Information on International Pilgrimages with Youth

Friday- Saturday

This begins the journal of the International Pilgrimage with Youth.  There are nine pilgrims and three leaders from as many different states. Travel began early Friday morning as we assembled in Detroit from around the nation to begin our journey together. The flight was over 12 hours long traveling at over 500 miles per hour – we traveled over 10,000 miles.  Our route took us over Canada, Alaska, The Barren Straight, Siberia and Russia.  The flight from Tokoyo to Shanghai was delayed for two hours, but our spirits were high as we waited.   Some napped on the floor, or on the seats or just sitting up. We were amazed at how quiet the airport was compared to those in the states.  The gates were crowded with people and yet, there was a polite level of voices, none heard above the others. (with the exception  for ours, and our laughter sometimes causing heads to turn).  We tried to be quieter.  Reaching the hotel around midnight – we prayed giving thanks for the events of the day and for each other and went to bed.  We had 15 hours of plane time, and over 24 hours had passed, we were ready for bed!

At the Detroit Airport

Sunday

 The day began with an incredible breakfast- duck eggs, warm soy milk, dumplings, rice and so much more!  After breakfast we left for worship.  The church’s name translated means embraced with blessings- indeed it was.  The structure itself was very typical of what would find in the states – and in need of some repair. Since there is no heat in the church, we were thankful it was not terribly cold.  Things that stuck us included the abundance green plants at the communion table, pussywillows in the floral arrangements, gardens of flowers as you entered the church and the overall beauty of the building nestled among so many larger buildings and tight clusters of apartment houses. There were boxes outside to place an offering since none is taken during service. 

The music was wonderful!  Again we noticed the level of sound-how each voice blended together as one – hearing no voice above another.  There were estimated over 2000 people at the service – of all ages.  We came just at 9:30 and the church was so full we had to sit in the balcony – even there the seats were mostly full.  Small benches that tuck behind the stationary chairs are designed to pull out to make another row in the back. It was Communion Sunday and it took 25 deacons to serve the elements.  They went about their task with speed and yet a deliberate sense of service. Sharing Communion with so many, even not being able to understand the exact words, the full meaning of the moment was clear.

In the middle of the service a small child worked herself through the tight crowd of worshipers.  She finally reached lap of her father and snuggled into his coat. She would peak at us and then shyly turn away. In the eyes of a child it is easy to see the God.   

After church we met with Qigui Shi, a retired pastor of this church.  He was pastor before the cultural revolution, and present at time of its reopening.  Spending time with was the highlight of the day.  He told a story of when the first youth group from the US came they had prepared a song about “bringing Jesus to China” which he felt obligated to tell them that “Jesus was already there – it was them they brought to China”  we laughed, and realized this was exactly why we were here – to bring youth groups knowing that God is already here! 

A quick stop to the Shanghai Oriental Pearl, the Historical Urban History Museum took us to the top of the third highest radio tower in the world.  The view from the top helped us see size and diversity of structures of the city.  It was obvious that the city was alive and growing and in the process of constant change. 

We left the museum to go to a Budhist Temple.  The brief bus ride took us through narrow streets squeezing tall buildings amongst tiny apartment complexes. Old and new confronts your sense - the freshly washed laundry hanging on bamboo poles amid the shops selling cell phones. The temple was interesting taking payment to view Buddah, selling many kinds of souvineers while people were praying and participating in other rituals.  It seemed very strange and reminded resembled market place of the money changers.

To finish the day we walked along the riverside at the Bund, and continued along the Nanjing road – apparently the major business road in Shanghai.  We were became part of the flow of people streaming down this city street of lights.  Once again, it felt as if we were all together in a pulse – no one being larger or more then rest.  A sense of unity with the city made us feel welcome. Our first whole day concluded in prayer, laughter, and a stronger sense of purpose. 

Mo En Church Worship Service on Sunday Morning, March 2, 2003

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