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rgod -> RE: Foreigners (7/29/2008 9:27:53 PM)
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quote:
I kind of understand your situation as treated as an outsider after a while in a mostly white mega church - but - loved the pastor, serving etc I was in this situation for 8 years and mostly belonging to a prayer group, evangelism and missions and having mostly as close friends a small group of people from minorities and/or foreigners. Than I was lead not long ago, to another megachurch much more multicultural and multiracial. Captain, I've similar experiences to both you and AdrianaS. A few years ago, the Lord led me to this church that wasn't very diverse (when I arrived, I increased the african american population by 50% so I was one of three). The church I attended previously had been predominantly african american, but the Lord wanted me to attend this church for a period of time. Well, the church was pretty far from my house and one of the elders was incredibly racist. He would openly use racial epithets when he would describe black people who lived in a nearby city among other things. Then, he'd whine and complain about why God wouldn't open the door for him to do ministry there. (I thought to myself - Duh! Why would the Lord send you to a people that you hate so that you can misrepresent him? Seems like that went out of fashion with Jonah.) Anyway, I knew that the Lord wanted me to be there, even though at first I really didn't want to. However, while I was walking in obedience to what the Lord wanted, he connected me with people there who were really sweet and loving - it was the older generation that really embraced me at first, then some of the kids and a few of the adults. By that time, I realized that the elder just had issues (beyond his chronic racism). There was something specific that the Lord used that congregation to give to me while I was there and He used me to be a blessing to the congregation there as well. God didn't have me stay there for long, but when I think about some of the people there I realize that it was a blessing. And, lest anyone think I'm singling out one group of people - I've seen it happen with minority and majority groups, so in actuality, no one group has the monopoly on making people of other races (or even the same race) feel like an outsider. So, my advice to you would be this. Find out where you feel that the Lord wants you to be. Where does he want you to serve? It might be at that church or it might be at another one. I've been in all black congregations, mixed, and ones where I was in the minority. I've been included and rejected in all three types. Currently, I attend a spirit-filled house church that is mostly hispanic, with a few white and black people. I am here because I know that the Lord wants me here. I did ask the Lord for a diverse congregation among other things because I wanted to increase my odds of being accepted - but I was willing to go wherever God said to go. The non-negotiables for me was that the bible teaching would be solid and that they would be open to the movement of the Holy Spirit. Occasionally someone will come to the house church who can't handle the racial mix (they are REALLY easy to spot). For the most part, the people who stay are the people who are called there and who love the Lord. I do wonder how I'm going to find a husband because there is only one single guy there. But, the world is much bigger than my church, so the Lord will probably bring him in another way. The Lord might have some other places for you to go to find your wife. While it might be an asian church, it might not be. Maybe it will be through volunteer work or something that you do in the community - or he might have you transfer to a more multicultural church where you'll be welcomed. Or to another predominantly white congregation where you'll be welcomed. Or he might have you in that same congregation for a bit longer, but show you a few people that you might have overlooked. In any event, if you position yourself so that you can be where God wants you to be, he'll direct you. I do pray that you'll be able to find a place where you will be welcomed and accepted. I think that is important - perhaps that is what you can pray about as well. Then just be open to wherever and whomever the Lord sends you (if anywhere). All the best -- rgod
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