My experience in Asia so far (Malaysia, Thailand, China, parts of LA) tell me if you’re waiting to cross the street, you’ll never cross the street. It’s a full send situation or you just don’t go. JESUS TAKE THE WHEEL (of these drivers), and you go. Drivers slow or make gaps for you and as long as you walk normally, you’ll be fine. What my experience did NOT offer, was how to behave when mopeds are DRIVING ON THE SIDEWALK! It’s all good though, my elbow showed that guys mirror what’s up. I’m fine and the guy didn’t care (or so I gather from him continuing on without acknowledging me).
Traffic laws (recommendations?) and customs are only a couple things that are super different from home. I won’t get into the list, but the big one is surveillance. There are security cameras EVERYWHERE. For example, we had 2 cameras in our taxi and 30 in our hostel (I was curious so I found myself behind the desk checking out their system). Traffic cameras? How about “outside cameras” because even outside, it’s rare you aren’t on someone’s camera. Overkill is the theme here. Depending on what part of town you’re in, if you even cross the street before the little green guy lights up, a camera snaps your picture AND POSTS IT FOR EVERYONE TO SEE.
It doesn’t stop there. Teams in the past have been tailed for days at a time because someone reported them to law enforcement. That’s fine. What’s not fine is the fear instilled in the community because of such strict enforcement of laws and regulations, and the risk they take by talking to us.
We were in a phone store picking up local SIM cards for our team phones. We met a nice woman named Maggy while we waited. The team talked to her for a few minutes – found out she’s from France, what she’s up to, and what brought her to Shanghai. Then she asked what we’re doing in Shanghai. “Oh, we’re traveling” is usually how that conversation starts. Austin found an opportunity to express that he is a man of faith. I believe the phrase ended with “… Jesus Christ, do you know him?” to which she looked startled, repeated the name to herself, skittishly nodded, then said “bye” and walked out immediately… with her service ticket still in hand.
Even when we’re not engaged with anyone in particular, we notice security or police monitoring us. We’re not being followed by any uniforms (yet), but I now understand how easily that can happen. Every time our conversation isn’t accepted or is prevented is an opportunity to learn and adapt our tactics because the bottom line is that God put us here because He needs us here. We’re a team of 6, hundreds of miles from our closest support, in a country that doesn’t want us… but all it takes is a team of 6, hundreds of miles from our closest support, and obedience to God in a country that doesn’t want us.
There‘s been some victory though. Penny, for example, saw us trying to rent bikes and came to help. She spoke wonderful English and was exceptionally excited to learn we were from the US (shes dating a US businessman). Penny was encouraging and inviting. The conversation ended with something along the lines of:
”Is there any way we can pray for you?”
”…SURE! WHY NOT!”
”Great! What would you like us to pray about?”
”Oh, I don’t know, life is great, just go for it!”
So Jewel prayed for her and she loved it! Then we took a group picture and went on feeling encouraged at a time we definitely needed it.
We spent some time this morning reflecting on our few days so far as a team. Austin and I are in agreement that the last three days have been too slow. We’re ready to work and it just hasn’t happened yet. BUT. What we’re learning is that God is at work in us. He wants us to be still in His presence. We’ve taken a lot of time to pray and be intentional with God. Ministry will always prevail because it’s His glory and His kingdom. What we’ve failed to recognize is that this time is centering our team; unifying our prayer, building our community, and teaching us how to exist.
We will continue to pray for guidance – asking God how and who to serve, but we’ve already heard a few things. I need to wait to share them, but the youth of this country is on our hearts. Please join us in praying for them.
John
*names have been changed.
