The New Way

 

Several years ago, I had the wonderful opportunity to teach a seminar at Trust in God Baptist Church in the heart of China Town in New York City.  I had to speak through an interpreter because they did not speak English.   I taught for 3 hours in the morning and then 3 more hours in the afternoon.   But in the middle, we had a potluck meal.  Everyone had brought wonderful home-cooked dishes.  Trouble is – they were all Chinese and I didn't recognize anything!   And that's a problem because I'm allergic to many foods.  They were all eager for me to try their dish and kept putting things on my plate until it was piled high with a strange assortment of what they considered favorite dishes.  I couldn't speak their language, and my interpreter was busy elsewhere, so I just prayed that God would bless my food and my body and that I wouldn't be sick before I finished the seminar!  

 

I tried to use the chop sticks provided but was making a real mess of things.   A sweet lady ran across the street to a restaurant and borrowed a fork for me.  Everyone cheered when she came back holding the fork like a prized possession.   I was embarrassed, but grateful.  At least then I could get the food to my mouth instead of all over me.  

 

The food was delicious, and I thoroughly enjoyed the sweet fellowship around me.  How strange to be surrounded by Chinese speakers.  It was such a happy sound and God gave me total peace as I sat and shared food with these strangers who were the leaders of this Chinese church.  And guess what?  I didn't get sick.  I have no idea what I ate – but I know I had some foods that I normally have a reaction to.  But God kept His end of the deal.  I ate, I enjoyed, and I taught for 3 more hours that day and never felt any ill effects.

 

It's one thing to preach or teach “at” or “to” people, it's another thing to love them enough to sit down with them and take the food that they give you, and put it into your own body.  

 

In His service, dale

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