So I did not realize that I have negligent on my posts for this entire semester. Time has completely run away. I'm apologize.
Sooo, recap time. In November we had a Thanksgiving day party (which I don't have any pictures for because my hard drive crashed). There were about 86 students, 15 or so staff, and we had a great time. Got to tell about why Thanksgiving began, as well as let the kids try traditional foods.
December was the Ten year anniversary for NCU, so not so much in the way of actually teaching. We also had a big Christmas party at Ton Kla, had around 20 nationals come, eat dinner together, and then shared the Christmas story, and played dirty Santa. It was a lot of fun to watch the students trying to work up the nerve to steal presents from the teachers that came. But it was awesome. (again my pics are gone for this event, but I'm going to get some pics from friends and update this page later with some photos)
For New Years I went and watched fireworks at 700 year stadium. That was fun.
January was spent in preparation for NCU's English camp which Happened last weekend, Saturday the 5th. It was very time consuming on the prep part, but the camp went very smoothly which was a relief, but had close to 200 students, and met many new people around the area to maybe find some new partnerships with. So all in all it was great.
The past few days I have been resting, and have started to figure out what all I need to accomplish before I come home in March. Yes, for those of you who have not heard yet, I will be in America March 16 - May 21. YAY! two years and now coming back to see everyone.
I have also been waiting to figure out some answers about how I will be coming back, and those have been answered for the most part. I am going to join up with an organization called YWAM - Frontier Missions. It is a group specifically focused on doing church planting and uses a loose network of volunteers to accomplish this goal Everyone who works for YWAM from church planters to runners of the org, are all self supported, meaning that we have to find people to support us (or win the lottery!) so that we can continue with our work. So Part of my trip home will doing fund-raising to this end.
At Ton Kla we still have 3 kids coming regularly and have had different faces popping in an out as the days go by. Coming back with YWAM will help me to be able to concentrate more on my groups, and less on doing school work at NCU, though I will continue to be on campus to keep my relationships there.
So again, sorry for the long wait. But now that things are less up in the air, I feel more confident in telling you what will be happening here and in my life.
Prayer requests:
- Ton Kla: the next few meeting before the end of semester, that they would be fruitful
- TK: Valentines day party next week!! (love is in the air man!)
- TK: What to do while I am not in the country
- All my students and me: Finals start in a few weeks
- Me: preparing for my trip: making plans for while I am there, and taking care of things (house, bills, etc) while I am gone.
- Annie, Yo, Will: the three most faithful in coming to TK, that God would continue to reveal himself to them, and grow them closer to Himself
- Me: My fund-raising: I will doing this in order to fully immerse myself in church planting, pray that God provides the funds I need to live as well as prepare for the future.
Love you all, God bless
zac
Wednesday, February 9, 2011
Sunday, December 12, 2010
The Gospel According to Jesus
Book: The Gospel According to Jesus
Author: Chris Seay
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
The Gospel According to Jesus is a well researched and yet thoughtful look at the meanings behind the words we bandy about in our day to day faith. Justice and Righteousness. The book opens with research into what the modern church believes the definition of these words are, and why knowing the definition is important. Then through commentary, interviews, artwork and presentation of the authors thoughts on the issue, helps the reader to begin to find their own definition for thes words.
I read through this book a few times so that I could get a good feel for what the author is trying to get across. There are many themes in the book that I identify strongly with, as well as seem to be reoccurring themes I have been seeing in books such as these as well as in the direction my generation is moving with there faith. In the book the author calls us to delve into the meaning of the word righteousness, a word used a lot in faith circles, but not always well understood according to the research done in this book. The author does a good job of presenting these arguments for why this is important to even think about, the process the author went through in finding his own definition with those close to him, as well as ways the author feels any person can integrate this thought into his or her life.
I enjoyed the book for the most part. The author makes his points quite clearly while leaving room for the reader to come to their own conclusions about certain things. It presents a new thought process and definition without rigidly outlining some new dogma or doctrine that must be adhered too. Also the author includes at the end of each chapter excerpts of conversations and interviews he had for this book with friends and some beautiful and thought provoking artwork in the middle.
My only problem with this book is the tone the author takes. Many times he comes across as both patronizing and/or snarky. In the interviews and the book as well, he comes across somewhat arrogant almost as if he had come up with this idea and influenced all these people he is talking to to by himself. But I don't believe this distracts too much from the argument he is making. This book is definitely a thought provoking read for anyone who considers his or herself to be a follower of Christ.
This book was provided for me through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze.com
Author: Chris Seay
Publisher: Thomas Nelson
The Gospel According to Jesus is a well researched and yet thoughtful look at the meanings behind the words we bandy about in our day to day faith. Justice and Righteousness. The book opens with research into what the modern church believes the definition of these words are, and why knowing the definition is important. Then through commentary, interviews, artwork and presentation of the authors thoughts on the issue, helps the reader to begin to find their own definition for thes words.
I read through this book a few times so that I could get a good feel for what the author is trying to get across. There are many themes in the book that I identify strongly with, as well as seem to be reoccurring themes I have been seeing in books such as these as well as in the direction my generation is moving with there faith. In the book the author calls us to delve into the meaning of the word righteousness, a word used a lot in faith circles, but not always well understood according to the research done in this book. The author does a good job of presenting these arguments for why this is important to even think about, the process the author went through in finding his own definition with those close to him, as well as ways the author feels any person can integrate this thought into his or her life.
I enjoyed the book for the most part. The author makes his points quite clearly while leaving room for the reader to come to their own conclusions about certain things. It presents a new thought process and definition without rigidly outlining some new dogma or doctrine that must be adhered too. Also the author includes at the end of each chapter excerpts of conversations and interviews he had for this book with friends and some beautiful and thought provoking artwork in the middle.
My only problem with this book is the tone the author takes. Many times he comes across as both patronizing and/or snarky. In the interviews and the book as well, he comes across somewhat arrogant almost as if he had come up with this idea and influenced all these people he is talking to to by himself. But I don't believe this distracts too much from the argument he is making. This book is definitely a thought provoking read for anyone who considers his or herself to be a follower of Christ.
This book was provided for me through Thomas Nelson's Booksneeze.com
Saturday, October 16, 2010
Trips and Tests
Well, last month I told you about the plan to take the groups on a trip. And we did. Well, 3 of them. But first, some great news.
We have a new brother and sister in the family. Their names are Annie and Yo. I wanted to give them time to let people know themselves before this blog is posted up on the interwebs and Facebook.
So we already had this trip planned out, and then they became followers of Christ, and decided they would like to be Baptized while on the trip. Unfortunately, Yo family had some health issues and he wasn't able to come on the trip, but Annie was baptized. The following Week finals started and now we are on our 3 week break until the second term begins Nov 1. At TK we will continue to meet on Tuesday nights and Wednesday nights. Found out there is a small church near my house so I have been getting to know some of the leaders there to see if we can partner together.
Also doing a lot of work in getting trained to go and start small groups. My Thai has been improving. It's no where near where it needs to be, but much better. We are starting the new semester in a few weeks, so it is too late to find a teacher for this semester, but still searching for some teachers to come for next year.
Prayer requests at this time are for:
1. Yo and Annie: that they will grow and be faithful, and that those of us showing them would be able to communicate effectively, and more than that be good models
2. TK: for the groups we have now, that hearts would continue to open and that we would be sensitive to what God would have us be doing
3. For teachers for next year
4. For funds: I am taking on less classes so that I have more time to do ministry. Which means I need to start sending out letters and need some help with getting my foods and such, as well as being able to do more with the groups (i.e. parties, trips and such)
5. TK Christians: that they would grow bold in Christ and their faith, and be willing to share what God has done for them.
6. For my classes: That i would prepare much more thoroughly for next semester than I did the past one
Thanks for your supports, your prayers, and your loves.
zac
PS - If you want to see pics of the camping trip, and don't have FB, or don't want to search for them, check em out here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041660&id=177500310&l=77182223c2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041663&id=177500310&l=5018e93418
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2077624&id=28302649
The first two are my albums, the third is Mel's... it might not work if you don't have FB already
We have a new brother and sister in the family. Their names are Annie and Yo. I wanted to give them time to let people know themselves before this blog is posted up on the interwebs and Facebook.
So we already had this trip planned out, and then they became followers of Christ, and decided they would like to be Baptized while on the trip. Unfortunately, Yo family had some health issues and he wasn't able to come on the trip, but Annie was baptized. The following Week finals started and now we are on our 3 week break until the second term begins Nov 1. At TK we will continue to meet on Tuesday nights and Wednesday nights. Found out there is a small church near my house so I have been getting to know some of the leaders there to see if we can partner together.
Also doing a lot of work in getting trained to go and start small groups. My Thai has been improving. It's no where near where it needs to be, but much better. We are starting the new semester in a few weeks, so it is too late to find a teacher for this semester, but still searching for some teachers to come for next year.
Prayer requests at this time are for:
1. Yo and Annie: that they will grow and be faithful, and that those of us showing them would be able to communicate effectively, and more than that be good models
2. TK: for the groups we have now, that hearts would continue to open and that we would be sensitive to what God would have us be doing
3. For teachers for next year
4. For funds: I am taking on less classes so that I have more time to do ministry. Which means I need to start sending out letters and need some help with getting my foods and such, as well as being able to do more with the groups (i.e. parties, trips and such)
5. TK Christians: that they would grow bold in Christ and their faith, and be willing to share what God has done for them.
6. For my classes: That i would prepare much more thoroughly for next semester than I did the past one
Thanks for your supports, your prayers, and your loves.
zac
PS - If you want to see pics of the camping trip, and don't have FB, or don't want to search for them, check em out here:
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041660&id=177500310&l=77182223c2
http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2041663&id=177500310&l=5018e93418
http://www.facebook.com/#!/album.php?aid=2077624&id=28302649
The first two are my albums, the third is Mel's... it might not work if you don't have FB already
Wednesday, September 8, 2010
Growing
Hey all you still out theres. It's me again with another (semi)monthly update. Where to start? Um, well, last time we were in the middle of making midterms at school, now we are in the middle of getting our finals approved and ready so that we can give them the first week of October. What the heck man? How is it already September, and where exactly did this semester go?
That about sums up how I am feeling right now, everything is flying full bore and I'm mostly along for the ride. But it's been a fun ride.
For the Tuesday night group, we have a few new faces, are missing a couple of old faces and have been getting a little deeper into the gospels. It's been good, but we are getting to a part where it is a little harder to communicate. So pray for us that we can find someone to help us with that. We have considered asking someone from BaanKanoon to come help, but right now I would like for a few of the people who I know are Christians and go to North to be able to step in and help us because I would like the peeps at BK to go out and start their own new groups rather than just stay around and act as translators, but to become leaders in their own groups. So please pray for us in that, both that the believers at BK would be going out and starting and leading their own groups, and that we would be able to find someone to come and help us out.
The Wednesday night group is going well. We are working through the basic stories from Creation to Christ, because this group will graduate in October. So pray for God to open their hearts to receive the truth.
On Thursday, the two that are coming said that they wanted to learn English, I told them I wanted to teach them about the Bible, so we compromised and are using Bible stories to practice speaking and understanding English. It has been surprisingly good.
We all have about 3 weeks left until finals, and then break and then we will see what happens during the break and next semester.
Big plan for this month is we want to take all the students studying at my house on a trip the last weekend of the month, and right now are looking at a place to go camping about an hour away if we can do it and keep it affordable. So be praying for us about that.. about finding the right place to camp, and that the students will come, and that it would be restful, fun and good weekend. And that we can get to know our students better so as to know how to live life with them better.
so that's a quick note on what's going on now. For me, please pray that I can find a Christian who is passionate about teaching and would be willing to do that here for maybe 2 years or more if they like it.
Also, probably going to start sending out fund raising letters, because if the groups keep growing like this, gonna need some extra help keeping up. So please be praying for me, that I can find the funds I need, as well as for if maybe you are one of the people who will be helping me out.
Welll, that's about all I can think of now. Also be praying for Rob and Jordan as they are finishing their ICS term here and will be returning to the states next month. Love you all.
zac out
That about sums up how I am feeling right now, everything is flying full bore and I'm mostly along for the ride. But it's been a fun ride.
For the Tuesday night group, we have a few new faces, are missing a couple of old faces and have been getting a little deeper into the gospels. It's been good, but we are getting to a part where it is a little harder to communicate. So pray for us that we can find someone to help us with that. We have considered asking someone from BaanKanoon to come help, but right now I would like for a few of the people who I know are Christians and go to North to be able to step in and help us because I would like the peeps at BK to go out and start their own new groups rather than just stay around and act as translators, but to become leaders in their own groups. So please pray for us in that, both that the believers at BK would be going out and starting and leading their own groups, and that we would be able to find someone to come and help us out.
The Wednesday night group is going well. We are working through the basic stories from Creation to Christ, because this group will graduate in October. So pray for God to open their hearts to receive the truth.
On Thursday, the two that are coming said that they wanted to learn English, I told them I wanted to teach them about the Bible, so we compromised and are using Bible stories to practice speaking and understanding English. It has been surprisingly good.
We all have about 3 weeks left until finals, and then break and then we will see what happens during the break and next semester.
Big plan for this month is we want to take all the students studying at my house on a trip the last weekend of the month, and right now are looking at a place to go camping about an hour away if we can do it and keep it affordable. So be praying for us about that.. about finding the right place to camp, and that the students will come, and that it would be restful, fun and good weekend. And that we can get to know our students better so as to know how to live life with them better.
so that's a quick note on what's going on now. For me, please pray that I can find a Christian who is passionate about teaching and would be willing to do that here for maybe 2 years or more if they like it.
Also, probably going to start sending out fund raising letters, because if the groups keep growing like this, gonna need some extra help keeping up. So please be praying for me, that I can find the funds I need, as well as for if maybe you are one of the people who will be helping me out.
Welll, that's about all I can think of now. Also be praying for Rob and Jordan as they are finishing their ICS term here and will be returning to the states next month. Love you all.
zac out
Monday, July 26, 2010
Midterms are a-comin'
Well, July has quite literally flown by. I am not sure how I feel about the fact that it is already almost August and that we are now over halfway to another Christmas. Ridiculous
But anyways. Things are going good with the original Tuesday night group at for Ton Kla. Same people are still coming, and possibly some new regulars. We have been able to get a little deeper into our discussions about who God is. So that's going fantastic. The group that was going to meet on Mondays has switched to Wednesday nights, we met for the first Wednesday last week, so this next one will be number two, so please be praying as we start getting into the stories of God. And then another group is supposed to be starting on Thursday afternoons. It hasn't happened yet, but be praying for that group as we try to get it started, it is a bit different as it is the students that are putting it together, and I am just providing my house as a place to meet, and offering help to the two guys so that they can lead it themselves (this is the goal, we'll see it how it plays out).
School is starting to aggravate me. I still enjoy the teaching aspect, but as things are starting to move in the area I am living, I am wanting to step back on my teaching responsibilities and move more into ministry. So I am praying, and would ask you to join in praying with me for this, a new teacher or two, who is/are like minded about wanting to share the gospel, but who's passion is teaching English. That way they are doing what they are wanting to do, and not just trying to make ends meet like I am. If this happens then I am going to have to actually start doing serious fund raising, so that's one other big change that will be coming me my way.
Personally, I am busy busy busy, but I love except on the days when I run out of energy, but I have been taking a sabbath the past few weeks, which has helped tremendously. But other than that, things are going good, and I am excited to see how this all develops.
love you all,
thank you for your prayers and other supports,
zac
But anyways. Things are going good with the original Tuesday night group at for Ton Kla. Same people are still coming, and possibly some new regulars. We have been able to get a little deeper into our discussions about who God is. So that's going fantastic. The group that was going to meet on Mondays has switched to Wednesday nights, we met for the first Wednesday last week, so this next one will be number two, so please be praying as we start getting into the stories of God. And then another group is supposed to be starting on Thursday afternoons. It hasn't happened yet, but be praying for that group as we try to get it started, it is a bit different as it is the students that are putting it together, and I am just providing my house as a place to meet, and offering help to the two guys so that they can lead it themselves (this is the goal, we'll see it how it plays out).
School is starting to aggravate me. I still enjoy the teaching aspect, but as things are starting to move in the area I am living, I am wanting to step back on my teaching responsibilities and move more into ministry. So I am praying, and would ask you to join in praying with me for this, a new teacher or two, who is/are like minded about wanting to share the gospel, but who's passion is teaching English. That way they are doing what they are wanting to do, and not just trying to make ends meet like I am. If this happens then I am going to have to actually start doing serious fund raising, so that's one other big change that will be coming me my way.
Personally, I am busy busy busy, but I love except on the days when I run out of energy, but I have been taking a sabbath the past few weeks, which has helped tremendously. But other than that, things are going good, and I am excited to see how this all develops.
love you all,
thank you for your prayers and other supports,
zac
Sunday, June 20, 2010
GAHHHHH!
Eh, it's not that bad, but things that should never be tried simultaneously:
1. Creating new curriculum for two classes.
2. Preparing to teach a new curriculum for a third class.
3. Starting a new semester.
4. Searching for and renting a new house.
5. Moving and having a housewarming party on the same day.
6. Negotiating the end of one lease, and the beginning of a new one.
7. Making sure the right people know you are moving and find out what of their stuff you are borrowing they need back.
8. Trying to write a blog about all of it.
So yeah, if you notice that the last one is the blog, that's why I have not been on every few days as I had thought I would be able to do. It has been tons of fun, but just kinda a little stressful.
So to catch all you followers in the states up on all that has been happening since the last blog (pause as I check the last blog to remind myself what I wrote).. Right-o. I ended up going for the place I had hinted at in my last blog, the pics of which are scattered through-out this post. I now live close enough to the university that I am starting to look for a cheep second hand bicycle that is big enough for me, do my part on reducing oil usage.
If you didn't figure out from my little list at the beginning of the post, I have moved, almost successfully (almost being that I still need to do some unpacking and cleaning, but successfully in that it is all moved in and didn't destroy anyone or thing in the process, a first for me). I really like the new place. I have my room to get away in, a place to watch movies, and extra bed for friends to spend the night, and a room that right now I have set up as a sitting room, and will eventually add a desk for it to be a reading/reflection and (hopefully) art room. I have realized that I have lost a lot of my skill in using a pencil or pen as I used to, which saddens me, and so I am hoping that I will be able to start doing this again. And I even have a little patch of grass I have to water, and flowers and stuff (you should prolly pray for those things, as they are now in my care).
On the personal side, things are still crazy, my focus is shot at the moment, but I am taking a mini-vaca at the end of this week. The students that were meeting at the big building are still wanting to come over to my house on the same night so that is good. I was worried it would be more work than that. School started last Monday, as of right now, I have one section less than anticipated, but that will most likely change this week. I have rewritten my curriculum for my Listening and Speaking class to be more in line with what our new dean would like to see, so we'll see how implementing it goes. Finally finished writing it for my Oral Communication class, again, we'll see how it goes. And for my English 1 GE class, we are changing the format to be focused simply on listening and speaking, so I am trying to figure out how to translate a lesson focused on the four basic skills (listening/speaking, reading, writing, grammar) into a cohesive lesson simply working on L/S. So again, fun times this semester.
On Thursday, on of my friends who teaches in the Masters program is going to be on TV in Bangkok, so the rest of the Master's teachers, me and one of the teachers from English are all tagging along, and then going to the beach, and some historical places and whatnot. Its gonna be fun. The only downside is that I have to make up the classes I am skipping, but a free trip (excluding food purchases)to Bangkok and the beach, with friends is completely worth it.
I finally have a group of people I am meeting with that are like minded, and we worship in English, so that is an answer to prayer. And all of us are working together towards the goal of trying to tell everyone who God is. I am excited to see how this is working out and the direction it is heading. The potential here is amazing. Please pray for us a we are all looking for leaders in our different focus areas to come along side of us, whom we can train to go out and train others. I am also not so good at setting firm goals, and sticking to them. But I need to learn how to do this. So please pray for me there. I'm typically the type that says, well, let's just go and see what happens. Makes it easier for me to be flexible.
Fun fact: In my village I have moved to, I only have running water from 5am-10am and then from 4pm-10pm. So that is interesting. My landlord talked about getting me a reserve tank, so this week I need to go talk to him about that, as well about the internet situation (do I have it, if not, how are we gonna get it).
I am also flummoxed by a situation where I have friends who are teachers, as well as friends who are students, and they don't mix.. and I mean that in the most literal way possible. Last night when my students arrived and noticed cars of some of the other teachers, it took me literally 5 minutes for me to convince them to come inside, sit down, and eat a little before they retreated. So, as of right now, if I want to hang out, I have to schedule time for the two groups so they don't end up at the same place together, because the students will just leave. That's interesting.
as it is Father's day today for y'all in the states, happy fathers day to my Dad, love you. and in closing, I am still constantly amazed at the way God blesses me and takes care of me. Pray for me that I can use these to show my friends who He is. That's all for now folks..
until next time, go eat some good Thai food...
1. Creating new curriculum for two classes.
2. Preparing to teach a new curriculum for a third class.
3. Starting a new semester.
4. Searching for and renting a new house.
5. Moving and having a housewarming party on the same day.
6. Negotiating the end of one lease, and the beginning of a new one.
7. Making sure the right people know you are moving and find out what of their stuff you are borrowing they need back.
8. Trying to write a blog about all of it.
So yeah, if you notice that the last one is the blog, that's why I have not been on every few days as I had thought I would be able to do. It has been tons of fun, but just kinda a little stressful.
So to catch all you followers in the states up on all that has been happening since the last blog (pause as I check the last blog to remind myself what I wrote).. Right-o. I ended up going for the place I had hinted at in my last blog, the pics of which are scattered through-out this post. I now live close enough to the university that I am starting to look for a cheep second hand bicycle that is big enough for me, do my part on reducing oil usage.
If you didn't figure out from my little list at the beginning of the post, I have moved, almost successfully (almost being that I still need to do some unpacking and cleaning, but successfully in that it is all moved in and didn't destroy anyone or thing in the process, a first for me). I really like the new place. I have my room to get away in, a place to watch movies, and extra bed for friends to spend the night, and a room that right now I have set up as a sitting room, and will eventually add a desk for it to be a reading/reflection and (hopefully) art room. I have realized that I have lost a lot of my skill in using a pencil or pen as I used to, which saddens me, and so I am hoping that I will be able to start doing this again. And I even have a little patch of grass I have to water, and flowers and stuff (you should prolly pray for those things, as they are now in my care).
On the personal side, things are still crazy, my focus is shot at the moment, but I am taking a mini-vaca at the end of this week. The students that were meeting at the big building are still wanting to come over to my house on the same night so that is good. I was worried it would be more work than that. School started last Monday, as of right now, I have one section less than anticipated, but that will most likely change this week. I have rewritten my curriculum for my Listening and Speaking class to be more in line with what our new dean would like to see, so we'll see how implementing it goes. Finally finished writing it for my Oral Communication class, again, we'll see how it goes. And for my English 1 GE class, we are changing the format to be focused simply on listening and speaking, so I am trying to figure out how to translate a lesson focused on the four basic skills (listening/speaking, reading, writing, grammar) into a cohesive lesson simply working on L/S. So again, fun times this semester.
On Thursday, on of my friends who teaches in the Masters program is going to be on TV in Bangkok, so the rest of the Master's teachers, me and one of the teachers from English are all tagging along, and then going to the beach, and some historical places and whatnot. Its gonna be fun. The only downside is that I have to make up the classes I am skipping, but a free trip (excluding food purchases)to Bangkok and the beach, with friends is completely worth it.
I finally have a group of people I am meeting with that are like minded, and we worship in English, so that is an answer to prayer. And all of us are working together towards the goal of trying to tell everyone who God is. I am excited to see how this is working out and the direction it is heading. The potential here is amazing. Please pray for us a we are all looking for leaders in our different focus areas to come along side of us, whom we can train to go out and train others. I am also not so good at setting firm goals, and sticking to them. But I need to learn how to do this. So please pray for me there. I'm typically the type that says, well, let's just go and see what happens. Makes it easier for me to be flexible.
Fun fact: In my village I have moved to, I only have running water from 5am-10am and then from 4pm-10pm. So that is interesting. My landlord talked about getting me a reserve tank, so this week I need to go talk to him about that, as well about the internet situation (do I have it, if not, how are we gonna get it).
I am also flummoxed by a situation where I have friends who are teachers, as well as friends who are students, and they don't mix.. and I mean that in the most literal way possible. Last night when my students arrived and noticed cars of some of the other teachers, it took me literally 5 minutes for me to convince them to come inside, sit down, and eat a little before they retreated. So, as of right now, if I want to hang out, I have to schedule time for the two groups so they don't end up at the same place together, because the students will just leave. That's interesting.
as it is Father's day today for y'all in the states, happy fathers day to my Dad, love you. and in closing, I am still constantly amazed at the way God blesses me and takes care of me. Pray for me that I can use these to show my friends who He is. That's all for now folks..
until next time, go eat some good Thai food...
Wednesday, June 2, 2010
Well, here we go. My last blog was about a change in pace. So is this one. Over the past two weeks I have come to realize and re-realize several things. One is I am stubborn, but we all know that. Another is nothing ever works the exact same way twice, especially in ministry, and that when you are frustrated, that is when everything decides to fall apart. Just sayin. I'll save my whining for another blog post. This one is to update everyone on what exactly I am doing over here.
The discussion that has been happening, really for the past 8 months, but intensely in my head for the past two, is which is the better approach to sharing the gospel. Having a central location to bring people from all over to and do ministry and sharing there (i.e. - start a church or 'outreach' center). This is what we do in America. It is what many of us have in our heads as how it should be done whether we realize it or not. It's comfortable, practical, and a whole lot easier to schedule things around.
The other is going out, finding someone and striking up a conversation, sharing with that person, and if they are interested, meet with them again, and get them to bring some friends, and while you are telling this person, teach this person to tell his/her friends he/she brings along. This way you start a small intimate group of people who know each other (easier to start the community framework) and you are teaching them how to share the stories of Christ at the same time, this way, they can go and do the same thing. This one is a bit more difficult because you have to go to a place intentionally, and sometimes it may be quite a while before you meet anyone who will listen. Me, I like the first one (read again "comfortable, practical, and [easy]")
Through talking with different people I am getting closer to, and praying/arguing, I have decided that the best direction for TK is to go with the second model. I am going this way because I think it is the direction that we should be going, that God wants us to go, but to be honest I am going a bit reluctantly for a myriad of reasons, mostly boiling down to the fact that it forces me way outside my comfort zone.
I'm not entirely sure where this is going to go. But I do know it means I am moving. I have told my landlord, and have begun searching for a new place. I am looking at 3 places right now, all are closer to the university. I think I have decided on one. But not 100% on that yet. I'll post on Facebook which ever one I choose.
I'll be updating over the next few days as I decide, process more of whats going on in my brain and heart, and what not.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Love you all.
zac
The discussion that has been happening, really for the past 8 months, but intensely in my head for the past two, is which is the better approach to sharing the gospel. Having a central location to bring people from all over to and do ministry and sharing there (i.e. - start a church or 'outreach' center). This is what we do in America. It is what many of us have in our heads as how it should be done whether we realize it or not. It's comfortable, practical, and a whole lot easier to schedule things around.
The other is going out, finding someone and striking up a conversation, sharing with that person, and if they are interested, meet with them again, and get them to bring some friends, and while you are telling this person, teach this person to tell his/her friends he/she brings along. This way you start a small intimate group of people who know each other (easier to start the community framework) and you are teaching them how to share the stories of Christ at the same time, this way, they can go and do the same thing. This one is a bit more difficult because you have to go to a place intentionally, and sometimes it may be quite a while before you meet anyone who will listen. Me, I like the first one (read again "comfortable, practical, and [easy]")
Through talking with different people I am getting closer to, and praying/arguing, I have decided that the best direction for TK is to go with the second model. I am going this way because I think it is the direction that we should be going, that God wants us to go, but to be honest I am going a bit reluctantly for a myriad of reasons, mostly boiling down to the fact that it forces me way outside my comfort zone.
I'm not entirely sure where this is going to go. But I do know it means I am moving. I have told my landlord, and have begun searching for a new place. I am looking at 3 places right now, all are closer to the university. I think I have decided on one. But not 100% on that yet. I'll post on Facebook which ever one I choose.
I'll be updating over the next few days as I decide, process more of whats going on in my brain and heart, and what not.
Thank you all for your prayers and support. Love you all.
zac
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