I joined a Vietnamese club during week one, but I arranged with the tutor, Jim (not his real name) that I will keep in touch about further attendance. For two weeks I could not go, so I felt convicted on the third week. Just because of the relationship with the unbelievers, and their knowledge of my faith. I did not hide my convictions, and expected continued difference (Notice: The Vietnamese do things according to their felt needs. If it does not fit their schedule to attend a social club, it is fine just to stay away without notice. They also don't believe in being good, for no good comes from being good.). I just felt it rude not to make arrangements.
That Thursday I cycled the 5km to the Café in pouring rain. More than soaked, I was also convinced of not needing Vietnamese classes. I'm only staying a year, and my housemates can teach me. Anyway, I don't like cycling alone at night, or breaking down and having trouble (Ironically, my bike's chain broke on the way back, so I had to walk the 5km home at 21:00 at night. I thank God for my housemate who came to pick me up).
But, on arrival, Jim was waiting at the door. I explained that I would not stay nor continue to attend the club. Some evenings my friend who attended the club only came home at 23:00, a time I did not feel comfortable with when driving alone. But, I felt it necessary to come to talk with him in person to apologize. Astonished he asked me about the reasons I would go to such lengths and discomfort. Why I would come at night, and in the rain, if this is the main objection.
It was then I realized that God truly changes the way we think. I told him that as a child of God, and follower of Jesus, relationships are very important to me. That it is not my needs that dictate what I do or how I act. That people are not just things or means to ends, they are all individuals and that we as children of God believe that God has personal relationship with each. And because God has relationship with me, loves me, I can love others. That just knocked him over. We took him a Bible the following Saturday, and on the coming Saturday we will meet before club to talk more about faith.
That Thursday I cycled the 5km to the Café in pouring rain. More than soaked, I was also convinced of not needing Vietnamese classes. I'm only staying a year, and my housemates can teach me. Anyway, I don't like cycling alone at night, or breaking down and having trouble (Ironically, my bike's chain broke on the way back, so I had to walk the 5km home at 21:00 at night. I thank God for my housemate who came to pick me up).
But, on arrival, Jim was waiting at the door. I explained that I would not stay nor continue to attend the club. Some evenings my friend who attended the club only came home at 23:00, a time I did not feel comfortable with when driving alone. But, I felt it necessary to come to talk with him in person to apologize. Astonished he asked me about the reasons I would go to such lengths and discomfort. Why I would come at night, and in the rain, if this is the main objection.
It was then I realized that God truly changes the way we think. I told him that as a child of God, and follower of Jesus, relationships are very important to me. That it is not my needs that dictate what I do or how I act. That people are not just things or means to ends, they are all individuals and that we as children of God believe that God has personal relationship with each. And because God has relationship with me, loves me, I can love others. That just knocked him over. We took him a Bible the following Saturday, and on the coming Saturday we will meet before club to talk more about faith.
