Looking For A Role

When we knew we would be making this move to China, one thing that was always up in the air was my role. We knew Bethany would be teaching, but what would I do? I’ve got a few web projects going right now, and that can certainly keep me busy, but it doesn’t directly affect the ministry that we are involved in. It doesn’t directly affect the impact (not matter how small that might be) we are trying to make to serve China.

But God is faithful. My job is to simply keep all options open as I wait to see where He wants me to be.

This past week, we had two guests visit with us in this little City. One of the leaders of Amity, the organization that placed Bethany as a teacher, and one of the leaders of the Missions Division of the United Methodist Church Global Ministries Board both came out to visit us on Monday. It was a real treat to visit with them as they checked in on us to get our feeling of how things were going. They also met with the School to see if there was any improvements that needed to be relayed to Bethany. Sitting down with each of these leaders one at a time was a special treat.

But what really made me excited during this time was when I heard that Amity MIGHT be seeking a web programmer to update their website! This is just what I’ve been hoping for – something to help keep me in the industry, as well as allow me to be directly involved in ministry and organizations over here!

I’m still keeping my options open. I have not been given this position with Amity, although I am actively seeking it. I still need to get all my information organized for them. But I have been in contact with the officials in charge of making this decision. This decision won’t come quickly. I have been praying about this possibility, and I hope that it is something that God allows to take place. Bethany and I have grown to love this organization and the work that they do in China and for China. It would be an honor to work for them.

In the mean time, we’re still working to get our residence cards. For me, this meant going to get a pretty thorough physical midway through the week. It was quite humorous for me to hear that the nurse thinks I should eat less and exercise more. If you know anything about me, then you know that I’m not what you would consider to be “overweight.” But these are China Standards, not US Standards. And by China Standards, I might just be a little overweight. Climbing several flights of stairs everyday should change that rather quickly though. As time goes on, we’ll see how much exercising really needs to take place.

So now I’m preparing to give a presentation to several classes this week. The topic – “American Culture”. I’ll be able to share several different aspects of the American Culture – from family, education, to college life, to work. It should be fun. I’m actually looking forward to it. The more exposure I get before the students, the more comfortable they can get with me, the more likely I’ll be able to get to know them, learn from them, work with them, and build relationships with them. I do want to be involved in the campus with Bethany. These small presentations will hopefully all that to continue to happen.

And that’s where I’m at with my role: Keep my programming skills sharp, seek opportunities more involved in the ministry we’re doing here, and stay involved with the campus. I might even say the last two are more important than the first.

After all, relationships are key. And we’ve been able to build a few relationships thus far. I pray that we can keep these relationships going and be able to build more. As time goes on, these will become more clear, as will my role over here. One day at a time.