Quote:
Originally Posted by EvilSteve
Christians get upset about all sorts of things just like pretty much everyone else, and not just injustice (which if God really objected to injustice, you might think he'd set things right on his own but that takes us off topic). Christians get upset if they don't get a promotion at work. They get upset if they can't afford to buy that fancy car they had their eyes on. They get upset if the doctor tells them they have cancer and will probably die within six months (this last example is a huge deal for everyone of course, but really shouldn't be if you have a blissful afterlife to look forward to, in fact it should be good news, and they should be throwing an exuberant "I'm gonna be with Jesus" celebration).
Just over twelve hours ago, my wife and I attended the "baptism" of Pak Kwan Wong, a 63-year old "believer".
On our previous ( and first ) visit to bed #917 of the Palliative Medical Ward at Grantham Hospital in Hong Kong, we were accompanied by M.W. ( "director" of St. Barnabas' Society and Home, a place that shelters some of the homeless ) and D.Y., an acquaintance who previously resided at SBSH ( an old but well-educated polyglot and one of the "casualties of society" ). Four days ago, we learned from M.W. that Pak Kwan had terminal lung cancer. During our first visit, we learned from one of the nurses that Pak Kwan was often angry, used excessive profanity and during one occasion, required more than a few workers to restrain him; this nurse spoke openly in front of all five of us about these details. D.Y. pointed out that Pak Kwan had previously been part of the Triad Society, explaining the profane language; he also mentioned to me that Pak Kwan was one of the few "believers" that were at SBSH ( but D.Y. himself is "agnostic" ). Everything the nurse said may have been true, but this man is dying and likely knows he doesn't have more than a few weeks left.
Pak Kwan has barely enough strength to lift his right hand and is incontinent ( and may explain the aforementioned "boldness" of the nurse ). On the first visit, M.W. gave Pak Kwan a shave and haircut ( and even spoon fed him ). I've been told a few times that Pak Kwan would do some of the heavy work at SBSH and would even care for the cat and two rabbits there. On our visit last evening, M.W. was there with a pastor and three of the "faithful". It really didn't matter that the "baptism" was a sprinkling or even necessary, that our theological beliefs were erroneous, or that our lives were less than ideal. All that mattered was whether Pak Kwan trusted Yeshua and would have a share in the life hereafter.
Only Pak Kwan and my wife were shedding any tears; I couldn't simply "weep with those who weep" - I don't know him personally, and even if I did, it would be difficult for us to relate. Pak Kwan's only relative we know of is a sister who has yet to phone him or visit him. Although Pak Kwan and I are "worlds apart", we are both human and "believers" - it is only through Yeshua that we are able ( in some sense ) to relate. The inevitable outcome isn't any cause for celebration - although we are hopeful, we are at the mercy of the Almighty.
Maybe we should often mourn and repent:
http://derek4messiah.wordpress.com/2...rn-and-repent/
