family

I have always had the impression that Family is an important concept to Asian families. And I have also had the assumptions that their families are strong. I have figured out a small reason why this may be so. Tonight I was invited to join for family worship. Weekly this extended family joins together for worship outside of the church. Sometimes the individual family unit does this as well but every friday night the extended family gather. My hosts, the Parks (Mr Park is left of me and Mrs. Park is Left of him on the floor) drove 20 minutes bother directions to gather, sing, prayer, listen to me "preach," and fellowship over eating fruit and playing with children. We were in the car almost as long as we were together but it was important to be there. Nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews all are welcome. And the noise of children is not a distraction. If mom is busy, dad or aunt pick them up as the family gathers around the table to humbly worship God. When Americans have said a little too flippantly "A family that prays together stays together" I have a feeling that they were not thinking of this intentional family prayer life but it was beautiful to be invited to be a part of it! g'night and God Bless, beth