I Remember

Taking Theology and Life II was a great experience for me. Before starting Theology 1, I was hesitant in how I would like the class in fear that everything I learned would all become head knowledge... and stay there. However, this was not the case. The class activities that crossed over with a practical theological topic made learning interesting, fun, and... nerve wracking at times.

I remember the rock digging into my pocket reminding me of some deep fears and relational breakdowns that were keeping me from growing in my walk with God. This rock became a milestone of growth that I can look back on.

I remember forging into the forest with my sleeping bag, pillow, and tent to surrender them to someone in need. God showed me he is the one that fills me, not material possessions.

I remember holding my cross and panicking before walking into a store where I would clearly stand out as a "Christian." I came to realize I want Christ's character and the representation of the cross to be visible by my own character and the way I give others grace and show them love.

I remember being attacked with lies from the enemy and pulling a piece of paper out of my pocket to remind me of the truth in who God has created me to be. I am God's friend; God is fathering me.

The Holy Spirit was clearly at work in me throughout the time of this class. This class will probably be one of the most memorable because there was so much "doing" that was a part of it. That is how I learn; by doing
I am thankful that God has sent His Holy Spirit to guide me and lead me forward. As I continue learning about theology I know that making a practical application will help be learn significantly. I'll miss this class!

Among the Hmong

Today I got the opportunity to visit Salem Community Hmong Alliance Church. Sitting here writing my blog post, I am remembering that we were supposed to visit a church with a different denomination. I didn't do that. 

BUT, this was still an awesome experience to visit a church with an entirely different culture. I traveled with my team that I will be traveling to Thailand this December. We wanted to visit a Hmong Church here in Oregon so we could get a feel for the church and people before we witnessed to them overseas. Salem Community Hmong Alliance Church is a small church in a small building way out in the middle of Aumsville. I had emailed them in advance to ask them if we could visit their congregation and they gave us a very warm welcome right from the very beginning. 

When we showed up we were immediately greeted by several people. People kept coming up to us to shake our hands and introduce themselves. They were simply excited to have us there. They had a small talented worship team that sang songs in both English and Hmong. It was awesome to be in a room where people are singing about Jesus in an entirely different language! I tried to sing some of their lyrics, but I sounded extremely stupid. Especially when they have words like "chylingg" on the screen but pronounce it "nyoo." Like what? How does that even..... 

Anyway,  

Our team got a chance to go in front of the Church and tell them about our missions trip. The congregation had a lot of questions for us and were very interested in what we were doing, especially since we were going to the villages that some of their families live or have come from. 

The pastor spoke in Hmong and translated some parts to English. His sermon was about finding security in God and not our own achievements. His message wasn't to different that a sermon would be at Salem Alliance. Overall, there was a very similar feel to Salem Alliance. There were pretty conservative in their worship... clapping... not many hands raised... again, very similar to SAC. The biggest difference is that it felt more like a close intimate family. Salem Alliance feels like a family too, but in a different way. Our family is much larger and you can walk into a service and only recognize a few faces. But overall I had a a great time at this Church. They asked us to come back after our trip and share pictures and stories with them. They said they would cook us Hmong food and have a huge cook off for us, so I'm down for that. There was also a really cute girl that sang worship... and I'm pretty sure she needs to be my wife. So that's good. 

Though I didn't visit a church with a different denomination, it was a great opportunity for me to experience an Alliance Church in a smaller setting. I will definitely look forward to returning!