Saturday, November 24, 2007

How does it go again? Oh, right...

Hullabaloo, kanick, kanick, hullabaloo, kanick, kanick, hullabaloo, hullabaloo, hullabaloo, kanick, kanick...WHOOP!!!

I have just taken fresh pumpkin pie from the oven. Dressing awaits baking in the fridge. My 11:30pm cup of coffee has both kicked in and kicked out simultaneously at 1am. Tomorrow is another full day in a week of full days, wait, wait, make that a month that has been and a month to come. I promise a substantial post will be made this weekend. There's much to recount and Thanksgiving this year has once again been a sweet time to bless God for his goodness in ministry here and in life in general.

And his final goodness we hope...7:36 remaining in the 4th, UT vs. Texas A&M, it's 24 UT to A&M's 38, Aggies have the ball...and I must go to bed. I can't watch the game Dad and Granddaddy, but I sure can check the score!

Sunday, November 18, 2007

Sunday Reflections

So besides the JAO post, here's an extra one for you. I'm running out soon for dinner at Mahina's (she insisted it's her turn to host) but before I go...

I've been thinking about the "Kingdom of God." This term gets used a lot, thrown around even more, and ever since someone made a rather pointed comment about it once, I listen up when we start talking about the "Kingdom of God." A former housemate once asked, "What if the 'Kingdom of God' is not a liberating idea? What if it denotes further oppression? What then are we about?" Hmm, good question. As I've been thinking about it today, the Bible talks a lot about the Kingdom of God and if when we say "kingdom of God", people run and ride, that means a couple of things. We have royally mucked up the kingdom concept, haven't we? If someone preaches liberation as only God can establish in a Kingdom and someone else hears and wants nothing to do with it, we better first understand what they hear when they hear "kingdom." We also ought to rethink what we envision when we envision and preach "kingdom." We third ought to gather at a round table so that none take precedence over the other and talk about this radical Kingdom of God and how it should be envisioned and construed so that all run towards it, not away. As a French person, I would want nothing to do with a kingdom (or the church). As a person enslaved at the orders of a king, I would want nothing to do with a kingdom. As a concubine among the masses, I would want nothing to do with a kingdom. As a Christian who wants to take seriously this Biblical "Kingdom" concept, I want to learn what God really means. I guess we have some work to do.

Spiritual growth--I've been tossing around the idea of measuring spiritual growth. If growth denotes activity and life, then inherently an object is growing somewhere. What is its end and how is it getting there? And first, is it growing? Does it have sunlight, water, air, the essentials? And how are we keeping tabs on it. I think particularly here in the context of GBU after a great dinner with one of the students this week. She really pumped me up and got me thinking--we need goals and markers. It's good and right to grow in knowledge. We ought also to be growing in maturity, in how we apply spiritual knowledge. Much further food for ministry thought and action.

Why is it easier for the church to envision establishing justice outside its walls than being an institution of justice to begin with? I guess if we're just, someone who has always been comfortable at church might get uncomfortable. Plus it's easier to keep injustice, sin, and brokenness as a problem "of the world" then rather confront that it might in fact be a problem of the Church, as in residing in the Church rather than something to merely respond to "out there." Yikes, really, because I thought we had gotten so much right for so long.

And in closing, here's some lyrics to a song I've been listening to. Hope it ministers to your soul as it did mine.

To Close to the Mirror--Eddie Ruth Bradford

Yes, I'm too close to the mirror to see what you see
Why you shower down your blessings, your blessings on me
Not anything I've done, Lord, as far as I can see
Yes, I'm too close to the mirror to see what you see in me

Sometimes I think about the things you have done for me
How you washed away all my sins, set my spirit free
Then I look back on my life
I haven't always done right
Still goodness and mercy follow me every day and night

When I thought about giving up
You said trust in me
If you hold on and faint not
Keep your faith in me
Lord, you don't see me like I am
You see me like I'm gonna be
So I believe I'll run on
And see what the end will be

Hallelujah, I'm too close to the mirror to see what you see
Why you shower down your blessings, your blessings on me
Not anything I've done, Lord, as far as I can see
Yes, I'm too close to the mirror to see what you see in me


What is JAO?


JAO is an acronym for "Les Jeunes Adultes D'Oise"--young adults of L'Oise. That's what JAO is; however, as that's not incredibly helpful to understand the ministry, I'll tell you more.

JAO is a regional ministry envisioned and started by Dave and Virginia Hemmerle as a response to the spiritual needs for Bible study and relational connection for Christian and non-Christian young adults in the L'Oise Valley. Although much of France does not have a strong Protestant (or even Christian) witness, L'Oise is considered one of the weakest regions due to a variety of reasons--history, Catholicism, closed mindsets, etc, etc. Thus, young Christians invariably attempt to live out their faith in the context of a church (which by the way isn't necessarily a given institution for support here) but without the support and relationships of peers as well as modeling and teaching. Insert JAO.

JAO consists of two elements--regional monthly gatherings and every 6-week Bible studies. The regional monthly gatherings include worship, prayer, topical teaching, and fellowship (note: really don't like that word, so Christian-ese, but what else do I write?). We gather at a church in Nogent-sur-Oise, a central meeting point, for three to four hours. Up until this point, Dave has been organizing and teaching at each regional JAO but with the Hemmerles' fast-approaching departure, others will soon be teaching as well. For the Bible studies, a smaller (although all are invited) group have met at the Hemmerles' home. The time starts with a meal followed by Bible study and prayer. Of interesting note, for the last Bible study, the the meal began around 8:45pm and the study began at 10pm. :) Not exactly an American hour for Bible study, but I LOVE it! This year Dave took everyone's ideas and we are studying Hebrews. The responsibility for facilitating a study is passed around the group.

As aforementioned, Dave and Virginia leave in less than two weeks for their one-year stateside assignment. In preparation for their departure, Dave has worked to assemble a transition team so that JAO is able to continue ministering to young adults with engaged and equipped leadership. Praise be to God, a man named Francois who works with another young adult ministry a bit north of us heard of Dave and contacted him about working with JAO. As well, two other French nationals Joel and Marie have quickly stepped in to take leadership and organization responsibility. I as well am a part of this transition team to support the ongoing national French ministry.




Dave and Virginia have provided key leadership, relationships, and hospitality for these young adults during their time in L'Oise. However, perhaps most exciting for me as an outsider in some senses is to see the significant potential this ministry has to continue flourishing. It is difficult--stateside, France, or anywhere else--to start a ministry and build into in such a way that it can continue well after initial leadership has departed. Pray that the transition team and all who participate will continue to recognize a call to leadership and engagement with JAO, not only for their needs but for the larger building up of the Church and being a collective witness to the unifying work of Christ in the midst of so many. JAO is an exciting ministry avenue of which to be a part and I hope you will pray with us and for us in the coming months.

Monday, November 12, 2007

Here's the Rundown

I'm way overdue to write an inside scoop even though I have one half-drafted. Hopefully I'll finish it soon. But I'll hit some high points from the last few days.


Groupe Biblique Universitaire at my apartment Friday night--fondue, fun, and prayer!


Irenee et Clement prepare the fondue ingredients--cheese and bread, of course.


Irenee demonstrates how to do fondue.


GBU women pose for the camera
moi, Nari, Heather, Natacha, et Corinne


I acquired a French family.


Just kidding! However, after their stellar performance on Sunday (not letting on that they knew it was my birthday at church) and after their fantastic leaping out of walls for my surprise birthday dinner, who wouldn't claim the McAuley kids? Their mom Joy joins us below, just for proof.


It's official--I'm a quarter of a century old. After discovering some new wrinkles around my mouth this week, I've decided to stop smiling so much. Seriously though, I'm excited and blessed to have made it thus far when so many in our world don't. Praise be to God for the gift of this breath.


Heard Phillip Yancey speak at Centre Evangelique (more to come) this afternoon.


Glad I'm not into impulse buying--there were several rooms full of books at Centre Evangelique!!! Oh the great temptations of life from which we must flee.




Monday, November 5, 2007

My First French Cinema Experience

http://www.notrecinema.com/images/films/10000/10116_le_premier_cri___70587_a4df91d2c110417466132a5ea7c9fd92.jpg

Last Thursday night I went to the movies with a woman from church. Now, I can't remember the last time I was in an American theatre much less a French one. Anyway, we saw Le Premier Cri. I have a movie review in me to write but don't have the mental faculties for it right now. Couple of things though...

1) This will never make it to the Unites States' theatres. Way too much nudity for the American public. Sad thing is, it struck me as how objectified both French and Americans make a woman's body rather than see it as quite natural and beautiful as this movie poignantly portrays.

2) The website is in French but if you click on "videos" it will be clear enough. Here's the rundown--It's a documentary following the birth process in 10 different cultures. It is an artistic and at times disjointed rendering of the experience between the 10 women; but beautifully done. It does not necessarily follow pregnancy but specifically focuses on the preparation for birth and the occurrence itself.

3) BEST FORM OF BIRTH CONTROL EVER!!! The trailer is quite touching; the movie, well, I never found a reason to cry. It had its sweet moments and was definitely thought-provoking but on levels unrelated directly to birthing babies.

4) If somehow miraculously this does make it to the USA I do suggest you see it, women AND men. I do not recommend this for children under the age of 13 unless accompanied by intentional conversation (see point 5). It can be used educationally for teenagers, young adults, and opens a fantastic door into discussions related to different cultures, traditions, physicality and sexuality, and...

5) Spirituality--I was intrigued at the spiritual experiences, or lack thereof, connected to the birth process in a handful of the women's stories. This movie raises issues beyond simply birth itself but probes (without making a statement) at the how and why of different birth processes. Several of these processes link to spiritual practices and it is quite interesting. The renderings are profound and provide much food for thought, not inappropriate but perhaps a bit inaccessible to little minds.

Thursday, November 1, 2007

Prep Work

I'm spending a good part of the holiday Toussaint prepping and studying for upcoming conversations and French class. A recent question posed to me was "How did Jesus create the world if God did too?" So we get into Trinity issues, Jesus as Creator issues, etc. and as I'm gathering some verses to give I thought, Oh, you would love to see this. I like to call it "Evangelism in a Globalized Context." You'll note I've left out Hebrews 1, namely because it gets complicated and I don't know if I can explain it clearly in English much less French! Pray that God uses this.

Of note, for study I appreciate the English Standard Version, for personal reading I use ESV or New American Standard, and for sharing English translations, Today's New International Version. For an older Christian I think ESV, NASB, NIV, etc., are great and helpful and one can usually be aware of language differences we might use today. For teaching the Kingdom of God as one that includes oh, I don't know, both genders, TNIV is extremely necessary for new and questioning students. In general I have found The Message oddly enough not usually that helpful, as it is a cultural as much as it is a language translation--my opinion. For French, I use either La Bible "en francais courant" or a very simple version published by BLF Europe. Louis Segond is the one used below; it is the definitive French translation. I have been told "Parole de Vie" is simple and easy for non-native speakers as well as new and growing Christians. I believe it is one of the more popular versions among students here although I do not have one yet. I can only pray the Chinese version I found below is correct.

Jesus le Createur

創 世 記 1:26

26   神 说 : 我 们 要 照 着 我 们 的 形 像 、 按 着 我 们 的 样 式 造 人 , 使 他 们 管 理 海 里 的 鱼 、 空 中 的 鸟 、 地 上 的 牲 畜 , 和 全 地 , 并 地 上 所 爬 的 一 切 昆 虫 。

Genèse 1:26

26 Puis Dieu dit: Faisons l'homme à notre image, selon notre ressemblance, et qu'il domine sur les poissons de la mer, sur les oiseaux du ciel, sur le bétail, sur toute la terre, et sur tous les reptiles qui rampent sur la terre.

Genesis 1: 26

26 Then God said, "Let us make human beings in our image, in our likeness, so that they may rule over the fish in the sea and the birds in the sky, over the livestock and all the wild animals, [a] and over all the creatures that move along the ground."

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約 翰 福 音 1:1-5

約 翰 福 音 1

1 太 初 有 道 , 道 与 神 同 在 , 道 就 是 神 。

2 这 道 太 初 与 神 同 在 。

3 万 物 是 藉 着 他 造 的 ; 凡 被 造 的 , 没 有 一 样 不 是 藉 着 他 造 的 。

4 生 命 在 他 里 头 , 这 生 命 就 是 人 的 光 。

5 光 照 在 黑 暗 里 , 黑 暗 却 不 接 受 光 。

Jean 1:1-5

1 Au commencement était la Parole, et la Parole était avec Dieu, et la Parole était Dieu.

2Elle était au commencement avec Dieu.

3Toutes choses ont été faites par elle, et rien de ce qui a été fait n'a été fait sans elle.

4En elle était la vie, et la vie était la lumière des hommes.

5La lumière luit dans les ténèbres, et les ténèbres ne l'ont point reçue.

John 1:1-5

1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was with God in the beginning. 3 Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. 4 In him was life, and that life was the light of all people. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.

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歌 羅 西 書 1:15-20

15 爱 子 是 那 不 能 看 见 之 神 的 像 , 是 首 生 的 , 在 一 切 被 造 的 以 先 。

16 因 为 万 有 都 是 靠 他 造 的 , 无 论 是 天 上 的 , 地 上 的 ; 能 看 见 的 , 不 能 看 见 的 ; 或 是 有位 的 , 主 治 的 , 执 政 的 , 掌 权 的 ; 一 概 都 是 藉 着 他 造 的 , 又 是 为 他 造 的 。

17 他 在 万 有 之 先 ; 万 有 也 靠 他 而 立 。

18 他 也 是 教 会 全 体 之 首 。 他 是 元 始 , 是 从 死 里 首 先 复 生 的 , 使 他 可 以 在 凡 事 上 居 首 位 。

19 因 为 父 喜 欢 叫 一 切 的 丰 盛 在 他 里 面 居 住 。

20 既 然 藉 着 他 在 十 字 架 上 所 流 的 血 成 就 了 和 平 , 便 藉 着 他 叫 万 有 ─ 无 论 是 地 上 的 、 天 上 的 ─ 都 与 自 己 和 好 了 。

Colossiens 1:15-20

15 Il est l'image du Dieu invisible, le premier-né de toute la création.

16 Car en lui ont été créées toutes les choses qui sont dans les cieux et sur la terre, les visibles et les invisibles, trônes, dignités, dominations, autorités. Tout a été créé par lui et pour lui.

17Il est avant toutes choses, et toutes choses subsistent en lui.

18Il est la tête du corps de l'Église; il est le commencement, le premier-né d'entre les morts, afin d'être en tout le premier.

19Car Dieu a voulu que toute plénitude habitât en lui;

20 il a voulu par lui réconcilier tout avec lui-même, tant ce qui est sur la terre que ce qui est dans les cieux, en faisant la paix par lui, par le sang de sa croix.

Colossians 1:15-20

15 The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him. 17 He is before all things, and in him all things hold together. 18 And he is the head of the body, the church; he is the beginning and the firstborn from among the dead, so that in everything he might have the supremacy. 19 For God was pleased to have all his fullness dwell in him, 20 and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether things on earth or things in heaven, by making peace through his blood, shed on the cross.