MicahJohn » Thailand

Counter Culture

Micah — Wed, 01 Dec 2010 02:40:23 +0000

As a son I am again grateful for my father’s model (and humility to admit where he has fallen short).
As a member of the body of Christ (and of the BIC) in the 21st century I am glad to see John Fickett standing up to confront the Zeitgeist (with regard to gender roles).
Curious? give these three sermons a listen and take a look at some slides, outlines, etc
1) Groundwork

2) The Importance of Submission

3) Real Headship

Advent

Micah — Sun, 28 Nov 2010 12:51:13 +0000

Advent is always one of my favorite times of year. As the resurrection joy of Easter cannot be fully celebrated without the mourning of Good Friday, so the coming of the promise on Christmas cannot be fully appreciated without the longing and waiting of Advent.

If you’re looking for ways to enter into the waiting, consider looking into the different expectations that surrounded the promise of “The Anointed One,” the Messiah. Week 1 you could look at the promises of an anointed prophet like Moses bringing God’s word and God’s deliverance to his people. Week 2 you could look at the promises of an anointed priest greater than Aaron, a priest like Melchizedek, who mediates between God and his people. Week 3 you could look at the promises of an anointed King like David who follows after God’s own heart, and leads God’s people to victory. Week 4 you could look in Isaiah and see the forming of a hope bigger than any of these and yet humbler than them as well, you could look and catch a glimpse of a servant, a lamb, Mighty God himself.

If you are looking for a contemporary liturgy of advent composed of ancient pieces take a look at this.

And just because I can I’ll link to an advent song I wrote.

Stateside

Micah — Wed, 31 Mar 2010 12:59:00 +0000

After many various adventures (canceled flights, l – o – n – g layovers, and shattered luggage) I have made it safely back to the States.

Encounters

Micah — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 09:56:44 +0000

As my time left in Thailand ticks away I’ve had some great encounters with some folks. Several people have invited me to eat with them giving me an opportunity to say good bye. And on three occasions when I didn’t have a planned meeting with someone, I ran into someone and got to share a meal with them.

On Sunday morning a friend of mine prayed that I’d have a chance to meet up with a friend I hadn’t heard from in a year. Sunday night that friend called. Some things are beyond comprehension.

Capturing Isaan

Micah — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 01:15:53 +0000

I spent this past Friday and Saturday recording some Isaan music. It was a good experience. It was my first time recording so many instruments simultaneously. It was also my first time recording music in a non-Western style. Coming from another culture, from a different music aesthetic, I had to be careful not to impose a Western aesthetic on the recording.

I’m still going over the recordings, but you can hear a sample here.

Operating in the Isaan language for two days was fun, though it put a severe draw on the ol’ gray cells. Talking with the drummer, an older blind man, I had the following exchange:

Drummer: “How do the drums sound?”
Myself: “I think they sound great”
Drummer: “Good, because I can’t see and sometimes I miss the drums”

Another benefit of the venture was a few meals worth of Isaan food.