Sunday, February 10
This morning, I have the privilege of speaking at the 500-600 member Christchurch Chinese Church (CCC). In this first of three Sunday services sponsored and held at the church each week, the 10:00 a.m. service is delivered simultaneously from the front in both English and Mandarin. And as they have for the past nineteen years, Pastor Jack Stuart and his wife, Becky, welcome the crowd in tandem.
Jack is really an amazing man; a faithful and beloved pastor of the predominantly Chinese congregation although he is a “Kiwi” who speaks very little Mandarin, the primary language of his people. Nevertheless, his heart for God and for all people has rendered such distinctions meaningless through the years. And together with Becky, he has led the church overtime to establish a second service option in Cantonese (meeting at 2:00 p.m.) and, most recently (9/07), the intentionally multi-ethnic Mosaic Christian Community that meets at 5:00 p.m., where I will speak tonight.
Although I have preached before via simultaneous translation from the front, this is my first time to do so when the second language is Mandarin. And as far as I can tell, my translator, Wendy, does a superb job with very little confusion or requests for further explanation from me. In fact, it seems obvious at points throughout the message that about half the crowd speaks English. And they even laugh at my jokes, something that doesn’t always happen in the states!
Following the service, the congregation remains for tea and treats before departing. Meanwhile, Andrew and I once again head to Subway before traveling into the foothills surrounding Christchurch. The beautiful views are somewhat obscured by overcast skies, yet from our vantage point I can see both the Southern Alps (yes, there is snow and skiing) as well as the ocean! It’s really quite spectacular.
Occasionally throughout the trip, I’m affected by jetlag and on the drive home, I fall asleep. It’s a brief, but much needed respite before speaking at Mosaic, which is our next stop.
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