More than just culture shock

Living with my relatives here in China has been difficult to say the least. They're "very European," Buddhist, and very...blunt. They think Americans are too liberal and superficial, and are critical of my faith. My Taiwanese grandaunt in particular thinks I'm being disobedient by not following my parents' footsteps of becoming Buddhist, and thus dishonoring the family. In struggling to live harmoniously with my family, a brother told me to read 2 Timothy about the persecution of Christians and reminded me that living the Christian life isn't supposed to be easy.

This has not been the only barrier at home, and I'm starting to realize that while my problems are many, they all stem from me not being able to love others enough...to love those that are different, to love those I disagree with, to love those that do me wrong. Another brother told me, "There's no better way to witness than through love," because that's what Jesus would do. How to accept, forgive, and love with grace? How do I obey my family with joy and sincerity out of love for Christ, as I'm learning in "Following Jesus Without Dishonoring Your Parents"? When my old cross necklace broke off, I bought a cheap one here just because I need to be reminded of what it means to take up my cross daily, even if it means I only remember when I'm taking off my necklace and putting it back on to prevent it from rusting.

Commuting to/from work wastes two hours each day, and I work a little less than full time. A couple of my friends here are Christian, and some are seekers (?). Churches here must be registered and controlled by government, so many people have underground churches, meeting in the confinements of their own homes. I went to the international church with 100+ people here (they only allow those with a foreign passport) for a couple weeks, but due to the Olympics we have to meet in small groups in people's homes (everything is changing because of the Olympics and I have no idea why). In response to the sermon on Sunday, my seeker friends (who aren't fluent in English) asked me, "How does God talk to us?" I'm not too clear on their backgrounds and where they stand spiritually, but that question has sparked in me an interest to start a GIG for them if I can. I have many doubts about leading a small group on my own, especially with the language barrier, but I shall leave the rest up to God.

This summer has been much more than I had expected, and at times a little more than I think I can handle. I'm struggling so much, and learning so much. Thanks to brothers and sisters from home who have been so encouraging to me, and please pray for my continuous growth here. I'm taking baby steps to improve and branch out here....my first step being joining a small group with church members I've never met before and giving them my testimony this Sunday.

"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance." - James 1:2-3