China 1: Arriving

I went to China about 5 years ago to help rebuild an english school.  We worked with mortar and bricks to build a wall in a kitchen.  We called it a missions trip.

But i think this trip, with business, has the potential to be much more of a mission. 

I just arrived in China.  I will be here for three weeks with my boss, my boss’ boss, and the owner of the company, along with my company’s whole team that lives in China. 

I don’t think this will be easy.  We will work 16-18 hours a day which could breakdown my defenses.  It is a foreign country that will saturate you in every desire for just a pinch of American money.  The temptations are available and cheap. 

I have recruited a team to pray for me every day while I am here.  Cliff, Kurt, Chris, my two brothers, and my Dad.  I have dedicated this month to be a living sacrifice for my God.  I want to stay entirely pure for this trip.  I want to be pure of sexual acts, but still be fulfilled.  I want to work the hardest, and still do the best work and keep a clear, powerful mind.  I want to savor the local dishes, and have my stomach be guarded.  I want to abstain from all alcohol and yet be the life of the party.  I am an ambassador for God.  Such a high standard to meet and I will do my best but Lord, I need you with me.  You see that i have dedicated this hotel room, that i am sitting in right now, to you.  This is a holy place.  And i will find refuge here because I will be alone with you each night. 

I can already feel the temptations scratching at my vulnerably human surface.  I thought i saw a large playboy bunny cutout standing by the door to the club in our hotel.  Our taxi driver told us where to go to find girls and everything else we want to buy.  I feel a twinge in my stomach that has come and go since I ordered this strange spinach and chicken an hour ago. 

So far I am not being who I had hoped i would be.  My boss is already belaboring over instructions because I didn’t understand them the first time.  I seem to be constantly looking for my wallet, passport, and room key.  I felt like the downer as we walked through town to dinner. 

God, I know your plan is different than mine, but I will do my best to be a noble representative of your kingdom for them to see.  I want them to see something different in me and turn to you because of it.  Lord, I believe you not only save us but you transform us.  Be with me now.  Be the light that shines through this broken, vulnerable body.  Make them see someone who is wise, and loving, and non-judgmental and someone who is abstaining from impurity and because of it, living more abundantly.  May they see you.  I claim these things in your name, Jesus Christ.  Amen. 

Please pray for me.  That I will point people’s eyes to heaven for this whole month.  Xie Xie (thank you)

Raw Spoon