I am glad to welcome you to Lyubov's little corner of the world wide web and hope you'll find utility in my works.
Having graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in December 2011, I will reside in Latin America until late spring...then I'll settle Richmond to attend dental school. Many have requested that I "keep them posted" about my student internship abroad so I commit to publish observations and insight that may serve as a window into my current journey. Your questions, comments, and critique are always welcome!
I'm not sure where you're spending the holidays, but I've spent around 15 hours at church since Thursday evening (it's Sunday evening)...and we've yet two holiday services on Monday! Russian Baptists have a way of making holidays bright and very involved in the church. I presume this tradition stems from a history of Soviet-suppressed faith practices and the comfort that a church community offered when families were separated during the holidays. In the spirit of Christmas I'd like to offer some thoughts from the nativity story about personage and purpose (now that I've introduced myself and stated the purpose for this web log):
Mary, a prominent figure in the nativity story, is the epitome of obedience and submission. Something I'd noted this Christmas season is that her role in the Christmas story was the result of sacrifice--She gave up the luxury of a mundane and "normal" life. Her decision to give up inconspicuous existence and become part of Jesus' narrative of continual rejection and scorn was not likely encouraged by the knowledge that we possess today (that Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection are the saving grace of God)...She simply obeyed in faith, knowing that her life is in no better place than in fulfilling the Father's will. She defined her personage as "the handmaid of the Lord" and her purpose as one with her Lord. As any good mother, Mary allowed her child to dominate her way of life and priorities. She not only birthed Him but allowed him to transform her life and the life of those around them [she commanded those in Cana to listen to all that he suggested...and so started Jesus' ministry]. Mary was also present at the cross and at the empty tomb--We have much to learn from this woman's devotion.
Another Christmas note: In the Russian tradition, poems are recited as a way of worship and edification in the church. One line that a toddler shared translates, "He accomplished many good works even though He did not live long..." It is seldom argued that Jesus is the most influential person in the history of mankind, both in secular and religious spheres. It is astounding that such a man is thought to have lived only 33 years. As a recent graduate, I have pondered over the weight my accomplishments thus far and how I can shape my future in a productive and meaningful way. I have begun to realize that I will not be able to learn every scientific concept (or maybe not even one fully), help every person who is in need, or ensure that the knowledge I pass on as a tutor will be used to its fullest...So what is worth the effort if Ecclesiastes is right and all is futile vanity? Does the evangelical Christian phrase "what would Jesus do?" help? Maybe following in His steps in any endeavor is the most complete and meaningful task that we are able to accomplish.
Thus I launch my web log...my next post will likely reflect on my first days in Gracias, Honduras--So I might stay on topic! : ) Until then, I'll look forward to 2012 and work on packing donated toothbrushes/paste as well as 4 month's necessities to total 32kg.
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| I toured EMU's campus during the spring of my senior year in high school. It's hard to believe I've been a part of that campus for 5 semesters. I look forward to seeing the tulips bloom when I return from my internship to participate in commencement. |
Having graduated from Eastern Mennonite University in December 2011, I will reside in Latin America until late spring...then I'll settle Richmond to attend dental school. Many have requested that I "keep them posted" about my student internship abroad so I commit to publish observations and insight that may serve as a window into my current journey. Your questions, comments, and critique are always welcome!
I'm not sure where you're spending the holidays, but I've spent around 15 hours at church since Thursday evening (it's Sunday evening)...and we've yet two holiday services on Monday! Russian Baptists have a way of making holidays bright and very involved in the church. I presume this tradition stems from a history of Soviet-suppressed faith practices and the comfort that a church community offered when families were separated during the holidays. In the spirit of Christmas I'd like to offer some thoughts from the nativity story about personage and purpose (now that I've introduced myself and stated the purpose for this web log):
Mary, a prominent figure in the nativity story, is the epitome of obedience and submission. Something I'd noted this Christmas season is that her role in the Christmas story was the result of sacrifice--She gave up the luxury of a mundane and "normal" life. Her decision to give up inconspicuous existence and become part of Jesus' narrative of continual rejection and scorn was not likely encouraged by the knowledge that we possess today (that Jesus' birth, death, and resurrection are the saving grace of God)...She simply obeyed in faith, knowing that her life is in no better place than in fulfilling the Father's will. She defined her personage as "the handmaid of the Lord" and her purpose as one with her Lord. As any good mother, Mary allowed her child to dominate her way of life and priorities. She not only birthed Him but allowed him to transform her life and the life of those around them [she commanded those in Cana to listen to all that he suggested...and so started Jesus' ministry]. Mary was also present at the cross and at the empty tomb--We have much to learn from this woman's devotion.
Another Christmas note: In the Russian tradition, poems are recited as a way of worship and edification in the church. One line that a toddler shared translates, "He accomplished many good works even though He did not live long..." It is seldom argued that Jesus is the most influential person in the history of mankind, both in secular and religious spheres. It is astounding that such a man is thought to have lived only 33 years. As a recent graduate, I have pondered over the weight my accomplishments thus far and how I can shape my future in a productive and meaningful way. I have begun to realize that I will not be able to learn every scientific concept (or maybe not even one fully), help every person who is in need, or ensure that the knowledge I pass on as a tutor will be used to its fullest...So what is worth the effort if Ecclesiastes is right and all is futile vanity? Does the evangelical Christian phrase "what would Jesus do?" help? Maybe following in His steps in any endeavor is the most complete and meaningful task that we are able to accomplish.
Thus I launch my web log...my next post will likely reflect on my first days in Gracias, Honduras--So I might stay on topic! : ) Until then, I'll look forward to 2012 and work on packing donated toothbrushes/paste as well as 4 month's necessities to total 32kg.
It is wonderful, Luba , what a toughts.
ReplyDeleteMay God Bless you ,we will keep you in our prayers every day,love you...
(Kiriluk's)
Randomly stumbled upon this blog off of Molodezh. com. It's been a while since I've been to the Russian church in VA and looks like some things have changed...particularly in lives of some young people. I'm happy to hear that you are pursuing higher education and going out of the comfort zone to serve those outside our culture, those in need, for an extended period of time. May God bless you in your endeavors! May He use you as a tool for His good purposes!
ReplyDeleteOlya P u stinovich
PS. If you get a chance, get yourself a copy of When Helping Hurts. Theology in some parts is differs from Baptist theology, but it brings up some excellent points as they relate to missions.