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Has Master Dwarf recovered his strength?

He's resting comfortably. I've got the Virginia Tech/LSU game on in the background. Unfortunately we've arranged the office so I can't see either television. Maybe I should just go nap on the couch...no too much to do.

We had an incredible speaker in church this morning. We have partnered with a Vietnamese congregation. They will begin meeting in another part of our building on Sunday mornings (their service will be in Vietnamese), but they will share with us for Wednesday night, kid's programs, etc.

Their pastor spoke this morning. He was raised by his family to be a Buddhist Monk, then he became a witch doctor. Some 30 years ago a missionary was in his town holding a crusade. He went night after night to pray to his 3366 gods to bring down the crusade. Before the crusade was over he became a Christian.

He's been in and out of prison numerous times in Vietnam because of his faith. But he recently came to the U.S. to minister to the million plus Vietnamese in this country.

After hearing his story, I was reminded that I really didn't have that much to whine about yesterday. I need that reminder lots. I think all Americans do.

When I worked on the Social Service front lines, a number of my clients were former officers in the S Vietnamese army, now refugees here. My interpreter was also a a former officer, held as a POW and abused horribly for years by the North. Coincidentally, he was also Christian, though I don't know when that conversion happened. Their stories are indeed tragic, and quite beyond my comprehension, even though I have heard them. They are just so far removed from the world I know.

Part of my work with them was to help them with their citizenship requirements, and I helped several achieve citizenship while I was there. I convinced the agency to chip in for an American flag to present to them upon passing their test, a tradition I hope they continue today. They always accepted it with tears and pride.

Wow. That's some story. We had communion today, and first a really moving sermon - rather convicted most of us of our utter wretchedness. For me it was a reminder that Jesus was punished for every one of my sins, and made me ashamed that I continue to sin now... almost made me want to come home and hide in my room so as to reduce the chance of my committing sins ever again.

2J, I've noticed what you say about ping lists. I like being on yours - for some reason I have this interest in homeschooling ;-) - but I've had to ask to be removed from three or four lists in my time here. We need a refresher in netiquette, I think!