18 August 2008

*SIGH* I was reading this article this morning, and I found myself rolling my eyes more than usual. I mean, does anyone else see an opportunity here?

In summary (I know, I've written tons!), a group of American Christians had 315 Bibles confiscated at the airport, and they are refusing to leave China the airport (thanks to David, who kindly corrected my 6:30 am mind freeze -- chalk it up to early) until they get them back. Can I just ask the questions that are burning in my head? Thanks.
  • Do any of them need a Bible in their home in the U.S.?
  • Can any of them actually read Chinese (yes, the Bibles are in Chinese)?
  • Do they realize they're coming off as jerks?
  • Do they have no respect for authorities and laws that God has allowed to be in place?
  • Has anyone thought about the fact that maybe, just maybe, the customs agent who confiscated them wanted a Bible and didn't know how to get one?
  • Why are they asking for CHINESE law in ENGLISH? They're not likely to get it -- Chinese is the official language of China, folks.
  • Why do we need more Bibles in the U.S.?
I see a huge opportunity to leave Bibles in China -- God can do mighty things with those Bibles. Stupid Americans.

Anyone else?

3 comments:

The Black Family said...

I think they went in with good intentions but once your caught - deal with it. I think it is hard for anyone to grasp another country's laws and rules until you've lived there. Americans think everyone has to play by American rules. Every volunteer team we've ever had is surprised by the laws and rules that we make them follow. We remind them that we are no longer in America.

Maybe all of our freedoms have gone to our head - American kids don't follow rules - parents don't follow rules - teachers don't follow rules - so what's the point? There is a point but our "rights" and what we "deserve" get in the way of obedience.

Maybe you can teach a class on obedience when you get home. :-)

I love you!
M

Anonymous said...

I roll my eyes when North Americans decide they know best on how to reach the people of another culture/country. Instead of contacting a local church and asking the harvesters already in the field. What is the best way to reach your people group? Seeds that take to the soil and produce fruit in one climate may not do anything in another. Wasting resources and energy by sowing seeds that cannot even germinate is being a poor stewart.

Susanna said...

You know this gets me fired up...