lived for us too, conquering death while he was at it! Overall, a lot of the camp seemed quite forced. They made children stand up in front of everyone and repeat the sinners prayer (sure they said that everyone should close their eyes, but really? when your 10, will you follow that?), completely defeating the purpose of CHOOSING to follow God. That choice doesnt mean a thing if its forced upon you...and it has no life changing/life giving potential from then on. Its simply legalistic....saving souls and keeping score...thats where it ends. (remember what i said about ranting?...I am sorry) However, the camp did accomplish its goal. A lot of kids came to know Christ in a much deeper way, and for that it was good. But overall, quite a frustrating weekend.
2.) On monday we went to see animals! aka...all my childhood dreams came true. That is all.
3.) I feel a certain amount of guilt for the way I felt abou the camp this weekend. In truth, i have felt a large amount of discomfort with a lot of the ideologies i have encountered in South Africa. However, for everything that I have found frustrating, uncomfortable, and perhaps just wrong...this Church is certainly a Church for the people of God. The relentless pursuit of souls is something admirable, even to someone who questions the effectiveness of such evangelism. As a Christian, no one can argue against the pursuit of souls, or the holy spirit, or baptism in the holy spirt....no matter how uncomfortable it may be for us (in the north american church) at times. (watching people convulse and scream in the middle of church is something to get used to) However, i think that at times, we write it off too quickly as fake, unrealistic...and even not of God. I would say that we can learn a lot from BCI, just as BCI can probably learn a lot from us. In BCI, I have seen what it means to hunger for the presence of God in our lives, and just how importatn that presence is. Too often, we like to categorize God...make Him A PART of our life, but not let Him consume our lives and our very being. That doesnt mean that every word out of our mouth needs to recite scripture...but it does mean that we have a job as the Church to live our lives the way God intended....not just pull Him out whenever were in trouble, or we need something to make us feel better when we judge others. BCI has shown me that living for God does not end at noon on sunday....but continues all week. Its a beautiful thing to see.
This blog took on a life of its own and i apologize for you....but seeing as its unlikely that anyone has actually read this far. I am just gonna spew nonsense for a little while. I keep on chasing a stupid mouse around the house...imust look like an idiot. how can something so small make all the girls freak out (twss)? Its ridiculous. Also, connie made indian food today...yup yup yup! I make sleep now...night.
Kyle
TIM STORY #3!!!!!! Oh yes...be excited.
This time, were goin WAY back....all the way back to our first week in Chicago. I had just recently met Tim and the rest of our team, and obviously the first few days a little awkward and we all differ in the way we break this awkwardness. Tims approach was....different. One of the first things he ever said to me was, "did you know I used to be a communist?" I responded appropriately, "I assumed so, as I used to be one as well" His eyes lit up. "Have you ever read the communist manifesto?" he continued. I paused for a second, choosing my words carefully. "Absolutely I have. In fact, I have most of it memorized." I have never seen someone so stunned. He continued on for the next 5 minutes telling me that Marx had it wrong and how he no longer thought he was a genius. I responded sporadically, making up quotes from the manifesto in order to counter his argument...clearly i won. The debate ended with me saying that no matter how close the gap between the rich and the poor got, communism would never work. we have not talked about this subject since.
This past week has been one of challenge, and one of great joy. I have finally felt completely at home in South Africa, but only after a weekend that consisted of a great deal of frustration. I will spare you some of the details of the weekend, as there will be a video posted on facebook quite soon...i think. There are 3 things I want to mention though: 1.) The Kids Camp 2.) The Game reserve 3.) Some thoughts on what God is doing in SA.
1.) The kids camp was....sigh....i dont even know how to start this. It feels like ive talked about it too much and reflected on it to death. But i guess i must do it again. Basically, about 80 kids showed up at the church property for a weekend intended to help them encounter God in a powerful way. However, the only powerful way that I could see them encountering God is through fear. One of the first things that they did was show the children a clip from the passion of the christ. They showed the crucifixion scene...yup...the one with all the blood, all the gore, all the weeping...etc etc. Not surpsingly, we had kids in tears and covering their eyes by the end of it. However, they stopped the clip after that, not realizing what they missed, perhaps. Talking with kids later on, we noticed something....some of the kids werent even aware that Jesus had risen from the dead! All they knew is that He died and suffered! So when we asked kids what the cross meant to them, the most common response was "guilt." I found it incredibly sad that they only knew that Jesus died, not necassarily that He died to save us at this point, and not that He lived for us too, conquering death while he was at it! Overall, a lot of the camp seemed quite forced. They made children stand up in front of everyone and repeat the sinners prayer (sure they said that everyone should close their eyes, but really? when your 10, will you follow that?), completely defeating the purpose of CHOOSING to follow God. That choice doesnt mean a thing if its forced upon you...and it has no life changing/life giving potential from then on. Its simply legalistic....saving souls and keeping score...thats where it ends. (remember what i said about ranting?...I am sorry) However, the camp did accomplish its goal. A lot of kids came to know Christ in a much deeper way, and for that it was good. But overall, quite a frustrating weekend.
2.) On monday we went to see animals! aka...all my childhood dreams came true. That is all.
3.) I feel a certain amount of guilt for the way I felt abou the camp this weekend. In truth, i have felt a large amount of discomfort with a lot of the ideologies i have encountered in South Africa. However, for everything that I have found frustrating, uncomfortable, and perhaps just wrong...this Church is certainly a Church for the people of God. The relentless pursuit of souls is something admirable, even to someone who questions the effectiveness of such evangelism. As a Christian, no one can argue against the pursuit of souls, or the holy spirit, or baptism in the holy spirt....no matter how uncomfortable it may be for us (in the north american church) at times. (watching people convulse and scream in the middle of church is something to get used to) However, i think that at times, we write it off too quickly as fake, unrealistic...and even not of God. I would say that we can learn a lot from BCI, just as BCI can probably learn a lot from us. In BCI, I have seen what it means to hunger for the presence of God in our lives, and just how importatn that presence is. Too often, we like to categorize God...make Him A PART of our life, but not let Him consume our lives and our very being. That doesnt mean that every word out of our mouth needs to recite scripture...but it does mean that we have a job as the Church to live our lives the way God intended....not just pull Him out whenever were in trouble, or we need something to make us feel better when we judge others. BCI has shown me that living for God does not end at noon on sunday....but continues all week. Its a beautiful thing to see.
This blog took on a life of its own and i apologize for you....but seeing as its unlikely that anyone has actually read this far. I am just gonna spew nonsense for a little while. I keep on chasing a stupid mouse around the house...imust look like an idiot. how can something so small make all the girls freak out (twss)? Its ridiculous. Also, connie made indian food today...yup yup yup! I make sleep now...night.
Kyle
Monday, October 5, 2009
More thoughts
Due to the overwhelming positive response to my latest entry...I will now be starting every blog with a "Moment with Tim." Today will be the first of many
Moment with Tim #1: We live next to a garage where carpenters work. Were not quite sure what their official hours of business are...as they seem to always be there...from dawn till dusk. Regardless, we have adjusted to noises associated with their business...and are unaffected by the noise they make. However, several nights ago...at around 7:00 am, I was completely asleep...until out of nowhere, I am awoken by Tim...literally JUMPING out of his bed (the top bunk) and running out of the room and down the hall. After a few seconds...he re-enters the room, slightly out of breath and says, "Don't worry, it's only the carpenters!" and then hops back into bed. When i asked him about this later on...he explained that he had heard the carpenters, and had thought someone was breaking into our house......?
I will now continue with my blog
The book im reading (Jesus for President) takes a very unique look at how we, as Christians are called to be set apart from the rest of the world. The book looks at what the Bible says, breaks it down, and then uses that as a lens through which we are to view social justice.
Some of the stuff they talk about I had thought about before...but I had never looked at it through a Christian lens. Stuff like, becoming more environmentally aware, being aware of where we get our food from, where we get our clothes from etc etc. And then, it talks about war...which should be an unbelievable concept for us.
Basically the entire new testiment talks about how christians are supposed to live for God. We tend to only focus on how God has saved us and set us apart to be with Him in heaven later on...and this belief that we are beyond this world and simply doing our time, waiting to get to heaven, is incredibly dangerous By focusing simply on our eventual salvation, and ignoring what God's purpose for our lives actually is...we can justify just about anything from littering to genocide. But now, after looking through this book and the Bible and listening to people talk about our roll as Christians...I can only conclude that our purpose in the world is Peace.
But here is where it gets hard for me, because in order to live in peace....I have to figure out how to make peace with my friends, my family, my enemies, the environment, and God and many many other ppl and things....and just by living in North America and paying taxes and buying clothes and buying food and basically just living...I am hurtin and exploiting someone...somewhere..and thus not living out my call as a Christian.
And then theres the whole issue of war and pacifism. I could never justify killing another human being...but the fact that there is a nation in this world that kills in the name of God...my God...the God of this world....is incredibly disturbing. The fact that the Church does nothing to stop it...and in fact, in times, encourages it...should make anyone a little uncomfortable.
"Having found the atomic bomb, we have used it. We shall continue to use it. ... It is an awful responsibility which has come to us. We thank God that it has come to us instead of to our enemies and we pray that he may guide us to use it in his ways and for his purposes."
-Harry Truman, August 9, 1945
Moment with Tim #1: We live next to a garage where carpenters work. Were not quite sure what their official hours of business are...as they seem to always be there...from dawn till dusk. Regardless, we have adjusted to noises associated with their business...and are unaffected by the noise they make. However, several nights ago...at around 7:00 am, I was completely asleep...until out of nowhere, I am awoken by Tim...literally JUMPING out of his bed (the top bunk) and running out of the room and down the hall. After a few seconds...he re-enters the room, slightly out of breath and says, "Don't worry, it's only the carpenters!" and then hops back into bed. When i asked him about this later on...he explained that he had heard the carpenters, and had thought someone was breaking into our house......?
I will now continue with my blog
The book im reading (Jesus for President) takes a very unique look at how we, as Christians are called to be set apart from the rest of the world. The book looks at what the Bible says, breaks it down, and then uses that as a lens through which we are to view social justice.
Some of the stuff they talk about I had thought about before...but I had never looked at it through a Christian lens. Stuff like, becoming more environmentally aware, being aware of where we get our food from, where we get our clothes from etc etc. And then, it talks about war...which should be an unbelievable concept for us.
Basically the entire new testiment talks about how christians are supposed to live for God. We tend to only focus on how God has saved us and set us apart to be with Him in heaven later on...and this belief that we are beyond this world and simply doing our time, waiting to get to heaven, is incredibly dangerous By focusing simply on our eventual salvation, and ignoring what God's purpose for our lives actually is...we can justify just about anything from littering to genocide. But now, after looking through this book and the Bible and listening to people talk about our roll as Christians...I can only conclude that our purpose in the world is Peace.
But here is where it gets hard for me, because in order to live in peace....I have to figure out how to make peace with my friends, my family, my enemies, the environment, and God and many many other ppl and things....and just by living in North America and paying taxes and buying clothes and buying food and basically just living...I am hurtin and exploiting someone...somewhere..and thus not living out my call as a Christian.
And then theres the whole issue of war and pacifism. I could never justify killing another human being...but the fact that there is a nation in this world that kills in the name of God...my God...the God of this world....is incredibly disturbing. The fact that the Church does nothing to stop it...and in fact, in times, encourages it...should make anyone a little uncomfortable.
"Having found the atomic bomb, we have used it. We shall continue to use it. ... It is an awful responsibility which has come to us. We thank God that it has come to us instead of to our enemies and we pray that he may guide us to use it in his ways and for his purposes."
-Harry Truman, August 9, 1945
Monday, September 28, 2009
Sleep is my worst friend
We have been in Africa for just over a week and already, it has been quite eventful....
1.) we have mice in our house. I killed one yesterday....it was a baby one, but after a day of mourning, the adult mice have returned and continue to inhabit our kitchen. Plans of extermination have reached a stallmate as we are debating whether we want a cat or mouse traps. I vote cat....I will name it Timmy...in order to confuse my easily confused roomate (his name is tim) when I walk in and yell, "Timmy!!! Come here" I am picturing them both running the door, tripping over one another. Timmy, or Butters....for obvious reasons.
2.) We went to a church convention on the weekend....and that pretty much destroyed me. I got a grand total of 12 hours during 3 nights at the convention...and on top of that....I had to re learn how to drive standard, on the wrong side of the car, on the wrong side of the road, down sketchy african roads, in a place I was completely unfamiliar with....we can all imagine how successful this was. On top of this....the car i was driving got a flat after I ran over a rock.....soooo, i felt pretty bad all weekend. The convention itselft was pretty intense too. The worship was very charismatic, very loud, very emotional, very spiritually driven....it was very different from what I was used to...it really rattled me because it all seemed very overwhelming after only 2 days in Africa. I was tired, I was confused, I was lonely, I was homesick, I was completely overwhelmed by everything.....it was a very challenging weekend. It has been quite a struggle for me to adjust...especially since I cant sleep very well....so I am asking for you all to pray that I can learn to sleep so I can actually be useful here and not just wonder what I'm missing at home while I lay awake at 4 in the morning night after night after night after night after night....
3.) Everyone I have met here is very supportive...it has been a very welcoming place. Its made things a little easier in adjusting.
4.) i had more to say...but i forget what it was
1.) we have mice in our house. I killed one yesterday....it was a baby one, but after a day of mourning, the adult mice have returned and continue to inhabit our kitchen. Plans of extermination have reached a stallmate as we are debating whether we want a cat or mouse traps. I vote cat....I will name it Timmy...in order to confuse my easily confused roomate (his name is tim) when I walk in and yell, "Timmy!!! Come here" I am picturing them both running the door, tripping over one another. Timmy, or Butters....for obvious reasons.
2.) We went to a church convention on the weekend....and that pretty much destroyed me. I got a grand total of 12 hours during 3 nights at the convention...and on top of that....I had to re learn how to drive standard, on the wrong side of the car, on the wrong side of the road, down sketchy african roads, in a place I was completely unfamiliar with....we can all imagine how successful this was. On top of this....the car i was driving got a flat after I ran over a rock.....soooo, i felt pretty bad all weekend. The convention itselft was pretty intense too. The worship was very charismatic, very loud, very emotional, very spiritually driven....it was very different from what I was used to...it really rattled me because it all seemed very overwhelming after only 2 days in Africa. I was tired, I was confused, I was lonely, I was homesick, I was completely overwhelmed by everything.....it was a very challenging weekend. It has been quite a struggle for me to adjust...especially since I cant sleep very well....so I am asking for you all to pray that I can learn to sleep so I can actually be useful here and not just wonder what I'm missing at home while I lay awake at 4 in the morning night after night after night after night after night....
3.) Everyone I have met here is very supportive...it has been a very welcoming place. Its made things a little easier in adjusting.
4.) i had more to say...but i forget what it was
Monday, September 14, 2009
U2!!!!!!!!! and other not as magical things...
I was walking home today and I saw a man lying on the sidewalk. He was unconscious....and I was told later that he had been punched, and knocked unconscious. He was bleeding as I passed him...there were many people standing around him....but no one was doing anything to help the man. The cops were there...they too were standing near the man, doing nothing. Since I have had quite a bit of first aid training in the past, I felt that I should at least ask if I could help. I saw that the man was breathing, but fluid was running out of his ears....a sign of a possible spinal injury. I asked the police if I could help, telling them that I was trained....they said no...instead, they yelled at the man's friend who was obviously scared and was checking the man's pulse. I stayed a little while longer until I heard the ambulance coming...and left the scene. But still, I wondered why they had not let me help the man....did they know something I didnt? Were they not convinced that I could help? Did they simply not care about the man lying on the ground? Regardless, it was an experience I won't forget.
It reminded me how easy it is for us who live in North America to walk through life completely unfazed by all the hurt, and injustices that surround us. Sure, we hear about them...we read about the terrible things that happen to other ppl in the papers and we see the news headlines on TV....but usually, we can either dismiss it as a rarity in our society...or the result of incompetent people making stupid choices. We simply walk by, or stand and watch.
What we don't realize is that we all have a role to play in the suffering of others....whether it be the suffering of people in the inner city, or the suffering of those over seas...or life of luxury contributes the suffering of others.
How? I could go on and on and on and on and on and on about how....instead, I think I will leave it at one simple statement that does no justice to this topic at all.
By simply living in North America, we support a capitalist system that thrives on maintaining a hierarchical structure...thus, we NEED poor, undermined, and exploited people in order for us to stay where we are...so we dont lose anything! However, we have a choice...we can either choose to do nothing about this injustice and simply stand by (like the police). Or we can give a voice to those who have none...in whatever way we can. We can serve, we can advocate, we can watch how and where we spend our money....etc etc. again....I could go on....but i wont
This is far too deep for a Monday night....augh. If you wish to argue with me....please do! I love feedback on these stupid things.....augh I hate blogging.
Kyle
It reminded me how easy it is for us who live in North America to walk through life completely unfazed by all the hurt, and injustices that surround us. Sure, we hear about them...we read about the terrible things that happen to other ppl in the papers and we see the news headlines on TV....but usually, we can either dismiss it as a rarity in our society...or the result of incompetent people making stupid choices. We simply walk by, or stand and watch.
What we don't realize is that we all have a role to play in the suffering of others....whether it be the suffering of people in the inner city, or the suffering of those over seas...or life of luxury contributes the suffering of others.
How? I could go on and on and on and on and on and on about how....instead, I think I will leave it at one simple statement that does no justice to this topic at all.
By simply living in North America, we support a capitalist system that thrives on maintaining a hierarchical structure...thus, we NEED poor, undermined, and exploited people in order for us to stay where we are...so we dont lose anything! However, we have a choice...we can either choose to do nothing about this injustice and simply stand by (like the police). Or we can give a voice to those who have none...in whatever way we can. We can serve, we can advocate, we can watch how and where we spend our money....etc etc. again....I could go on....but i wont
This is far too deep for a Monday night....augh. If you wish to argue with me....please do! I love feedback on these stupid things.....augh I hate blogging.
Kyle
Wednesday, September 9, 2009
Free hugs
Whoever has more than one blog is either: 1.) very very very bored 2.) a paid "blogger" 3.) someone who has way too much time on his/her hands 4.) has very important things to say 5.) thinks he/she has something very import to say 6.) lame. I think you know what I'm getting at here....this blog has not been my strong point during my time in Chicago....thank you to all of you who actually take the time to read it though. I will now grace the world with my thoughts and feelings....and rightfully so.
The other day I walked up and down Michigan Ave (the magnificent mile) holding a sign that said "Free Canadian Hugs." This was done in order to show friendliness and hospitality towards people who we had never known before they hugged us (me and tim). We had a lot of people who made comments about how they liked what we were doing...and even more who simply smiled and walked by....and still, about 30 people gave us a hug. Some said "thats exactly wat i needed." That was always very reassuring and made me feel a little less awkward. This obviously took me out of my comfort zone...and even though this wasnt directly attached to ministry, a lot of people asked me about what I believed, and why I was doing this....it was interesting.
For the past day and a half, we had a guest speaker who spoke to us about evangelism and peace. His name was James Krabill. He spoke about Shalom and how often, our modern translations of the Bible dont do the word justice. He spoke of shalom as peace both vertically (between God and us) and horizontally (between us and the earth and our neighbours). I found this very helpful because it made it obvious that words without actions are useless, and actions without faith less useful. He challenged us a lot and I really enjoyed it.
This has been a very brief snapshot of my week...have an excellent day
Kyle
The other day I walked up and down Michigan Ave (the magnificent mile) holding a sign that said "Free Canadian Hugs." This was done in order to show friendliness and hospitality towards people who we had never known before they hugged us (me and tim). We had a lot of people who made comments about how they liked what we were doing...and even more who simply smiled and walked by....and still, about 30 people gave us a hug. Some said "thats exactly wat i needed." That was always very reassuring and made me feel a little less awkward. This obviously took me out of my comfort zone...and even though this wasnt directly attached to ministry, a lot of people asked me about what I believed, and why I was doing this....it was interesting.
For the past day and a half, we had a guest speaker who spoke to us about evangelism and peace. His name was James Krabill. He spoke about Shalom and how often, our modern translations of the Bible dont do the word justice. He spoke of shalom as peace both vertically (between God and us) and horizontally (between us and the earth and our neighbours). I found this very helpful because it made it obvious that words without actions are useless, and actions without faith less useful. He challenged us a lot and I really enjoyed it.
This has been a very brief snapshot of my week...have an excellent day
Kyle
Saturday, September 5, 2009
Hi Everyone!
The thing I love about Chicago is that there is always something to do and to see. I could live here my whole life and not see everything there is to see. Today i am going to the Chicago Jazz Festival...which I am very excited about! Anyways...
This week the focus of our training shifted from trying to orientate ourselves to our new surroundings...to trying to build a sense of community and a greater sense of self. We have done several community building activities and have taken an enneagram test which helps us discover what personality we have, (i know that sounds dumb, but i cant describe it any other way) and hopefully provide us with greater knowledge on what we can expect of ourselves and of others. I would suggest taking the test...its kind of fun. http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp
We also got a change to our flight plan to Africa, and I get to visit Europe!!!......for 3 hours :( Just long enough to exit the airport in Amsterdam and hopefully not get into too much trouble. But for now I will leave. Have an excellent day.
Kyle
The thing I love about Chicago is that there is always something to do and to see. I could live here my whole life and not see everything there is to see. Today i am going to the Chicago Jazz Festival...which I am very excited about! Anyways...
This week the focus of our training shifted from trying to orientate ourselves to our new surroundings...to trying to build a sense of community and a greater sense of self. We have done several community building activities and have taken an enneagram test which helps us discover what personality we have, (i know that sounds dumb, but i cant describe it any other way) and hopefully provide us with greater knowledge on what we can expect of ourselves and of others. I would suggest taking the test...its kind of fun. http://www.enneagraminstitute.com/dis_sample_36.asp
We also got a change to our flight plan to Africa, and I get to visit Europe!!!......for 3 hours :( Just long enough to exit the airport in Amsterdam and hopefully not get into too much trouble. But for now I will leave. Have an excellent day.
Kyle
Friday, August 28, 2009
the world has come to Chicago
Hello all (i have to blog at least 2 times a week...so hear is number 2)
The other day I was riding the train from Uptown (where I am) to down town Chicago. During the 7 mile ride from where I live to the library, which was our final destination...we passed through many different, strikingly unique neighbourhoods. Chicago is actually made up of about 77 different neighbourhoods, and for me to even dream of seeing them all is completely unreasonable.
Several hours later, I crossed a bridge that goes over one of the busiest highways in America. The highway connects Milwaukee and Chicago, and continues on as interstates do. I had never seen so many cars in one place, all fighting for position in the endless maze of traffic, and racing towards a destination unknown to me, and unknown to everyone else.
Back on the train on the way home, I thought how amazing it is that one could live in the same place and know so little about the place we live. However, in a city of 8 million and 77 different ethnic neighbourhoods (including the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw), it seems all too likely that this is the case. It would be a stretch to imagine that someone could even scratch the surface of knowing what a city like Chicago is like.
So, in order to console myself as I passed by the smoke stained (but surprisingly beautiful) apartments and townhouses, I imagined the stories I would hear from the people who lived there. What events have shaped their lives? Who abandoned them? Who was there for them? Who are they missing? What are they missing? If only I could listen to the life stories of all these people... Someone who I respect very much once said, “Wherever there are people...stories to be heard, it is important that we hear them, because it is in that way that we become more human.” I believe that whole heartedly, and that is one of the biggest reasons that I have decided to go to Africa for a year. However, it is clear to me now that no matter how hard I try...I will never be able to hear all the stories that I want to, so I hope that God will guide me to those who I need to hear, and who need to hear whatever I have to say...if they even have to...and hopefully, through this process I will find out what it means to be human.
Kyle
P.S. For all of you Rise Against fans (as you should know, Chicago is where they hail from), listen to The Chamber and the Cartridge. Note the spoken part in the beginning of the song, “This is Noise!” I was riding the train and the speaker on the train that announces the stops says, “This is ____” IT IS THE EXACT SAME VOICE! Just thought I would let you know that...I was blown away by it!
The other day I was riding the train from Uptown (where I am) to down town Chicago. During the 7 mile ride from where I live to the library, which was our final destination...we passed through many different, strikingly unique neighbourhoods. Chicago is actually made up of about 77 different neighbourhoods, and for me to even dream of seeing them all is completely unreasonable.
Several hours later, I crossed a bridge that goes over one of the busiest highways in America. The highway connects Milwaukee and Chicago, and continues on as interstates do. I had never seen so many cars in one place, all fighting for position in the endless maze of traffic, and racing towards a destination unknown to me, and unknown to everyone else.
Back on the train on the way home, I thought how amazing it is that one could live in the same place and know so little about the place we live. However, in a city of 8 million and 77 different ethnic neighbourhoods (including the largest Polish population outside of Warsaw), it seems all too likely that this is the case. It would be a stretch to imagine that someone could even scratch the surface of knowing what a city like Chicago is like.
So, in order to console myself as I passed by the smoke stained (but surprisingly beautiful) apartments and townhouses, I imagined the stories I would hear from the people who lived there. What events have shaped their lives? Who abandoned them? Who was there for them? Who are they missing? What are they missing? If only I could listen to the life stories of all these people... Someone who I respect very much once said, “Wherever there are people...stories to be heard, it is important that we hear them, because it is in that way that we become more human.” I believe that whole heartedly, and that is one of the biggest reasons that I have decided to go to Africa for a year. However, it is clear to me now that no matter how hard I try...I will never be able to hear all the stories that I want to, so I hope that God will guide me to those who I need to hear, and who need to hear whatever I have to say...if they even have to...and hopefully, through this process I will find out what it means to be human.
Kyle
P.S. For all of you Rise Against fans (as you should know, Chicago is where they hail from), listen to The Chamber and the Cartridge. Note the spoken part in the beginning of the song, “This is Noise!” I was riding the train and the speaker on the train that announces the stops says, “This is ____” IT IS THE EXACT SAME VOICE! Just thought I would let you know that...I was blown away by it!
Wednesday, August 26, 2009
First Few Days in Chi Town
Hello all!!!!
I am very very excited to finally get this thing going! I have spent a few days in chicago and I am falling in love with the city! it’s not as windy as people describe it as....just 10 times bigger than Winnipeg...I feel very small. This blog will basically just give you some info you may find useful either now or in the future. I am staying at an intentional community living space called JPUSA (Jesus People USA). Basically, it’s a 10 story building that houses 450 people who have decided to live as a community together in order to serve God. When it was described to me the first day, my initial thought was that it was a cult...I was very wrong. The people here are all very different and have some incredible stories to tell. I spoke to someone today who was part of a Los Angeles gang and ran away when the killing became too constant and ended up spending 13 years in the army...and now is one of the directors at JPUSA. He had some very interesting things to say, but the one thing that really stuck out to me, being from Winkler, is that essentially, the only thing that separates different denominations within the larger Church is how we define worldliness. It’s tough for us to comprehend that fully because we all want to believe that we are completely right in what we believe and are unwilling to see the good in what others believe......anyways, that’s enough deep stuff for today.
Basically, orientation takes the form of discipleship training. We do some Bible study, some group bonding activities, some preparatory activities for when we leave for South Africa/England/Paraguay/Australia. We have done 2 scavenger hunts around the city....one was in the neighbourhood that I live in called, Uptown...and the other one that I did today was in Downtown Chicago. Both showed me incredible things....I saw poverty first hand essentially for the first time in my life in Uptown. And, in down town....I saw what human beings are capable of....I havce never seen buildings so big. However, I will talk to you all later...please stay in touch...I miss you all very much.....it’s actually pathetic.
Some interesting facts about Chi town: 1.) Our building, JPUSA...was built by Al Capone and used to be one of the nicest hotels in the city....not so much anymore.
2.) Shoes on the telephone wires (which are all over our building) show wat kind of drugs are sold in the area...news to me.
3.) The sears tower...literally went into the clouds today...i was blown away.
Im sure there are more that I am missing...but thats all for now...hope to hear from you all soon.
Kyle
I am very very excited to finally get this thing going! I have spent a few days in chicago and I am falling in love with the city! it’s not as windy as people describe it as....just 10 times bigger than Winnipeg...I feel very small. This blog will basically just give you some info you may find useful either now or in the future. I am staying at an intentional community living space called JPUSA (Jesus People USA). Basically, it’s a 10 story building that houses 450 people who have decided to live as a community together in order to serve God. When it was described to me the first day, my initial thought was that it was a cult...I was very wrong. The people here are all very different and have some incredible stories to tell. I spoke to someone today who was part of a Los Angeles gang and ran away when the killing became too constant and ended up spending 13 years in the army...and now is one of the directors at JPUSA. He had some very interesting things to say, but the one thing that really stuck out to me, being from Winkler, is that essentially, the only thing that separates different denominations within the larger Church is how we define worldliness. It’s tough for us to comprehend that fully because we all want to believe that we are completely right in what we believe and are unwilling to see the good in what others believe......anyways, that’s enough deep stuff for today.
Basically, orientation takes the form of discipleship training. We do some Bible study, some group bonding activities, some preparatory activities for when we leave for South Africa/England/Paraguay/Australia. We have done 2 scavenger hunts around the city....one was in the neighbourhood that I live in called, Uptown...and the other one that I did today was in Downtown Chicago. Both showed me incredible things....I saw poverty first hand essentially for the first time in my life in Uptown. And, in down town....I saw what human beings are capable of....I havce never seen buildings so big. However, I will talk to you all later...please stay in touch...I miss you all very much.....it’s actually pathetic.
Some interesting facts about Chi town: 1.) Our building, JPUSA...was built by Al Capone and used to be one of the nicest hotels in the city....not so much anymore.
2.) Shoes on the telephone wires (which are all over our building) show wat kind of drugs are sold in the area...news to me.
3.) The sears tower...literally went into the clouds today...i was blown away.
Im sure there are more that I am missing...but thats all for now...hope to hear from you all soon.
Kyle
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