Thanksgiving with the neighbors!

This thanksgiving we had the privilege of hosting the Lee family, the Gupta family, and Angel Lara for thanksgiving! 

We had a very nice time all together. The Lee and Gupta family did not know each other and spent time visiting and sharing cultural stories. We provided the turkey along with several traditional dishes and desserts. The two other ladies brought delicious cultural dishes that rounded out the meal wonderfully. 

Because some were vegetarian for religious reasons, we put the vegetarian foods on the front counter, and the meat dishes behind the counter on the stove. Hindu beliefs follow the principle of non-violence to all that are living. It also follows doctrine of reincarnation. We did not want our friends, the kids in particular, to face a stumbling block as they got their food. In this multicultural context, I am often reminded of what Paul said in 1 Corinthians 9:22, "I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some." After everyone got their plates I was able to share a prayer of thanksgiving, thanking God for friends and also for the salvation brought by Jesus. Shortly after we finished eating, Angel Lara said he was not feeling well (he almost didn't even come) and left to go lay down at home. Before he left, we all went around the table stating things that we were thankful for. Many answered something like "I am thankful for friends and family," but one youngster pipped up, "I'm thankful for hot water to take a shower in!" Me too kiddo, me too! A hot shower and cold air conditioning is something we often take for granted! 

After a while the rest of us began talking about the Christmas holiday season and it's traditions. We were happy to share that we celebrate the coming of our God Jesus down to earth as a man. The responses we got from each family were very expected. Ambrish Gupta then started sharing that Hinduism in December is very busy because they celebrate all the holidays of all the religions. In one week they celebrate their festival on Monday, Christmas on Tuesday, a Muslim holiday on Wednesday, and a Sikh holiday on Thursday. He boasted in the plurality. The Lee family remained ambiguous and interested in only the cultural traditions and not at all interested in a personal faith or belief system. 

While it was a very nice time of celebrating a holiday and sharing our lives, it broke our hearts to see and know that these dear friends of ours are not following the One True God. 

I invite you to look at the lostness of those you share your time with. While we are not responsible for how others react to the message of Christ, it is our total responsibility to share Christ in all we say and do. 

While we were visiting around the table, the Lee family announced that Daeun and the kids will be going back to South Korea for a year or two so that she can take a job in broadcasting. They will be living with Deukmook's parents while he is still here studying. Please pray that I (Daniel) am able to connect with him in his loneliness! 

Who will you be sharing Christ with this Christmas season? Let us know!