Did Donnie Drink the Wine?
So in my last update I shared that I had an appointment with a young man who's mom is suffering from acute kidney failure. So, about 6p.m. my interpreter and I headed out for this meeting. We walked through the city and finally arrived at what was really more than an shop than a home. Right off the main street we walked into a shop that clearly used to be a food shop of some kind. I presented the gifts I had brought (which is traditional in this culture) and sat and visited with the family. It was at this time that I was informed that they had prepared a special dinner for us.
We moved to their tiny table and sat in "miniature" chairs that are very similar to the ones in our kindergarten rooms at schools in the U.S. All was going well until the grandfather, the elder of the home, came in and poured us each a glass of rice wine. Then, very quickly he raised his glass to a toast and there I sat...glass in hand.
In that instant two conflicting principles raced through my brain. Principle 1- the missionary code I had learned many years ago: "where Father leads I will follow, and what they feed I will swallow!" Principle 2- honor your Father and Mother. You see, I am fully aware that the bible does not teach "thou shalt not drink at all...even one sip...ever." But as a very young man I made a promise to my Father that I would not drink. And to this day I have kept that promise. The question now was whether keeping that promise to my Father would insult this precious family at a dinner in my honor.
A verse came to mind. One that I had my boys memorize when they were still quite young. Acts 24:16: "I strive daily to keep my conscience clear before God and man."
I knew that God would not be angry with me if I took the wine. But I have worked hard to honor the commitment I made many years ago and I knew it would offend my own heart to partake. So, through my interpreter, I asked for a moment to explain one of my family's beliefs. I explained how that in my family we had made vow not to partake of alcoholic beverages. I made it clear that I was not calling them into question but merely following a family commitment. So, I was given water and we all drank. I've always heard: "all's well that ends well" and I think it ended fine because as we left they wanted pictures taken with us and they insisted that I come again.
After dinner I had been asking Father to help me discern whether or not to tell this new friend of my own story of faith. The answer to that came quickly when he stated that he had a driving job he had to leave for immediately. I would ask you to continue to pr^y for a divine appointment with this young man.
Today we had the opportunity to become real students of the culture. We toured the M People Museum and it was wonderful to see the history, culture and religion on display. Every opportunity we have understand our people group is a chance to see how we can better reach them with the g*spel.
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