GlocalNet

A couple of weeks ago we had a team head to Hanoi to do several projects.  The rain messed it up.  Nikki flew in alone and was to hook up with the team. Just getting to the hotel from the airport was a big challenge.  She didn’t get in until 1:30am. 

I was so very proud of our team. They were flexible and fluid and did whatever they could, despite what they had planned.  One day, it meant digging out sewage from blocked pipes.  It was so amazing to see white Americans digging out sewage that many Vietnamese actually stopped and watched.  It was unbelievable.  Watch this video.  It’s about the trip.  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=46U9AjM1ID8

Last week Nikki was with me at the State Department.  She told me, “There’s a story there somewhere . . . from the sewage line to the U.S. State Department.”  Not just a story, but a verse:

Prov. 22:29 ¶ Do you see a man skilled in his work?
He will stand before kings;
He will not stand before obscure men.

I’ve learned there are two ways people stand before world leaders.  One is they are introduced because they know someone.  This is primarily how the world works, flattery and sweet nothings.  It’s the kiss-up approach.  The other is leaders seek them out because they serve others and are filled with hope.  Like Mother Teresa, they go where people are suffering and will not take no for an answer.  This is the kick butt approach, ever so gently and lovingly! 

Mark 9:35 Sitting down, He called the twelve and *said to them, “If anyone wants to be first, he shall be last of all and servant of all.” 

It all boils down to this; you stand before people through self-assertion or self-less-ness, promotion or humility.
Isn’t it interesting how many followers of Jesus revert to “power plays” of the world instead of the “humility of servanthood?”