Mind-Blowing

The last two days have been incredible. My life perspective has taken a dramatic turn. I often feel inadequate or as if my words can in no way truly express my feelings and what I have learned even in the last two days. But I will try to explain to the best of my ability.
All of my life has been a product of rich intellectual and financial blessing. Most people living in the American Christian culture (in a general sense) have had similar opportune life experiences. Of course there is nothing inherently wrong with opportunity and blessing. I've recently questioned why the American life often seems to be so despised by other people. From time to time I observe non-westerners ranting about why Americans are so ignorant and obnoxious. I now have a more clear idea and understanding of why it can be so difficult for others to adapt to the American culture. Our major complaints concerning the most minor issues ranging from cafeteria food to the clothes we wear are despised by those who have been forced to complain over sexual abuse, human trafficking, and disease.
I have not been more challenged in all of my life than in the past two days in my adjustment to the Sri Lankan culture. I have encountered the most hospitable people who have lost more in life than anyone I currently know. The Sri Lankan people have completely gone out of their way to show respect and honor to us as their guests. The cultural mindset here at the camp in Sri Lanka is, "God blesses His children that they may bless others". "God does not bless His children so that they may learn to expect blessing after blessing".
I have been monumentally challenged in my faith. I realized after last night that my faith is weak. I am weak. And I embarked on this trip terribly unprepared. I have received a glimpse of what it means to really trust in God when everything seems to be chaotic. I have often proclaimed, "All we must do is trust in God, and all will be okay". As I survey my life up until now, I have realized that the "all" generally is okay because the "all" is really not much of anything. Yesterday I met a man who embodied Abrahamic faith. No planning. Faith. And in five years, a completely sustainable community sheltering more than 80 people has been built. This community basically lives off of its own resources. They have chickens, pigs, cows, fish, turkeys, fruit, educational resources, a library. This cycle is eliminating poverty through creating a self sustaining, holistic community based upon a faith that says, "God will provide in His own way, in His own time."
It is the most refreshing thing to find such a profound theology springing and flowing not from extended book reading (as a primary means to doing theology right rather than a secondary means) but proactive faith. A proactive faith births the unlocking of mysteries containing the most profound yet simple theological truths. Fellowship with God opens the door to faithfully trusting in Him. It all begins with faith in God's promises. A man selling a plot of land for $20,000 gives it away for $12,000 when approached by the founder who mentioned that God had a plan for the land. With a 10 acre plot of land and no money left over, the founder continued to step out in faith and eventually a self sustaining community was built. More than 20 self sustaining communities have been built up around the country. That kind of faith does not have at its core a "Jesus and me" theology but it is centered on the belief that God is missional and in His heart He desires the expansion of His family to include peoples of every tongue and nation.
I have greatly enjoyed my time thus far, and have been spending time with the kids, playing soccer, frisbee, praying with, conversing in English as much as possible, learning from the culture, and helping prepare newly built structures for the housing of more than 200 youths coming for a camp. I believe I am learning exponentially more from Sri Lankan people than I can ever teach them.
Tomorrow we are going to the first session of an inner healing conference which will be led by the founder of the Kithu Sevana ministries, Adrian De Visser. After that we will be helping at the youth conference being held at the camp wherein more than 200 Sri Lankans who have yet to place their faith in Christ will be attending. Pray for the team. Pray for me. Pray that we will be free from spiritual oppression from Satan, and that we will be filled with an unspeakable desire to fellowship more with God and truly lean on Him in everything.
In Christ