GlocalNet

It’s been a wild ride. My clothes didn’t make it - so I’m wearing another man’s clothes - hope he doesn’t have any diseases! Last night we met at the US Ambassadors home - it was nice - opening remarks, etc. Then, several of us went to different art galleries to look - looking for a special painting for our new worship center. I’m sitting beside Dave Gibbons from New Song Church in Irvine, CA. Takes me back to our days in the early 90’s with Leighton Ford. Dave was always making wisecracks, disrupting the class, doing stupid stuff.  He’s a real live Irish/Korean/Texan wannabe! I’m on his computer--he tied into someone’s open wireless system, and in Vietnam everything is open! Dave is nodding his head as the lecture is going on, oh wait - - - he’s not agreeing - - - he’s sleeping, now snoring--should I wake him? There’s a Vietnam TV cameraman filming--will they get Dave? Nope, ain’t gonna wake him, this may get good.
I am sitting in a room with some of the greatest pastors in all Vietnam, some of the greatest scholars on religion and rule of law in the world, and my good buddy Chris Seiple. He’s just done an awesome job putting this together. There are some 85 people in the room. Representatives from all over the world are present, scholars, religious leaders, and others. Phuc Dang is two down from me sitting by Pastor YKim - NorthWood, he’s doing great and sends his greetings to all of you.
I can hardly believe what is happening here . I remember my first trip here in ‘95 - Vietnam is growing in every dimension - it’s economy, it’s education, it’s global involvement. No things are not perfect, but they are changing. We had meetings set up for Malcolm Morris of Stewart Title yesterday and he’s studying the whole real estate explosion here. Kent Humphreys is also visiting with key leaders trying to look at different business opportunities. Sherman Chau, head of Glocal Ventures here has made great inroads - between NorthWood increasing it’s involvement and now USAID here, along with a couple of foundations - we should have a fantastic year up and coming.

I’m convinced more than ever, that whether working in Vietnam or the Middle East, the way of the future is engagement. Communication and transportation has connected us. Edicts, threats, and strong-arm diplomacy/military must be used sparingly in this new world. There are enough reasonable people in the world with access to communication that if we identify them and connect with them, we might be able to avoid war like never before. I know you may think that’s crazy, BUT as the millennial generation comes into leadership, I’m optimistic.

Now for an interview with Dave Gibbons.

Dave why did you come and what do you hope to accomplish by being here?

Play with Bob. Eat Pho. Get Vietnamese massages.

Dave seriously - people are going to hell - what are you learning?

Okay. . .I’m here to understand and get a pulse of what God is doing in one of the hottest spiritual areas in the world. I’m captivated by the advancement of religious freedom that is being addressed. Moreover, I’m encouraged by individuals like yourself and Chris Seiple who are quietly doing work that is advancing the cause of Christ many in America may not be aware of.

Bob: Dave you’re an Irishman who loves Thai’s - I’m a Welshman who loves Vietnamese - why do you think we love this opposite cultures so much?

Southeast Asians are some of the friendliest, loving people on the globe. They have a lot to teach us. Their culture and love of life, as well as their hunger for the deeper things of life are certainly compelling to both of us. Furthermore, this is the frontline of what we believe is a great awakening like never seen before.

Bob: Dave I really believe the greatest move of God is from Asia and it is going impact us more than the other way around--what’s your opinion?

I sense the same thing. There are currents that are moving through this region of the world that are evident by the economic, political, and socio-cultural front that are unbelievable. Millions are entering into a conversation about God and spiritual things. At this Asian intersection, we’ll not only see business and artistic innovation but theological as well. Theological perspectives coming from suffering and marginality are deep and will resonate with most of the world more than a prosperity/blessing type of gospel often communicated via the west.

Bob: Dave that’s really good. OK, this is heavy - BUT I honestly believe one of the biggest obstacles to the church in America is that her pastors are giving her the wrong medicine. It’s not that it’s just not helping, but that it’s poisoning us. They see empty buildings, out of church people, and try to get them in the barn. The focus shouldn’t be the barn, but the Gospel of the Kingdom engaging the life of the disciple. Willowcreek just released their Reveal study, but this isn’t a shock, it’s obvious. What’s your take?

hmmmm. . .  I love what Bill Hybels and Willow have done for the church not only in America but also the world. They have encouraged many of us to be sensitive to the culture around us while communicating the Gospel in relevant ways. While the study may not be new to those who are engaged in a more global dialogue it is certainly welcomed. My hope is that the study will lead us to who really is in our backyard and what is our main task as the church. It should lead us to really examine who truly is our neighbor. As time goes on, the megachurch movement has framed a unique picture of our neighbor that may not be what Jesus was actually talking about. Our typical American definition of our neighbor has further ghettoized and segregated the global village. We are more polarized than ever with the typical church growth beliefs we have posited not only on the US but now in churches we have influenced around the world. It’s time for a dramatic change. Otherwise, our church in America continues to become more self-centered and insular.

OK, guess we’d better be listening closer.  If you have questions, email us and we’ll perhaps tackle some of them later!