Title
Beijing Diaries – Part One 北京日记
Date
05/04/2025
Creator
Pastor: Mike J Koger
Contributor
Hillside United Methodist Church
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
3739 US 80
Phenix City AL 36870
United States
Transcription
Beijing Diaries – Part One
Psalm 102:12,13
“When I was younger - so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”
Sometimes (most times?) life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned
• Sometimes there are unexpected challenges
Sometimes there are unexpected surprises
Both of these can teach us a lot if we are willing to be teachable
“What kind of fool am I?”
When you find yourself on the other side of the world, essentially all alone, isolated from the comfort of your own language, shut out from social media, and blocked from accessing any money or even credit, you have to stop and ask yourself this question
Despite all my best efforts and plans, this was exactly where I found myself in Beijing China. I lived almost two weeks with just one dollar in my wallet.
I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.
When all transactions are handled through the apps on your cellphone and yours won’t work, you are in big trouble.
Thankfully, my hotel accepted my credit card or I would have been literally homeless and out on the street on top of everything else.
If this sounds like fun, add to that the fact that I do not speak proper Mandarin and my translator would not work, and you have a real party on your hands.
PSALMS 102: From Tears to Praise
A prayer for those who are overwhelmed and for all the discouraged who come to pour out their hearts before the Lord
Psalm 102:12,13: But then I remember that you, O Lord, still sit enthroned as King over all! The fame of your name will be revealed to every generation. I know you are about to arise and show your tender love to Zion. Now is the time, Lord, for your compassion and mercy to be poured out— the appointed time has come for your prophetic promises to be fulfilled!
Ok – so let’s backup for moment and reflect on how all this got started…
Most of you know the excitement I have had about this supposedly well-planned journey to China.
We have shared this progressive journey since the start, when I first announced my intention to visit China.
You joined me in my enthusiasm, you shared the vision for what was to be accomplished with God’s help, you lifted me up in prayer, and you planted very generous seeds into the costs for this to happen.
Our sister church overseas was doing the same things for this from their side of the planet.
Not long after leaving the safety on an international airport, and despite ATT’s assurance that all would be fine, I soon found myself powerless to communicate or take care of my basic needs
Like so many times, the priceless lessons we learn come from “face time”
The hardest moments occurred when my attention had been diverted to the circumstances, instead of my all-sufficient source Jesus said (Matt 6:8) “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
My focus would need to promptly redirect to:
• God’s Presence
• His Peace. His Provision.
• His Power. His Protection.
Isaiah 26:3 : Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
(as I mentioned previously) I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.
I got very little sleep, and the weight of it all was already taking a toll when I got a much needed 1am call from my best friend and mentor (Eddie) telling me that help was on the way from his son in Shanghai. (thankful pause)
To make the story short, not only was I always in good hands from Eddie’s family and my Beijing brothers and sisters, but I was treated with such a wonderful overflow of love and generosity that I know I will never be the same again.
Nothing was every missing. Nothing.
“God is right on time” and so were His people.
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”
It’s ok to find yourself dependent on God.
Phil 4:19: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
God uses people
So many of you were there for me in any and every way you could
My local church family planted the seeds of prayers and finances to make the journey possible
My far east family followed-up with every form of support imaginable
Holly came first, giving me the data and technology I needed to once again talk to people with my phone (although most of the usual avenues had been cut-off)
Then my precious friends began to take me places to see new sites and enjoy amazing foods everywhere we went
My brothers and sisters began to arrive by train and airplane to make it possible for us to get together meet for the very first time.
One of the names for God is Jehovah Shalom
The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which speaks of wholeness; nothing missing and nothing broken.
The word shalom encompasses health, security, good conditions, success, comfort, safety, happiness, wellness, wholeness, and soundness.
It reassures us that everything is all right, it gives a sense of well-being, and removes all concern.
It tells us we will come out of any circumstance unharmed.
It is a picture of a harmonious state of soul and mind and speaks of fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment. There is quite a lot in this one little word shalom!
The phrase "nothing missing, nothing broken" typically signifies a state of completeness, wholeness, and lack of damage.
Col 2:10 tells us “So you also are complete through your union with Christ…”
Shalom suggests everything is in its proper place, accounted for, and in good condition. It can also be used in a more spiritual context, referring to a state of peace and contentment, free from any sense of incompleteness or brokenness.
I am notorious for having unpopular, annoying old songs running through my brain
…but this time it was a precious Charles Wesley hymn that kept running thorough my head – and even out of my mouth – for several of those days
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
As Believers – we are more than conquerors – we are Risen with Christ
He is Emmanuel – God With Us
He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Heb 13:5: God has said, “I will never fail you. (I will never leave you) I will never abandon you.”
Psalm 126:
It was like a dream come true when you freed us from our bondage and brought us back to Zion!
We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness.
We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise.
All the nations saw it and joined in, saying, “The Lord has done great miracles for them!”
Yes, he did mighty miracles and we are overjoyed! Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory!
May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.
Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.
They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!
Psalm 40:3: He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.
Psalm 102:12,13
“When I was younger - so much younger than today
I never needed anybody's help in any way
But now these days are gone and I'm not so self-assured
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”
Sometimes (most times?) life doesn’t always turn out the way you planned
• Sometimes there are unexpected challenges
Sometimes there are unexpected surprises
Both of these can teach us a lot if we are willing to be teachable
“What kind of fool am I?”
When you find yourself on the other side of the world, essentially all alone, isolated from the comfort of your own language, shut out from social media, and blocked from accessing any money or even credit, you have to stop and ask yourself this question
Despite all my best efforts and plans, this was exactly where I found myself in Beijing China. I lived almost two weeks with just one dollar in my wallet.
I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.
When all transactions are handled through the apps on your cellphone and yours won’t work, you are in big trouble.
Thankfully, my hotel accepted my credit card or I would have been literally homeless and out on the street on top of everything else.
If this sounds like fun, add to that the fact that I do not speak proper Mandarin and my translator would not work, and you have a real party on your hands.
PSALMS 102: From Tears to Praise
A prayer for those who are overwhelmed and for all the discouraged who come to pour out their hearts before the Lord
Psalm 102:12,13: But then I remember that you, O Lord, still sit enthroned as King over all! The fame of your name will be revealed to every generation. I know you are about to arise and show your tender love to Zion. Now is the time, Lord, for your compassion and mercy to be poured out— the appointed time has come for your prophetic promises to be fulfilled!
Ok – so let’s backup for moment and reflect on how all this got started…
Most of you know the excitement I have had about this supposedly well-planned journey to China.
We have shared this progressive journey since the start, when I first announced my intention to visit China.
You joined me in my enthusiasm, you shared the vision for what was to be accomplished with God’s help, you lifted me up in prayer, and you planted very generous seeds into the costs for this to happen.
Our sister church overseas was doing the same things for this from their side of the planet.
Not long after leaving the safety on an international airport, and despite ATT’s assurance that all would be fine, I soon found myself powerless to communicate or take care of my basic needs
Like so many times, the priceless lessons we learn come from “face time”
The hardest moments occurred when my attention had been diverted to the circumstances, instead of my all-sufficient source Jesus said (Matt 6:8) “Your Father knows what you need before you ask him.”
My focus would need to promptly redirect to:
• God’s Presence
• His Peace. His Provision.
• His Power. His Protection.
Isaiah 26:3 : Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee: because he trusteth in thee.
(as I mentioned previously) I won’t bother with the details (for now) but this was a real, and very distressing situation that I actually found myself in.
I got very little sleep, and the weight of it all was already taking a toll when I got a much needed 1am call from my best friend and mentor (Eddie) telling me that help was on the way from his son in Shanghai. (thankful pause)
To make the story short, not only was I always in good hands from Eddie’s family and my Beijing brothers and sisters, but I was treated with such a wonderful overflow of love and generosity that I know I will never be the same again.
Nothing was every missing. Nothing.
“God is right on time” and so were His people.
…(and now) my life has changed in oh so many ways
My independence seems to vanish in the haze…”
It’s ok to find yourself dependent on God.
Phil 4:19: And my God will supply every need of yours according to his riches in glory in Christ Jesus.
God uses people
So many of you were there for me in any and every way you could
My local church family planted the seeds of prayers and finances to make the journey possible
My far east family followed-up with every form of support imaginable
Holly came first, giving me the data and technology I needed to once again talk to people with my phone (although most of the usual avenues had been cut-off)
Then my precious friends began to take me places to see new sites and enjoy amazing foods everywhere we went
My brothers and sisters began to arrive by train and airplane to make it possible for us to get together meet for the very first time.
One of the names for God is Jehovah Shalom
The word peace is the Hebrew word shalom, which speaks of wholeness; nothing missing and nothing broken.
The word shalom encompasses health, security, good conditions, success, comfort, safety, happiness, wellness, wholeness, and soundness.
It reassures us that everything is all right, it gives a sense of well-being, and removes all concern.
It tells us we will come out of any circumstance unharmed.
It is a picture of a harmonious state of soul and mind and speaks of fulfillment, satisfaction, and contentment. There is quite a lot in this one little word shalom!
The phrase "nothing missing, nothing broken" typically signifies a state of completeness, wholeness, and lack of damage.
Col 2:10 tells us “So you also are complete through your union with Christ…”
Shalom suggests everything is in its proper place, accounted for, and in good condition. It can also be used in a more spiritual context, referring to a state of peace and contentment, free from any sense of incompleteness or brokenness.
I am notorious for having unpopular, annoying old songs running through my brain
…but this time it was a precious Charles Wesley hymn that kept running thorough my head – and even out of my mouth – for several of those days
Christ the Lord is risen today, Alleluia!
Earth and heaven in chorus say, Alleluia!
Raise your joys and triumphs high, Alleluia!
Sing, ye heavens, and earth reply, Alleluia!
As Believers – we are more than conquerors – we are Risen with Christ
He is Emmanuel – God With Us
He will never leave us nor forsake us!
Heb 13:5: God has said, “I will never fail you. (I will never leave you) I will never abandon you.”
Psalm 126:
It was like a dream come true when you freed us from our bondage and brought us back to Zion!
We laughed and laughed and overflowed with gladness.
We were left shouting for joy and singing your praise.
All the nations saw it and joined in, saying, “The Lord has done great miracles for them!”
Yes, he did mighty miracles and we are overjoyed! Now, Lord, do it again! Restore us to our former glory!
May streams of your refreshing flow over us until our dry hearts are drenched again.
Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee.
They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!
Psalm 40:3: He has given me a new song to sing, a hymn of praise to our God. Many will see what he has done and be amazed. They will put their trust in the LORD.