I worked in China in my twenties (teaching at a medical college for a couple of years), and once back in the US I taught Korean, Japanese and Chinese students, among other international students. Having been involved with the Chinese church in the US, I understand your point about learning how to work through reconciliation and healing in relationships. I worked with the college age group for a number of years and loved those times. But I remember when the college kids organized a trip and they had some interpersonal struggles. One commented to me afterwards that the enemy got the best of them. They just didn’t know how to resolve conflict yet. Praying for your church plant. May God be honored and His name magnified among you as you seek to build a healthy community of believers.
Thank you for your work with the Chinese church in the U.S., Susan. Working with college age students is such a joy - I got to work with them for the last 6 years or so. It was fun, but such a challenge as well. They have such a zeal for the Lord, but when it comes to things such as conflict and how to handle it Biblically, there is such a steep learning curve, particularly to not go about it with how the world teaches.
Thank you for your prayers over our plant.
We are praying that we prioritize [the Spirit's] presence over program.
Some of my most enjoyable years of ministry were working with the college age group. I'm so glad you have enjoyed this work for 6 years. I miss it. I understand the challenges. I sometimes reflect on the cultural differences. Maybe the concept of losing face and shame based cultural things play a role but I'm not sure. I agree there's a steep learning curve. I guess maybe lot of other college kids in the US are still growing in this area, too. May God bless your work with this new ministry.
Don't do it. Reconciliation sucks. Ugh. You have to take their calls, answer their texts... avoid avoiding them on Sundays... keep choosing to move toward them. Even pray FOR them instead of at or about them. WHAT A TRULY TERRIBLE IDEA. No stars - do not recommend.
...And for sure I needed this reminder to not give up as easily as I have been on someone I'm really in the middle of it with right now. I am beyond pissed at how their attitude and actions as a leader are affecting entire swaths of ministry, and I've been losing hope and giving up. While I do expect an eventual outcome of them stepping out of their position as we modify the expectations for the role, I needed the reminder to fight for them. So thank you. And prayers up as you help navigate that in your spaces as well.
I worked in China in my twenties (teaching at a medical college for a couple of years), and once back in the US I taught Korean, Japanese and Chinese students, among other international students. Having been involved with the Chinese church in the US, I understand your point about learning how to work through reconciliation and healing in relationships. I worked with the college age group for a number of years and loved those times. But I remember when the college kids organized a trip and they had some interpersonal struggles. One commented to me afterwards that the enemy got the best of them. They just didn’t know how to resolve conflict yet. Praying for your church plant. May God be honored and His name magnified among you as you seek to build a healthy community of believers.
Thank you for your work with the Chinese church in the U.S., Susan. Working with college age students is such a joy - I got to work with them for the last 6 years or so. It was fun, but such a challenge as well. They have such a zeal for the Lord, but when it comes to things such as conflict and how to handle it Biblically, there is such a steep learning curve, particularly to not go about it with how the world teaches.
Thank you for your prayers over our plant.
We are praying that we prioritize [the Spirit's] presence over program.
Some of my most enjoyable years of ministry were working with the college age group. I'm so glad you have enjoyed this work for 6 years. I miss it. I understand the challenges. I sometimes reflect on the cultural differences. Maybe the concept of losing face and shame based cultural things play a role but I'm not sure. I agree there's a steep learning curve. I guess maybe lot of other college kids in the US are still growing in this area, too. May God bless your work with this new ministry.
Don't do it. Reconciliation sucks. Ugh. You have to take their calls, answer their texts... avoid avoiding them on Sundays... keep choosing to move toward them. Even pray FOR them instead of at or about them. WHAT A TRULY TERRIBLE IDEA. No stars - do not recommend.
...And for sure I needed this reminder to not give up as easily as I have been on someone I'm really in the middle of it with right now. I am beyond pissed at how their attitude and actions as a leader are affecting entire swaths of ministry, and I've been losing hope and giving up. While I do expect an eventual outcome of them stepping out of their position as we modify the expectations for the role, I needed the reminder to fight for them. So thank you. And prayers up as you help navigate that in your spaces as well.