Any questions?

When preparing a Bible study for Americans, there seems to be a predictable set of questions that will be brought up in a Bible study. For example, if a group of Americans were to study the flood account in Genesis, we would need to be prepared to answer questions about why a loving God would destroy the earth. If we were to study about Cain and Abel, you can predict the question: “Where did all the other people that Cain encounters come from?” However, when preparing for any of our international Bible studies, we never fully expect the types of questions that our students will ask. Of course, some of the predictable questions arise, such as “Why do bad things happen to good people?” But there are always a set of interesting and unpredictable questions or comments that make us pause and think.

Most recently, in international Bible study we studied the testing of Abraham, where God asks Abraham to sacrifice his only son. Predictably, our international students were shocked that God would test someone in such a horrific way. But as usual, there were some interesting questions, that we had not prepared for. One woman asked, “why did God tell Abraham directly that he should take his son and sacrifice him, but then later, at the altar, instead of talking to him directly God sends an angel?” Have you ever heard a question like that before? And in another Bible study about Jairus’ daughter, we asked the students how they thought Jairus felt when he was informed that his daughter had died? (Because Jesus had stopped to heal a hemorrhaging woman.) One woman responded, “He probably felt that his miracle had been stolen.” (Meaning Jesus gave his miracle away to the hemorrhaging woman and left nothing for Jairus and his family.)

So thought provoking! It has become a real joy to participate in Bible studies with internationals. They help to bring new insight to age-old stories and we end up learning more than we have taught.

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Spring Break

Micah hanging out with Reuben

Reuben was born, and the following week was Spring Break. It used to be that international students weren’t able to travel much, due to social security cards, licensing, etc. However, during our tenure here, they have become more and more mobile. This is due to changes in policies, and changes in the types of Chinese that are coming over (they are much more independent and willing to take risks). And, even though I had scheduled substitute teachers, no one came, and campus was deserted.

Playing soccer & superheros

With the two oldest still in school, mornings were quiet and it was nice to slowly adjust to a new “norm”, and allow Micah some important adjustment time.

The last week was Josiah & Karis’ school’s spring break; and then, we were busy. Thankfully, they usually slept-in. Needless to say, it was kind

The ladies & Reuben

of an awaking to what life is like now, having four kids. Again, I had scheduled subs so classes could continue, and students were back, but a little lower in number.

American icons

We have found that after Spring Break there has been a trend in attendance slowing down, especially as we get closer to the end of the semester. Students often share how they want to come to class, but with class loads (either theirs or their spouses), the entire family feels stressed and kind of go into hiding, focusing on classes, homework, research, writing papers, and getting published.

Josiah and our neighbor enjoying the day

Compound that with trying to graduate and in this economic environment trying find a job, it’s enough to make anyone crumble.

We ask you to pray for our students and their situations, whatever they maybe. Please pray for the stresses of the end of the semester. And especially pray for those students (or spouses)

Reading books for bedtime

that are trying to graduate and find jobs; may the Lord be gracious and provide. Finally, pray also for our family and others who try to help and counsel our international friends, that we are able to say and do the right and necessary things.

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