third culture to paddington: the weekend
This weekend, we got to meet and spend some time with Ethan and Beth Shields. Ethan is a third-generation missionary to the people of Mexico, and his particular emphasis is on building an aircraft that will allow them access to some of the 62 people groups in Mexico that have not heard the gospel.
Ethan has a unique perspective on ministry and culture. He grew up in Mexico, and before coming to the U.S. as an adult, the longest time he had spent here was two months. His is the perspective of an outsider who looks like an insider, of someone who reaps the benefits of spending time in two cultures. He spoke passionately of how this broadened perspective has benefited and enriched his life and work, and how followers of Jesus could benefit from experiences that would introduce us to other cultures - and provide clarity with which we can observe ours.
He spoke of how excited he is for their young daughter Elena, who is learning two languages as she learns to speak, and the opportunities she will have to learn from being immersed in two different cultures. The ideas and thoughts he shared are similar to those in the broader discussion of third culture, and I recognized some of the ideas shared by Dave Gibbons in his book on third-culture churches.
Ethan had just returned from building the tail of his plane, and he had it with him. So when he spoke at our Worship Gathering, he brought it out to show us. (Ethan will save half the cost of the aircraft by building it himself.)
Ethan also spoke to our Learning Environments gathering on Sunday evening. He shared from his personal experience on some practices that had helped in the development of his relationship with God. The teaching was really helpful for us.
After we wrapped up the time of teaching, we were preparing to share a meal when Shameer told us that he'd been given a bear suit, and he wanted to show us. Apparently, he and his friend used it for a school project, and then his friend had no further use for it.
So Shameer leaves our house, and comes back a few minutes later, wearing the biggest bear suit I've ever seen in person. I couldn't stop laughing, and I had to get my picture taken with Shameer as A Really Big Knockoff of Paddington Bear.
All the kids loved it, except for poor Elena, who was completely frightened at the sight. It made Shameer feel bad. But he tried, and I can add "Being visited by a guy in a bear suit" to my list of Things I Never Thought Would Happen At Church But It Was Totally Awesome When It Did.
- - -
We were also honored to have Frank and Tanika and their two sons with us for our Learning Environments, as well as Kristin, Joshua and Brittany's friend. After we ate, Kristin spent some time with Kristy, and the conversation resulted in Kristin giving her heart to Jesus!
What an amazing moment, at the end of a weekend of amazing moments.
Ethan has a unique perspective on ministry and culture. He grew up in Mexico, and before coming to the U.S. as an adult, the longest time he had spent here was two months. His is the perspective of an outsider who looks like an insider, of someone who reaps the benefits of spending time in two cultures. He spoke passionately of how this broadened perspective has benefited and enriched his life and work, and how followers of Jesus could benefit from experiences that would introduce us to other cultures - and provide clarity with which we can observe ours.
He spoke of how excited he is for their young daughter Elena, who is learning two languages as she learns to speak, and the opportunities she will have to learn from being immersed in two different cultures. The ideas and thoughts he shared are similar to those in the broader discussion of third culture, and I recognized some of the ideas shared by Dave Gibbons in his book on third-culture churches.
Ethan had just returned from building the tail of his plane, and he had it with him. So when he spoke at our Worship Gathering, he brought it out to show us. (Ethan will save half the cost of the aircraft by building it himself.)
Ethan also spoke to our Learning Environments gathering on Sunday evening. He shared from his personal experience on some practices that had helped in the development of his relationship with God. The teaching was really helpful for us.
After we wrapped up the time of teaching, we were preparing to share a meal when Shameer told us that he'd been given a bear suit, and he wanted to show us. Apparently, he and his friend used it for a school project, and then his friend had no further use for it.
So Shameer leaves our house, and comes back a few minutes later, wearing the biggest bear suit I've ever seen in person. I couldn't stop laughing, and I had to get my picture taken with Shameer as A Really Big Knockoff of Paddington Bear.
All the kids loved it, except for poor Elena, who was completely frightened at the sight. It made Shameer feel bad. But he tried, and I can add "Being visited by a guy in a bear suit" to my list of Things I Never Thought Would Happen At Church But It Was Totally Awesome When It Did.
- - -
We were also honored to have Frank and Tanika and their two sons with us for our Learning Environments, as well as Kristin, Joshua and Brittany's friend. After we ate, Kristin spent some time with Kristy, and the conversation resulted in Kristin giving her heart to Jesus!
What an amazing moment, at the end of a weekend of amazing moments.
posted by pastor mike at 9:15 PM
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