Last night I returned from a short-term missions trip to Baja, Mexico. I and 14 other fellow youths headed out after the Christmas service to San Diego, spent the night, and at 4am left for Tijuana. We traveled to Tijuana, Rosarita, and Ensenada while there. We did outdoor evangelism - shared the gospel and sang christmas carols in Spanish, then handed out humanitarian aid such as food, clothing, and gifts for the children. My most memorable moment would have to have been when, during a smaller evangelism, we sat around with a bunch of local teen guys to talk about the gospel (the meaning of life, God, Jesus, etc.) and one kid sat next to Duka. What I noticed was that they both had the exact same pair of shoes on; same color, same brand, same size. Only Duka's were newer and less worn. The other kid's shoes were dirty and falling apart. Duka asked him to switch shoes. I felt like this was an awesome example of how the Holy Spirit calls to act in certain ways. I would think about this small act for some time afterwards. Paul called us to consider others better than ourself in Philipians 2:3 and Jesus said in Matthew 25:40 that "whatever we did for one of the least of these brothers of mine, you did for me." This was a beautiful example for me. Not did Duka sacrifice a pair of new shoes, but he took on the used, worn ones as a trade. This not only respects the other kid (with a new pair), but also humbles the one with the older shoes. Yet through all of this, both remain equals.
My first impressions of Mexico was like with any other country. Everytime I enter a new country there dawns on me this realization that "things are different here" - the systems, culture, language, standards of living, laws, worldview, etc. In some ways Mexico is just like the US. It has nicely paved roads (where they exist), the same brands of clothing, milk, sodas, candy bars, jeans, hoodies, shoes, cars!!! I was surprised to notice more cars in Mexico than in Ukraine, a supposedly second-world country. They build houses from brick and concrete, just like in Ukraine. They have electrical outlets and posts just like in the US. Their machinery is just like in the US. The way the construct their sidewalks is just like in the US. They are more laidback than people in Ukraine and in the US. On several occasions I was expecting getting chewed out by some people (i.e. security gaurds, police, soldiers, store owners, street vendors, etc) as with previous experiences in Ukraine, but was pleasantly surprised that some of these people just wanted to chat and say hi. So hopefully I will be getting pictures up somewhere. It's too bad that I don't own a digital camera. I think this won't be the last I see of Mexico.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
Monday, December 8, 2008
Fin?
I just finished my last final for my last class of my undergraduate academic career. That's one small step for me - one giant leap for my familykind. No one in my immediate family has went on to pursue a master's level degree. So this should be interesting.
Friday, November 7, 2008
Trust in God
So tonight we had Youth Nights as usual. The band took on the ambitious goal of playing 9 songs (we usually play about 5) and God made it happen, honestly.
Friday, October 31, 2008
Hard Times
I am having a hard time. "Why" you might ask. I have learned so much since I've come to FPU and I feel like I am at a different place than my peers. I've come a long way in my journey and I'm not sure how many people know this or who should. Some people grow up in general comfort or happiness; others are not so fortunate. I, on the other hand, have had the opportunity to see both sides personally. That's probably something I should save for when I write a book about my experience or something of that nature. The point being that I grew up in a large family, but also have been on my own since 18; been in small towns (100,000 pop. for 9 years) and big cities (5mill. pop. for 1 year); been to many parts of the US and the world (West Coast, East Coast, Eastern Europe, Western Europe); been in(volved in) many different churches (immigrant congregations varying from 20 people to 800 - Evangelical Christian churches in Ukraine 30-600); worked in many places (Starbucks, Marriage and Family Coalition of Fresno, Roofing construction, Retirement Care Center, Admissions office at a university); lived on meager terms (life in a large, one-income family) and on fairly well-off terms (student life in Ukraine with the finances of an American construction worker); and I could go on.
I suppose what I'm trying to say, if it's not obvious by now, is that I've been through a lot (depending on what one would define as "a lot") despite my age... and what I've brought up isn't nearly all of it.
Although I'm not one of those guys whose been through an amazing recovery moment (from drug addiction to God addiction) or anything of the sort, I've always had the desire to serve God and I remember even to this day when I was much younger (9-16ish) how I would pray every night before bed that God would make out of me a person who would serve him wholeheartedly and that he would be make a man of God out of me. I remember even praying for wisdom and for the right "one" if ya'll know what I'm talking about ;) This was the "standard" prayer that I would pray every night. I would always pray for my family (each and every person individually). And some time later I would begin to add in that I would like to learn the Russian language.
God has answered so many of my prayers. If you were to tell me 6 years ago that I would know/speak Russian well one day, I would have doubted you. If you were to say that I would be able to attend my first choice college, I wouldn't have believed you. But these are just two of the many prayers that God has answered for me. I hope I'm not coming off as the guy who gets it all good from God and if you don't get what you ask for, then too bad for you.
What I mean to say through all of this is not that I'm better than you or anyone else. What I think I want to say is that we've all been somewhere, experienced much, and learned much from God in one way or another, whether we realize it or not. I have come to find that I experienced a culture shock when I moved to Ukraine for a year. But not only did that happen in Ukraine, but also when I returned "home" to the US. I questioned much about what we do and why we do it. My heart has always been in finding out more about God, myself, the way the world works, the way people work, and the like. This lead me to many questions and, consequently, doubts.
Topics such as salvation, sin, the inerrancy of the bible, God's grace, the implications of being a Christian in the 21st century, etc. brought about so much conversation for me. And now that I have experienced so much and God has opened up so much for me, I feel like I am a heretic. Because I've ended up in a place different from what most Christians (especially those surrounding me) believe and likewise where I used to be.
I am at times outraged at the ways people misinterpret the Hebrew Scriptures and the New testament to cheapen God's desire for people and the rest of his creation. I've noticed a tendency to "spiritualize" (if it can be put in those terms) the good news and make something half as good. I am of the opinion that God not only desires to save us from our sins and transform us, but he also desires to transform and renew all of creation (Romans 8:19-22).
I was listening to a person speak in my church recently and he mentioned the story of when Jesus and the disciples were in a storm on a boat. Jesus is asleep in the boat and the disciples are scared for their lives. They wake up Jesus and he calms the storm and asks, "where is your faith?". And then this person said, if you find storms in your life, then let Jesus take charge and calm those raging seas (or something along those lines). To me, this is a bogus and unfair interpretation of the text. Although it may be very true to say that Jesus calms the perpetual storms of sin in our lives, it is not safe to say that in relation to this text (Luke 8:22-25). In antiquity, people believed that still waters (i.e. Oceans, seas, lakes) were the abyss (perhaps in this context, hades or death). Nobody has control over the abyss except for God. This is why the disciples are taken aback by Jesus' action in verse 25. He can control the sea. "Who is this? He commands even the winds and water, and they obey him." The point of this text is to show that Jesus is God, not that he calms "spiritual storms" in your heart. This is just one example of what I mean by spiritualizing the gospel. We can miss out on so much if we don't look at context and interpret it to our modern terms.
Maybe I am just talking too much. Maybe I don't have it all down. I suppose I should rather say that we should just be open to God revealing more about himself, not only through the Bible, but also through our relationships with one another. However, I don't find this too often with Christians. We believe we have it all down. So I this is why I say, I am having a hard time.
I suppose what I'm trying to say, if it's not obvious by now, is that I've been through a lot (depending on what one would define as "a lot") despite my age... and what I've brought up isn't nearly all of it.
Although I'm not one of those guys whose been through an amazing recovery moment (from drug addiction to God addiction) or anything of the sort, I've always had the desire to serve God and I remember even to this day when I was much younger (9-16ish) how I would pray every night before bed that God would make out of me a person who would serve him wholeheartedly and that he would be make a man of God out of me. I remember even praying for wisdom and for the right "one" if ya'll know what I'm talking about ;) This was the "standard" prayer that I would pray every night. I would always pray for my family (each and every person individually). And some time later I would begin to add in that I would like to learn the Russian language.
God has answered so many of my prayers. If you were to tell me 6 years ago that I would know/speak Russian well one day, I would have doubted you. If you were to say that I would be able to attend my first choice college, I wouldn't have believed you. But these are just two of the many prayers that God has answered for me. I hope I'm not coming off as the guy who gets it all good from God and if you don't get what you ask for, then too bad for you.
What I mean to say through all of this is not that I'm better than you or anyone else. What I think I want to say is that we've all been somewhere, experienced much, and learned much from God in one way or another, whether we realize it or not. I have come to find that I experienced a culture shock when I moved to Ukraine for a year. But not only did that happen in Ukraine, but also when I returned "home" to the US. I questioned much about what we do and why we do it. My heart has always been in finding out more about God, myself, the way the world works, the way people work, and the like. This lead me to many questions and, consequently, doubts.
Topics such as salvation, sin, the inerrancy of the bible, God's grace, the implications of being a Christian in the 21st century, etc. brought about so much conversation for me. And now that I have experienced so much and God has opened up so much for me, I feel like I am a heretic. Because I've ended up in a place different from what most Christians (especially those surrounding me) believe and likewise where I used to be.
I am at times outraged at the ways people misinterpret the Hebrew Scriptures and the New testament to cheapen God's desire for people and the rest of his creation. I've noticed a tendency to "spiritualize" (if it can be put in those terms) the good news and make something half as good. I am of the opinion that God not only desires to save us from our sins and transform us, but he also desires to transform and renew all of creation (Romans 8:19-22).
I was listening to a person speak in my church recently and he mentioned the story of when Jesus and the disciples were in a storm on a boat. Jesus is asleep in the boat and the disciples are scared for their lives. They wake up Jesus and he calms the storm and asks, "where is your faith?". And then this person said, if you find storms in your life, then let Jesus take charge and calm those raging seas (or something along those lines). To me, this is a bogus and unfair interpretation of the text. Although it may be very true to say that Jesus calms the perpetual storms of sin in our lives, it is not safe to say that in relation to this text (Luke 8:22-25). In antiquity, people believed that still waters (i.e. Oceans, seas, lakes) were the abyss (perhaps in this context, hades or death). Nobody has control over the abyss except for God. This is why the disciples are taken aback by Jesus' action in verse 25. He can control the sea. "Who is this? He commands even the winds and water, and they obey him." The point of this text is to show that Jesus is God, not that he calms "spiritual storms" in your heart. This is just one example of what I mean by spiritualizing the gospel. We can miss out on so much if we don't look at context and interpret it to our modern terms.
Maybe I am just talking too much. Maybe I don't have it all down. I suppose I should rather say that we should just be open to God revealing more about himself, not only through the Bible, but also through our relationships with one another. However, I don't find this too often with Christians. We believe we have it all down. So I this is why I say, I am having a hard time.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Puzzle 2004 - Кийлов, Украина
Hey all! I thought I would share some of my past with you. I found some old pictures online from when I used to live in Ukraine. I was serving at a church called "Добрая Пристань" and our youth group went to a camp in the winter. The conference was called "Puzzle" and it was named this because three different churches joined forces to create this conference/camp and it was pretty sweet. We had a good time. One of my most memorable times from this trip was getting to take a hike at night through the village nearby. Kinda spooky, but very beautiful, considering no electricity ran through the village at night, so the stars were very bright.
I was 18 when these pictures were taken, so I suppose you'll notice I look a little different. Plus, I lived in a country where sunshine only showed up in the Spring and Summer seasons, so my hair looks incredibly dark. Besides my physical appearance, I believe I was going through a long depression due to many things. My family had just moved across the entire U.S. and were starting life anew. I didn't get to be a part of that. It was my first time leaving the house on my own, my first time being away for more that a week, it was the first time I ever left the country, AND I was all alone. Besides that, 1-2 weeks before I headed out for Ukraine, I was baptized. So I suppose there could have been a spiritual aspect to my depression (attacks maybe).
I was 18 when these pictures were taken, so I suppose you'll notice I look a little different. Plus, I lived in a country where sunshine only showed up in the Spring and Summer seasons, so my hair looks incredibly dark. Besides my physical appearance, I believe I was going through a long depression due to many things. My family had just moved across the entire U.S. and were starting life anew. I didn't get to be a part of that. It was my first time leaving the house on my own, my first time being away for more that a week, it was the first time I ever left the country, AND I was all alone. Besides that, 1-2 weeks before I headed out for Ukraine, I was baptized. So I suppose there could have been a spiritual aspect to my depression (attacks maybe).
Monday, June 2, 2008
10 America
I got this idea from Jackie. I felt that since she shared the many things she's noticed about Italy/Europe, I thought I would share about the country I live in. So here's my ten observations (I've made them into an easy-to-read, even-numbered, short list, just like Americans like.)
1. Americans eat larger portions for their meals than they should.
2. Americans typically do not eat a three-course meal. Of course this has been just my experience on the West Coast as well as in New England regions.
3. There are more opportunities for financial and economic success in America. This is a reflection of a capitalist society - everyone gets the chance to succeed/perform to his/her abilities.
4. A lot of American food/drink has corn in it. Try looking on the ingredients portion: for drinks - "high fructose corn syrup", for food "vegetable oil - contains corn and/or soybean..." (For more info on this, check out the documentary "King Corn")
5. Americans tend to complain (sometimes justifiably).
6. The US is the fattest country in the world... that means there are fat people here... unnaturally fat.
7. I've only found Root Beer in America.
8. I've only found In N' Out in America.
9. Hence, I've found that that combination only works in America.
10. Americans are unfortunately less-satisfied with life than most people in Cuba.
p.s. There are two words in Russian "жить" and "существовать" which mean "to live" and "to exist", respectively. Many opinions of immigrants, visitors, tourists, etc. (to which I would agree) state that the people in America "exist"; they do not "live".
Saturday, May 3, 2008
End of the Year reflection
Esther, my sister, sent me a letter at the beginning of the school year and this is what it says:
"Dear Vasily,
Just wanted to send you a note and say good luck in this next school year. I wish you all the best in school and your ministry, may God bless everything that you do. Have a fun year, make new friends, make new memories and don't forget to atend classes and finnish your education.
Love, Esther.
P.S. Enjoy our picture :) "
1. God has blessed my school - Got 4 A's and 1 B last semester and I feel confident in my grades this semester as well.
2. My ministry has been blessed with changes, developments, a new pastor, leadership challenges, etc.
3. I have had a fun year, although I did not realize it until last night. I was watching the slideshow from last night's Slaviklub Meeting and have realized that I've done a lot, been many places, and enjoyed much with my friends and loved ones.
4. I've definately made new friends: Sim, Kayla, Jackie, Taisa, Chris, Max, Sanya, Dima Frai, Jiku, Adriana, Oxana J, May Tag, Ben Carr, Slavik Grinko, and even some professors.
5. Memories have definately been made and have yet to be made.
6. I haven't been bad on attending my classes actually. And I feel this helped me to do good in them, thankfully.
7. I'm on track to finish education next semester. Thank God.
This post is really a way for me to get to thank God and share with ya'll my blessings... something we don't do too often. Usually it's about what I/we need/lack and are struggling in. I see the benefits in counting one's blessings.
Last night Slavik Club had an end-of-the-year meeting to say goodbye to our graduating seniors. I really enjoyed it and I hope everyone else had a good time. The majority of our youth came and even our pastor and his wife came for a little. Slavik Gladysh helped out in handing out the diploma's we made, which I'm pretty proud of if I do say so myself. Thanks, God.
Tomorrow is the graduation commencement ceremony. How fast four years go by...
"Dear Vasily,
Just wanted to send you a note and say good luck in this next school year. I wish you all the best in school and your ministry, may God bless everything that you do. Have a fun year, make new friends, make new memories and don't forget to atend classes and finnish your education.
Love, Esther.
P.S. Enjoy our picture :) "
1. God has blessed my school - Got 4 A's and 1 B last semester and I feel confident in my grades this semester as well.
2. My ministry has been blessed with changes, developments, a new pastor, leadership challenges, etc.
3. I have had a fun year, although I did not realize it until last night. I was watching the slideshow from last night's Slaviklub Meeting and have realized that I've done a lot, been many places, and enjoyed much with my friends and loved ones.
4. I've definately made new friends: Sim, Kayla, Jackie, Taisa, Chris, Max, Sanya, Dima Frai, Jiku, Adriana, Oxana J, May Tag, Ben Carr, Slavik Grinko, and even some professors.
5. Memories have definately been made and have yet to be made.
6. I haven't been bad on attending my classes actually. And I feel this helped me to do good in them, thankfully.
7. I'm on track to finish education next semester. Thank God.
This post is really a way for me to get to thank God and share with ya'll my blessings... something we don't do too often. Usually it's about what I/we need/lack and are struggling in. I see the benefits in counting one's blessings.
Last night Slavik Club had an end-of-the-year meeting to say goodbye to our graduating seniors. I really enjoyed it and I hope everyone else had a good time. The majority of our youth came and even our pastor and his wife came for a little. Slavik Gladysh helped out in handing out the diploma's we made, which I'm pretty proud of if I do say so myself. Thanks, God.
Tomorrow is the graduation commencement ceremony. How fast four years go by...
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