GlocalNet

How old were you when you first started coming to Northwood?

*
I was 4 years old, so i have been going to Northwood for about 20 years now.

What impacted has Northwood had on you?

*  Without Northwood’s influence I can say I would probably wouldn’t have
lived in Vietnam this past year.  Growing up in Northwood I saw how the church
itself changed and became more outward focused.  As I got older I realized that
my faith was not all about me and I began to look outwards.  After I graduated
from high school I went with Northwood to work with orphans in Vietnam.  At that
time my eyes were really opened to see how much bigger the world is and I fell
in love with Vietnamese people.  I knew that one day I would go back.

What have you been doing this past year?

*  This past year I have been living in central Vietnam teaching English at
Vinh University.  I taught speaking to the first year English students there. 
It has been such an adventure living in Vietnam.  It is so different being there
and just living day to day life.  It was hard getting adjusted at first to life
there but in the end I really ended up loving it.

Did you have to raise money to go?

*  I did have to raise my own support to go over and teach in Vietnam.  I know
that there are some Asian countries where you can make money if you go and teach
there but Vietnam is still a developing country.  They need good teacher to
serve their country.  Last year I have to raise about $19,000 and this next year
I will have to raise around $15,000.  This summer while I am home in Texas, I am
working on raising money for this upcoming year.

What are some of the key lessons you learned?

*  I have learned so much this year.  It is hard for me to just list a few.  I
think the biggest thing I have learned is how big and different this world is.  …

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Matt is right on.  This is what I was saying yesterday.  I’m always asked how did our church get so missional and global . . . where are your sermon series on that, etc., The answer is by doing it - it isn’t found in a class - it’s found in the field.  Matt ties this to his small group ministry and it’s really good.  Proud of you Matt - keep rockin’ little Texas bro!

THE SHOW - for May 19, 2009 - Guest Matt Carter from Todd Rhoades on Vimeo.

Whether you agree with his politics or not – no if ands or buts about it – President Jimmy Carter is a very, very sharp man.  He knows his stuff – so if you disagree with him – you’d better know yours.  He doesn’t speak from opinion or preference when it comes to international affairs, but history, accords, maps – all of it.  I was with him and a small group of people, of which Ron Sider was there, Lynne Hybels, Jim Wallis, Ambassador Andrew Young, Greg Khahil and others.  We were talking about the whole Israeli-Palestinian conflict. 

Obviously, I was there because of domain engagement and what that can look like for churches in terms of people-to-people projects, etc.  I also met with some churches that want to work there and are trying to get our tracks laid so others can follow.  It’s exciting.  President Carter told me he’d like to come to our church and hear me preach – I told him “No way, I want you to come and preach.” 

Been thinking a lot about inter-faith – the word describing how we relate to other faiths.  I think there are three words that have described its evolution, and a fourth I would propose.  There were Muslims and Jews with us – and we spoke on interfaith. 

First, in reflecting since the meeting, historically people have focused on “My Faith.”  All the world is see through my personal faith, values, and worldview.  My agenda is to get every person to see life through my lens.  Even though people try that – it hasn’t happened in the history of humanity.

Second, “One Faith.”  This was the idea of universalists and liberals – we are all on the same path.  All roads lead to God.  This is still advanced by an older, declining group in interfaith circles.  The goal is minimize our differences, come around where we can agree, and hopefully build a kind of “human faith” that all religions subscribe to.

Third, “Inter-faith.”  Historically, as I’ve heard Eboo Patel talk about and others with his organization, it meant liberalism and syncretism.  Not anymore.  It’s beyond tolerance, and even respect, to collaboration.  How do we work together in this world?

From: “Eboo Patel”
Date: May 4, 2009 11:36:55 AM GMT-04:00
To: “Bob Roberts”
Subject: From Eboo

Bob
I wrote about your visit for my Washington Post blog
Hope you like it.

eboo

Eboo Patel
Founder and Executive Director
Interfaith Youth Core

One of the most profound experiences I think I’ve ever had in my life was praying with Muslims during their prayer time.  One of the imams had been praying in Christian churches and as he went to pray I asked if I could join them.  They were really excited.  The imam stood out front and faced the wall while the rest of us men lined up behind him.  I stood between Ghiath and Suhail.  I wasn’t standing straight so Suhail told me, “God doesn’t look upon a line that isn’t straight.”  So I got in line real tight.  They prayed in their tradition and I prayed in mine, but in their posture.  It was moving to me.  I could hear Ghiath and Suhail both whispering passionately in prayer.  There is a part of the Islamic praying that is reciting, but another part is what we would call “freestyle.”  My bum knee wouldn’t bend right so I couldn’t cross my legs like they did under themselves – later they told me just sit. 

When we finished I asked if I could pray for them in mine.  So we knelt and I laid hands on them and we prayed together in my way.  It was very very moving for all of us. 

It was funny, several ladies came up to me and said, “Do you feel better now?”  Others told me, “You should do this every day now.”  I told them I did pray, that wasn’t my first experience.  I made it clear I was a Christian but I believe that God hears all prayers. 

I was curious and wanted to experience praying with them.  I wanted to affirm the fact that I too pray to God and I believe God hears our prayers.  What I didn’t expect was the incredible affirmation it brought to them.  It’s like our relationship went to a whole different level instanteously. 

Did I sense God’s presence as I prayed?  Powerfully.
So, what did I pray? . . . . That’s between me and God!

You can’t speak of Muslim women in the Middle-East in a monolithic way.  There are just too many of them, too many cultures, too many traditions, etc.  But having spent a week in Syria at the Al-Andaluse Center for Islamic studies in Hama, Syria, which is a seminary for Muslim women, some very striking things are apparent.

First, these are all highly educated women.  Not everyone woman in Syria has been to college, just like in America, but many have.  The women at the seminary had not all been to college but the ones who were leading it had, for the most part.  There was no aversion to education or deep or rational thinking.  The lady next to Nikki is head of the institute – Dr. Rafaida Habash.  She writes papers on international issues, religion, and even poetry. 

Second, they are just as passionate in their worship of God as Christian women I’ve seen in America.  The young lady Nikki is talking to is Dr. Rafaida’s daughter Serene.  One morning she “recited” or what sounded like “singing” to Nikki and I parts of the Koran as we began our session that day.  It was incredibly moving to Nikki and I.  She was consumed by what she was doing and you couldn’t talk to her without recognizing her love for God.  It was utterly beautiful. 

Third, they are not all anti-American!  They may not always agree with our policies, but everyone we visited with expressed an interest in visiting the U.S. and having good relations with the U.S.  They would come up to us and begin talking immediately.  The young lady outside with Nikki is at an ancient church.  She’s Iranian and when she heard there was an English speaker she came up to Nikki and began talking with her and asking questions.  One thing I’m convinced of is that globally people deserve better leaders than what they’re getting.  This is true all over the world, U.S. included. 

Fourth, they are not recessive and hiding.  They share their opinions and lead out.  I have no doubt that the women I was with let their husbands know what they think and probably influence what their husband’s opinion’s …

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My next book will be release real soon, but I need your help! First, what do you think about the two cover options? Really, I want your help with this.  Cover A or cover B?

Also, the current tag line is “Impact the world for Christ right where you are” - I don’t like it.  It sounds too much like you don’t have to move with God to reach the world.  Here’s one idea I had - “Transform the world doing what you do with the love of Christ” I don’t know… Give me your ideas!

Today I head to Greenville, SC where I go to a service where Matt and Amy Travis will be commissioned.  I’ve known them over ten years and have enjoyed being around them and watching their family grow.  I’m incredibly excited for them and believe in them big time.  I believe God has great things in store for them.  Sooooooo as you begin this new adventure I give you something Bob Buford sat down with me years ago and showed me - it’s really good.  The more things grow and expand, the more you should really look at this - Hang in there - I believe in you - Bob

110bobbufordst3cliffnotes_102708.pdf

While I was in Madrid one of the statements I made was that we are living in a time when all religions are growing in all places.  There is growth of Islam in the U.S. and there is growth of Christianity all over the Middle-East.  What’s happening and why?  I believe there are two reasons.  First, it is happening because of migration.  Second, it is happening because the traditional historical existing religions are not providing answers for the problems of humanity which leads people to look to new religions for new answers.  Freedom of Religion - or whatever some may want to call it - will not be viewed as a “western invention” but as a necessity for living together globally.  For the most part, we in the West are being shaped by the East and learning from the other side of the world.  The concept of freedom of religion could be the greatest offering that Americans can make to the rest of the world.  No doubt, it can’t be a “western view” because anything that smacks of “America” is sadly rejected out of hand.  What we are talking about in reality isn’t freedom of religion, but freedom of thought.  Religion answers the question:  What is a man’s highest authority that determines his view and behavior?  If a man can’t own his own mind then he is the worst slave of all.  Do any of us want converts that have no choice?  Ultimately that undoes any faith.  I was with a very influential government leader of a very influential nation yesterday.  Our entire conversation centered on this issue.  His goal is to determine how to communicate this in his cultural context because all religions are now all over the place in his country and he has to deal with it.  I don’t think this is bad.  I think it’s good.  It’s good for Americans, because we have to think about our faith deeply and not merely what was handed down to us.  Ultimately, it will be a “purifier” and “cleanser” as to what we really believe and how we practice it and how we treat others that we disagree with that are our brothers and sisters in humanity, as one of my Muslim friends refer to all of us.  If the key to keeping America “Christian” is keeping Americans isolated and separated from other religions - then I would question …

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Jill, this is the little girl that cracks me up - she’s so sweet - sunglasses helps her worship!

This is “Zoom” - he’s one of the new exchange students from Hanoi - he turned 17 Sunday and we ate at a Mexican restaurant - he’s an awesome young man.  This year there are 9 from Hanoi - they’re all smart, sharp, promising, and we are glad they are with us!!!  He reminds Nikki and I a lot of Ti - he’s absolutely wonderfully crazy and funny!

Jill, here are some potential men who love God, are real Chineese but grew up in Malaysia - keep them on your potential possibilty list - don’t forget what I’ve always told you - marry Chineese - they are about to rule the world - and finish the Great Commission!

I LOVED Pepperdine University.  It’s not a university - it’s a resort!  It is on the cliffs of Malibu, California - wow - I’d never have made it there.  I’d be too busy hiking in the mountains or on the beach.  There was great response to my “talk” and afterwards I had a lot of college students come up talking to me about what they were looking at doing globally and how integrate their faith with it.  I also met some of the college kids who were involved in different global projects.  I really was blown away by the school and the student body.  Dr. Charles Hall is Dean of the international programs and he gets it.  He’s assembled a great team of people to drive his department.  We ate on the beach at some place called Dukes - we watched the dophins in the ocean and ate Mahi Mahi on our plate!  Thanks for a great time Charles. 

OK, I’ll write more serious blogs later - just catching up for now. 

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