Reading Versus Experiencing
The past couple of weeks I’ve been to different universities and different denominational headquarters and various organizations speaking on engagement. I focus on the themes of what the Gospel of the Kingdom looks like - how we engage it - how we use our jobs - the critical nature of the disciple and how we make disciples - the society, etc. etc. etc. - if you follow this blog or have read my stuff you know what I’m talking about. It’s a field that is always growing, it’s never static - I think because frankly it’s so new. Though we’ve known about it - and even talked about it at different times - the reality is very few people have actually done it from the West.
I was speaking somewhere and someone came up and asked me - “Do you think these people really get what you’re talking about? I told them - as much as they can - they listen and they fascinated because they know it’s all changing and there are so few stories of this kind of stuff. BUT, if they go and experience it - there is no comparison.
I’ve lectured, taught, etc. but when I take a church member, an intern, or another pastor to see what we are doing and to be a part of what we are doing - it’s like all of a sudden a switch goes on in their head. I once had an intern tell me - “I’ve traveled in the US with you, I’ve been at NorthWood, I’ve heard you speak - but seeing this stuff up close and the people you talk about and the projects - it does something to you - there is no comparison.”
Soooooo . . . . here’s what I’d suggest if you really want to “get it” in terms of the global nature of God, the church ,and the world - get on a plane and go somewhere and sweat. Go to Vietnam with us, or the West Bank with some of my friends, or Afghanistan with some of my friends, or Egypt with some of my friends, Belize with some of my friends, or Kenya with some of my friends, or Nigeria with some of my friends, etc. etc. etc.
Read the books in the section I have listed - and then go and sweat, and listen . . . the world you go out to save - just might wind up saving you.
It’s one thing to be able to have a conversation - it’s another to be able to have an experience.
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Comments
Sep 18, 2008 at 11:28 AM
I totally agree. It wasn't until I made my first trip to Vietnam 8 years ago that I got it. There is something powerful when you experience the world first hand. If you have not done so, don't wait.
Sep 18, 2008 at 01:47 PM
This point can't be over-stated Bob. It happened to me when I went to Afghanistan a few years back with you guys and then when I was working with you and we took the interns to Vietnam. It all comes together when you go...it just does. And I don't know how it can unless you go. So--GO! If, you're serious...do what Bob is suggesting here. And take a couple others from your church/group with you.
Sep 18, 2008 at 10:14 PM
It is so true. I went all the way to Vietnam, looked out on the city of Hanoi and saw so many people with so many needs, then realized the people in my own country have the exact same needs. We all have the same need...Jesus. I met educators and parents with the same desires for their children. I've heard my own husband preach the exact same thing, listened to his experiences of Liberia, but I went to Vietnam and felt it. It is all about on-going relationships and the exchange of information. I always wanted to be a missionary when I was little, it just took a long time for me to get here.
Sep 22, 2008 at 10:29 AM
Bob thx for your challenge last week @our Nat'l Summit in Minneapolis I inquired about your new initiative in Sudan Africa. The last 2 years we have had teams there training & helping nationals plant churches in the Upper Nile, Jongalea, & Unity states & in the Nuba Mtns of southern Sudan. The personal email address you gave would not go through
We are interested in networking however we can. Please have someone reply to connect & Thx
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