October 15, 2004

• CCT:  the other team.

  
  

   Gleason.  He claimed to be three times older than me.  I don’t know about that.  But maybe he is three times wiser!  I loved his pastoral fatherliness – and how he proved that an OBC pastor doesn’t have to be strict and serious but can be fun and approachable as well as spiritual and wise.

  
  

   Randy.  The leader of the whole pack.  Randy always has this bright smile on his face which is always reassuring to me.  It’s a reminder to me that everything is going to be great – no matter what!  I love his easygoing way of leadership.  A man of wisdom, patience and humility; he is my fellow cubiclemate.  So glad I’ll have many more opportunities to serve with him!!

  
  

   Jason.  On the ride to the FW, I asked Jason, “Are you one of those types who must obey every rule or do you see rules more as guidelines?”  His quick response of “guidelines” was well-proven when he discovered and was not at all dismayed by the fact that he had somehow accidentally snuck a swiss-army knife on the plane.    But what I appreciated about him most was his genuine desire to know us.  He was the instigator of the picture-sharing on the last night.  It was neat to get to see the pictures of everyone’s families and friends.  So thanks for instigating that, Jason.

  
  

   Dave.  I will never forget the night our team from FWC visited the CCT where these brothers were teaching.  That night, they were having a party for their students and Dave broke out his violin.  The first classical piece he played was wonderful but the second piece was magical.  He had chosen to play a well-known Chinese song, and immediately upon recognition, the atmosphere of the entire room altered.  It was like everything shifted.  There was a murmur of delight, applaud and appreciation from the crowd. Here is this white boy from Boston MA choosing to play their song, choosing to meet them where they’re at – and boy did he win their hearts.  It brought tears to my eyes seeing how God can use just about everything He has given to each of us.

  
  

   Johnny.  I had the privilege of sitting next to Johnny on our 12 hour flight to China.  Not only did we get to know a bit of each other’s stories but through all our conversing, the man next to us began to talk with us too.  At first, I thought it would be impossible (because of the initial conversation topics) but I thought I’d pray anyway that we’d somehow get to share God’s story.  And God always seems to answer this prayer.  We landed on the topic!  I could tell that Johnny was being intentional.  Once we got into the swing of things, I decided to step back and let Johnny lead the discussion – adding things here and there when needed.  It was the first time I got to observe someone else sharing the gospel in a long time.  I learned from Johnny as I listened to him take the conversation in ways that I wouldn’t have thought of.  I really appreciated the way he led the discussion, his handle of the Story and the way he’d answer the man’s questions. What a wonderful way to start a trip, I thought!  Johnny, you get my eprops of the day.

  
  

   Alvin.  Alvin has been my “safe” guy friend for several years now – though always at a distance.  I was glad that we could go on this trip together – albeit on different teams. It was fun to tour Wang Fu Jing together during debrief, finding again how nice it is just to have a guy friend.  One thing I noticed as I walked around with him was how helpful it was that he was so decisive about things.  He’d just naturally lead.  “Let’s walk up there and then cross.”  So there wasn’t all the usual unnecessary hemmings and hawings.  I’m also very appreciative of his way of checking in on me from time to time and how he put his arm around me briefly in my tears when we were on the orphanage visit.  Just the appropriate sort of brotherly concern.  Thanks, Alvin.

  
  

   Calvin.  My good brother and friend.  During this trip I felt very thankful for his servant heart, kindness and concern — whether it be to carry my water, help me see better, hand me tissues, get me a better bargain or lug my Mu Gao all the way back to the States… without attemping to drink it.     

  
  

  All this is to say, what would I do without brothers?  Life would certainly not be as colorful.  Thanks, God, for them.

  • 8:33 pm
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