Anonymous, Anonymous

After 5 years, someone found this blog. I thought it was basically tucked away in some dark, forgotten corner of the warehouse they use for ignored blogs. After all, who does blogs anymore? Blogs? They are so...so...2006.

I read the post referred to by Anonymous. It was on the 23^rd Psalm, one of my favorites. I liked the post. I almost didn't think I had written it. But, I did. That was 5 years ago.

Around the time I wrote that post, I was traveling to Russia during the summer, to see the Church, meet other Christians, and speak to as many people as I could. Since the last time I visited Russia, I bought an iPod and began listening to podcasts of various ministries. Things have really changed in the three years since I got that iPod. I have said on several occasions, "I wish I knew then, what I know now". I trust that does not sound like a conceited opinion. My intent is that, over a period of time, like three years, we should all be able to look back and say that of ourselves. We have learned. We have grown. We were not bad. We were not ignorant. But, we are more informed now. We are more mature now. We have more sensitivity now.

While in China, I want to see the Church. I saw it in Russia. I want to compare what I see. I think I will be very humbled in the presence of those who live in the fear of arrest and torture every day for what we consider our rights.

Will I see the Church at Smyrna? Or Laodicea? Or another one? I have been studying the Church at Corinth in preparation. They are our example of the "every" Church. They have every problem, and every gift. They have it all. They are "Saints by calling". They are beautiful, and they are ugly, all at the same time. They are us.

Whatever I see in person, I want to look past the surface and see the Spirit. It should be fun. Even after 30 hours of travel to get there.

Thanks, Anonymous.