Biblical Worldview
This week we studied on viewing the wold through truth. Over the history of the known world, humans have always sought for truth. One of my favorite questions in the bible is when xPilate asks Jesus, "What is truth?" (John 18:38) During the week, we learned about how the world has viewed God and truth thought the centuries and also our own value as children of God. We have been made in God's image (Genesis 1) and therefore have value as His children. No one could ever actually afford to 'buy' one of us because we are the most valuable creation ever created. We are our Father's children. It was an amazing revelation to me that really cut to the core of my own beliefs about myself.
Break Our Hearts
What was unexpected this week was when I prayed that God would break my heart for what breaks His. Our teacher warned us that if we prayed this prayer, it would change us. Our views of the world around us. I prayed and he was right. The next time we did our outreach at Chung King Mansion red light district, my heart broke. I have always had a heart for trafficked victims, but what I felt that night was different. There was a brokeness I could not identify with anything I have ever felt before. Frustration that there is no 'good' answer. A passion so furious to help in anyway possible to help what this world has done to innocent people. When I spoke with my DTS leader, with tears running down my face, unstoppable no matter how hard I tried to keep them in, she asked one simple question as a response: "You asked God to break your heart, didn't you?" Matthew West has a song called, "Do Something" and as much as I can, I must try to do something to make an impact and show these girls the love of their Heavenly Father. There're so many verses about God coming to mend the broken hearts and set the captives free. He chooses to use us, regular people, with a passion from Him to do this. Let's not just waste our time on this earth....
ChineseNewYear!!!
What a great blessing it has been to witness Chinese New Year here in Hong Kong! I have seen some amazing sights, including a Dragon dance in Temple Street Market, Chinese lanterns in the sky, fireworks (EPIC!) and part of the parade by Star Ferry. Chinese New Year is based off of the lunar calendar, hence why the date changes every year. The Chinese Zodiac is very closely intertwined with this holiday, with every year having a symbol of an animal. This is the year of the snake. Ancestor and idol worship in our village has noticeably increased, with extra gifts of oranges and incense presented outside every home and the temples. Excessive amounts of flowers are also present at all temples (we have several within just a few blocks of the base). Red lights gleam from homes and temples, which I will now explain as to why.
Years ago, as the traditional story goes, there was a beast who would raid the villages in China, especially at this time of year. The people came to find out that the beast was afraid of red and loud noises. So every year, at this time, they light up firecrackers (to the excessive amounts. It was deafening new years night, haha) and the temples have red lights, some people also have flashing red lights in their homes. The Chinese also post red banners around the doorways of their houses that have good sayings on them, hoping to scare away the 'beast' and bring good fortune for the coming year. Some people carry mini windmills that signify their wish for a change in this new year. Celebrations are still continuing for another week, with concerts to soon start in our village.
That is all for this week, much love and again, thank you all for your prayer and support! Prayer requests remain the same!
~Ashley
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