We chased the sun west—aloft surging seas, bobbing icebergs, treeless tundra, and immobile mountains—and descended downward to the other side of the earth without ever leaving the light of day. When our friends in China asked our twelve person team to prepare the Easter message this year, the inner critique piped right up to point out that we'd be pastor-less at that point and likely still struggling with the sixteen hour time difference. Grandiose gestures on Easter are not only permitted but commonplace in our country, so the thought of offering a service in a park fortified the impulse to respectfully decline the trusting request. Amidst the internal wrestling, persisted the understanding that it was a privilege and an appropriate beginning to our service trip.
Erring on the safe side, we planned to divide the eighty or so attendees into five different CG-sized groups for the service. After seeking some council and encouragement, the team prepared a message on the same, unassuming passage our community in San Francisco would be reading in Davies Symphony Hall that Sunday—Mark 16. Collaborating on the message bound our team together; and most importantly, provided a tangible and impending way to focus on God first.
Expecting a smog-bathed park, we were welcomed by a clear, blue sky that soared over a hill with rows of pristine white benches sunk into the top, an unforgettable setting. After a deep breath and a prayer, we shared the humble text with our friends. The small group format allowed us to point out some reasons why we believed the resurrection happened, share what it means for our life, get the conversation started, and encourage people to continue the conversation with the community in China, a community that has enriched our faith for over six years. More unforgettable than the setting was the opportunity to see a familiar story through fresh eyes.
After celebrating the victory of life over death together to start our time, our team experienced new life in China and ourselves.
Curious about the rest of our time? We will be publishing vignettes of our projects over the next two weeks!
images by Mark Kuroda
