Old arguments and new friends

Two things have happened in the past few days that have forced me to pause and think. First of all I have gotten in some"discussions," (as my uncle max and father would say.) I met a man last night who began the conversation by asking to see my Bible- he proceeded to read through it (mainly the introduction and not the actual biblical text) for about 20 minutes. Finally he asked me if I actually believed this. It turns out that althogh I was at a Christian gathering, technically a mission outreach to an "indigenous people group" this man was attending, for the "social" aspects of the events. This man rode on a bus for three hours each way to sit and listen to a preacher he did not believe and argue with me, someone he just met. As I sat and discussed creation, nature of scripture and God etc I realized the age old truth: no one can be argued into the kingdom of God. Augustine said it 1700 years ago and it is still true today. This man wanted me to come up with some clever level of wits to prove that my belief was worthy. In the end, it did not matter. Although he claimed my believe was "wishful thinking" and indoctrination, his lack of faith is just as much a faith in his own reason and science as mine is in a God that is beyond my reason. In the end our presuppositions both are a kind of faith. Despite this, this man demands that God prove Himself to him or he will not believe- yet he refuses to ask God to do so. I return to the truth that me and my words will never save anyone but only the inbreaking of God and the softening (or warming, if you prefer) of ones heart. I understand now why so many of my professors shy away from apologetics more than I ever have before.

Despite this, there are also conversations that make my heart smile. I met a young woman named Liz many years ago when we were camp counselors. We hit it off immediately and have been fast friends. We remain friends today although we have only been in each others presences for less than 2 weeks of our entire lives. I have met other amazing new friends and am touched by their kindness and amazed at how quickly we are able to mesh and enjoy deep conversations of faith as well as joyous laughter. I pray that like my friend Liz many years ago some of my new friends are the lasting variety- that this is just the beginning, not the end!

Now, I am in route to Thailand...only a few more hours in Malaysia which is sad. BUT I will see my sister in a few short hours- she is joining me in Thailand and is already there waiting for me (i am sure with baited breath, right)

signing off- love and GodBless,

beth