It was back to school for Kellie and me this past week. It has been a few years since we have sat in a classroom setting day after day. And it has been a bit intense for both of us. First our teachers speak almost exclusively in Russian, requiring much concentration on the part of the students who barely know any Russian. Secondly, while Kellie and I had already learned to recognize and read the Russian (Cyrillic) script, learning it in cursive has been like learning a whole new alphabet. It is frankly very confusing (and frustrating) at times. So why bother learning Russian? Why not just rely on interpreters?
I have asked myself that question several times this week. And while I can think of several practical answers to that question, let me share two simple thoughts that have spurred us on--even when we have felt like our brains are on overload.
1. God devised language. It was His idea. He thinks. He communicates. And when He communicates, He acts. He spoke--and the world came into being. He spoke words of life to Adam and Eve. And if they had listened to His words, they would not have eaten the forbidden fruit and experienced sin and death. After they sinned, he spoke a promise to them (Gen. 3:15). And the rest of His Word is the fulfillment of those words, culminating in the coming of THE Word. That Word actually became flesh. He lived among us. He died for us...and rose gain. All in fulfillment of His Word. And it is the message about that Good News (or Gospel) which transforms sinners like us and puts us on the stage of human history to proclaim that Word until every last letter has been fulfilled and we can resonate back to Him words of praise and adoration forever more.
2. When mankind was united together against God in Genesis 11, God devised multiple languages as the means of dividing mankind and setting the stage for the unifying power of the Gospel--something that was foreshadowed at Pentecost (when Jews from all over the Mediterranean basin heard the Gospel in their own tongue) and will be fully displayed in eternity around God's throne. Learning another language gives us the privilege of being part of God's redemptive work.
We may not enjoy every moment of language school. We may feel frustrated and inept when we open our mouths in the market place to try and practice what we are learning. But we live for the day that Jesus' name is praised in Russian and all other languages in the world. Until that day....
Working on our Russian...one word at a time,
Jerry and Kellie
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Thanks for the report on language study. Two things came to mind. Remembering how frustrated and inadequate the early couples like the Wickers felt as they were in language study in the early 90's when I visited them in Kiev. Then recalling the complete frustration Fred and I experienced as we tackled Chinese at your age. God is faithful, your heart's desire is in tune with Him and He will give you the language. Praying for you daily.
ReplyDeleteDonna
You are still 2 years ahead of me, but I'm picking up speed!
ReplyDelete2K
Patrick and I know that inept feeling of trying to communicate in Russian...staring at something as simple as a hamburger and having no idea how to say you want it (and not the chicken next to it), much less ask for ketchup or mustard. Or doing ridiculous pictionary-type charades when trying to convey something simple.
ReplyDeleteWe are so thankful for technology that allows you to post these prayer updates, and lets you communicate with your family with things like skype, facebook, email, and instant messaging. When I was younger watching the "Jetsons," I never imagined that you'd be able to talk to someone and SEE them at the same time. Still blows me away, but I'm so glad it is available to you!
And, truth be told, I'm just a teensy bit jealous at the opportunity you have to be over there. So I'll live vicariously through you guys and rejoice in the opportunity God gave you to serve.
Patrick and Sara Brown
Wow, this was truly a wonderful message. Thank you so much for helping us to understand the what's, why's and how's of your experience there right now. Marina and Jonah continue to pray daily for both of you. Sometimes even reminding us. We are so very blessed in many ways, but the children are a huge part of our blessings. We began school last week and we are in a transitioning back into the routine. When we first shared with the children that you were having a hard time with cursive, they said, "He doesn't know cursive?" To which we explained and reminded that cursive letter don't always look the same as manuscript, and most languages have both. They promptly said, "Wow!" So they continue to pray that you would learn the language and cursive, and that you would shine God's light in Ukraine.
ReplyDeleteWe always look forward to hearing your updates, thanks for taking the time to share with us.
Del
Jerry & Kelly,
ReplyDeleteGreatly appreciated your "Why not just use an interpreter." Have put that in our Sunday bulletin to motive our people on in their own study and reading of the Word. Likewise, for exhorting our people unto prayer for you.
Your challenge with learning the language reminded me of my days in seminary with no background in languages and having gotten through grammar school without learning any grammar (not sure this sentence is good grammar). I struggled with the temptation to leave seminary over it but went out and bought my own version of English grammar for dummies! Greek and Hebrew still nearly killed me but the grace you are availing yourselves to is the grace that strengthened me through it all.
Last evening we (Elders meeting) grappled through budget issues. As I am sure you know, we are now at as close to 10% unemployment as you can get. Where you were serving in the states it is much higher. This is good for us because it forces us to trust God individually in our giving as a church family. This is not a prep for telling you any bad news about our commitment to you. It is just letting you know that it is an interesting time for the church here in the states.
So appreciated the brief time Deborah and I had with you folks with your visit to PBC. I am grateful for the years of knowing you and encouraged by your faithfulness.
Pastor Kevin Kottke
Hi Jerry and Kellie:
ReplyDeleteThanks for your updates. Glad to hear that you are pressing on in your desire to learn the language. I love the way you put it about how language comes from God -- we don't always see it that way. But thanks for the reminder. It is also a reminder to choose our words wisely. We saw Karissa over the weekend. It was like old times. Also had our ABF picnic at our house. I am still getting used to you not being there on a weekly basis (I say this not to discourage you, but to let you know that you are still very close in spirit). We continue to pray for you in your language learning and your ministry there.
Love, Mark and Ruth Klein