Dummkopf Evanglism

God is so good.

God is so great.

I have no words right now.

His love knows no East or West, no North or South, no genius or forgetful dummkopf (Dad’s favorite German diss…)

Right now I’m sitting in the Water Bar at Wudaokou (Gringo-land of Beijing) sipping my nai cha (milk tea). My eyelids are crusted with the salt of a few brave manly tears. I just had a life-molding experience. God humbled me then picked me up with a loving grin and a wizened whisper, “Trust me, my favorite dummkopf. Just trust me...”

I just got done teaching CSI at the Office. We had an amazing class exploring the 3^rd Article and that Encouraging Coach and Gentle Gardener – the Holy Spirit. I packed my laptop so that I could park my booty in a coffee shop in Wudaokou and crank out our worship service for tomorrow’s contemporary service (we’re going to rock the socks of Beijing), journal, blog, and preview The Passion of the Christ (what we’re going to watch / discuss in study tonight). This was my plan of grandeur – which I thought would be effective and flawless.

I rolled into the Water Bar, ordered myself a nai cha with zhen zhu and saw a perfect booth open upstairs. As I ascended the stairs reality hit like that I forgot the adaptor for my little Acer. In China the outlets look like a two-year-old’s jack-o-lantern and western appliances need the mediating adaptor. Well, I forgot mine in the Bridal Suite. So, cursing under my breath I left some books on the table to reserve it, asked a fella in the choppiest of Chinese if he could watch my stuff … I’ll be back in 10 minutes. Well, I boarded the DeLorean pissed at myself for ruining my perfect plan by forgetting a stinkin’ adaptor. So I boogied home arrived at the Cloister with a bloody nose (Blood Bath – The Ballad of a Vengeful Farmer Blow) and soaked in sweat (it is gorgeous out today – 70ish degrees!). I got the adapter, changed into a t-shirt, growled a “howdy” to Matt and the Professor then hopped back on the DeLorean to resume my now shattered plan.

I got to the Water Bar and ascended the stairs to my booth to see a woman there. I inhaled and exhaled like an angsty teenage girl. The woman was finishing some chocolate cake and saw she had invaded my spot. She apologized in near-flawless English and got up to go…

“I’m so sorry. I’m almost done. I’ll leave.”

“No worries. Take your time. We can share.”

“What’s your name?”

“Carolyn.”

“With a “C” or “K”?”

“With a C.”

“My name is Micah.”

“Nice to meet you.”

“Nice to meet you too. What do you do?”

“I’m a housewife.”

“Cool. I’m an English teacher at Beida Zi Yuan.”

“Nice.”

“How is your English so good?”

“I’ve been studying by myself for 3 years; also I’m married to a Chinese Canadian who worked for in Canada for 17 years.”

“Holy cow! That’s a long time.”

“I’m sorry that I took your spot.”

“No, I was teaching some friends about Jesus near Beida Dong Men and wanted to do some work here after, but forgot my adaptor for my laptop. So I left my books here and went back home then came back.”

“You teach a class about Jesus?”

“Yeah. Its awesome!”

“To Americans right?”

“No, to Chinese friends.”

“Wow! I have always wanted to learn about the Bible but never met anyone who cared to teach me.”

“This is so amazing! I’m leading a Bible study tonight at my apartment! I would love for you to come.

“I’ll be there!”

“There are no accidents with God. Wow! I’m so glad I forgot my plug. Let me get your phone number.”

“Okay!”

“So do you spell your name with a “C” or “K”?”

After Carolyn left I started to cry. God’s plans are so much higher than mine. Our Abba’s mission is to fill heaven and he will do anything to save the lost … even my own forgetfulness.

- m -