My Journal

I am thus deserted by Landlord.

The first, was while I was having lunch after Sunday Service, some disgruntled non-Christian trying to lay all his issues on me, I was beginning to have the zest of guiding him to the right path when the other church members come and interrupt, whether it is to "protect" me or talk garbage, I don't know. I supposed there's one useful advice I remember from my father, if I have not mistaken, that is "Don't talk while eating". Strike One.

Then there was this ticket I give as a "tiny part" of my mission work, so that the church gets a chance to have their members listen to some great performance that was initially made for God's glory - Of course, Bach's B Minor Mass is no match for Handel's Messiah pertaining to the Gospel in this English speaking culture, hence, tiny part. But it would appear from the pastor's insistence of paying me back, it almost seems that she thinks I'm too poor to do such ministry or that she did not realize this is not just some invitation to watch me sing on stage. Strike Two.

Anyone who does not the zest of evangelization, has no part in my ministry regardless of how good a talker they are. It is better that they do their own ministry and let me support theirs for the sake of the Gospel.

In socializing, if one maintains the Kingdom of Heaven as the sole subject of discussion and chat, one can easily filter out the vain babblers.

1. With non-Christians, when visitations, social activities are done without the priority of the great commission but rather a mere human kindness, the nightmare is the production of false Christians.

2. With Christians, when visitations, social activities are done without the priority of the enrichment in both grace and knowledge of our Lord, but rather a mere human kindness, hypocrisy will entail.

3. Last but not least, when pastors or the like deny responsibility of the above two premises.

A couple days ago, I have given 6 tickets for last night's performance Bach B Minor Mass away in church for free.

The interesting part is not because I have told the pastor before that those 6 tickets are required for every OSNY member to purchase, but that when she was somehow reminded today that it wasn't given to me for free, she insisted that all those who took the "free" tickets from me must pay me back.

Of course, by principle, I will not trap myself in this old Chinese manner of "No I pay, No I pay". But in the area of ethics, I believe she has greatly erred. If someone gives something for free, then it is free and he must be held to his own words.

Interestingly, one can see others' attitude towards things freely given to them. Sometimes, one cannot deny how certain culture has erred and that it is to be condemned.

All the more reason why I shouldn't stay for lunch or any vain babbling.

I remember a pastor told me not long ago, that there was some rich christian very close to Dr. Stephen Tong in some fashion, who mentioned that there should be some work put forth to translate Rev. Tong's works into English.

I thought to myself, that actually, a man of God, can and should tell this fellow to shut up. For it is better for him to start his own project than suggesting how others should do the work.

And if it is a matter of language skill, well, this is a whole subject by itself. Which is something I have especially against many Chinese preachers here in the States. Many of them have been here for more than 30 years or so, and they can't even speak some basic English. God called you?! Please.

It would appear that it is a common thing for American Chinese Churches to have a whole meal after Sunday Worship Services. Usually at a very low cost if not free (some churches would have it free for first comers).

This concept of course, is to attract more people, however one wishes to put it.

This practice is so strongly rooted in this church culture that if one doesn't stay with any plausible reason, one is considered anti-social.

But then what is social? Is social talking about vain subjects? I would rather take a lazy nap than talking about "How are you...What's up...You know computer-Wah...you sing in Oratorio-Wah...want to hold my hands"

Nay, please, I have better things to do. Now that I can leave at will without any problem. Praise be to God. In my previous church, it would be a trouble if I leave on my own as I would have to walk to the train station and many would want to arrange rides for me or I would be trapped with vain chatters in the car.