It’s the unspoken goal of most Chinese professors who come to the US to conduct research.
An inner ache fuels the pursuit to be honored by one’s peers and people back home as “The Big Man.”
You know, the one everyone respects, admires, idolizes.
The problem?
Communist China’s finest become remarkably self-centered.
How can an Academic intent on becoming “The Big Man” transform into one who desires to impact the lives of the common man?
It requires a change that is counter-cultural, and it’s far more than a simple change in thinking.
It requires a transformed heart.
Here’s one example:
Dr. Jai attended an English Class for international scholars which uses the Bible as the text. He came at the referral of a colleague who spent a year at our same university.
He actively engaged in our Bible discussions.
A question surfaced that he had long suppressed, “Why am I striving so hard to earn the respect of people I truly don’t admire?”
Discussing Scripture that spoke of Jesus giving His life for common people and “sinners,” amplified his struggle.
He knew of the path of stepping over and stepping on others to achieve – and he despised it.
His admiration for Jesus steadily increases.
He realizes Jesus is the leader he wants to follow and emulate.
He embraces the Lord and is a changed man.
That was 5 years ago.
It requires a transformed heart.
Dr. Jai is now 52 years old. Last month he was awarded the largest research grant of his career.
During our weekly Skype Bible study, he explains why he is so excited about the work he is doing.
The Chinese government’s allowance of industrial pollution and extreme overfarming by the huge collective farming practices have devastated the environment and crushed the livelihood of family farms creating a peasantry.
Dr. Jai’s research will guide the government’s environmental policy for his province.
More importantly, it will provide subsistence farmers a path out of their government induced poverty. They will be able to provide for themselves and produce food for others to purchase.
It’s a win for the environment and the farmers!
Dr. Jai feels his years of research have been leading to this – and expresses he is convinced that God has superintended his path.
This professor is in an area where the Communist Party is intensely intolerant of Christians.
He desires most of all, to tell others the News of his Savior.
What’s the takeaway?
There are two:
- When people encounter Jesus through the Word of God in a non-adversarial setting–through dialogue, it often enables them to get a clearer realization of Jesus quicker.
- Even the environment is blessed when strategic individuals come to know their Creator!
I’d love to hear your thoughts or questions on this story. Please leave your comments below. Thanks!
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