It is a small world

Today I sit at the Sheraton in Urumqi. Never heard of it? Don't feel bad. It is the last major airport city in the NW part of China. It is pronounced WOO LU MU CHI. That is your trivia for today.

Flew in today to disucss partnering possibilities. The area was originally settled by the minority people, Wei Wu Er. Historically they have been predominantly Islamic. This makes the area especially sensitive to any foreign presence.

While visiting with a couple of leaders for the first time we found out how much we have in common. They are about the same age as myself. One is a seminary graduate. They have two children the same age as my older two.

The church they lead had 4000 in worship last Sunday. They are proud their son is actively involved in ministry to young people.

We discovered that we have at least two signfiicant mutual friendships. The man who challenged me to work openly in China was the same gentleman who lobbied hard for the pastors ordination years ago when attaining such was difficult to do in an Islamic area.
We both concluded that whatever we do in the future will be in memory of this great former leader, Dr. Han Winzao.

And most significantly at the end of dinner we all made our way enthusiastically to the ice cream buffet table.

Glocal reality. While a traveler from the West might feel they have reached the end of the world as they fly in to Urumqui there is no end of our world today. Not only is the globe we live upon round the cultural interaction and cross-pollinization of ideas os circular. We learned from one another today.

Meanwhile I look forward to viewing at least one more NBA game before heading home.

Before departing I had a chance to share our plans for the third annual Walk Through Bethelehem extravaganza (see www.grace-church.com) as we said our goodbyes in the lobby of the hotel here in China--- by the Santa's gift shop, 30 foot Christmas tree, and Silent Night playing over the speaker system. I felt at home.

Clipped a great article in the China Daily. "Think global, but read local for culture." Sounds glocal to me.

See you soon in California. Getting ready to speak there Sunday.



By the way to those of our USA friends who arrived home yesterday please take care of that