Interview

Everyone in the group is working hard to get all of our homework done for our next ten day. One of our assignments for our Bible class was to have a discussion with a Christian from Austria about Christianity and culture. Michael, a high school student who was a refugee and now helps out a lot with the after-school program, offered his opinions. I asked him questions about his own personal testimony which had a lot to do with the missionaries that came from the States, specifically Reggy. We also talked about the difficulties that exist for a teenager to try to proclaim Christianity to his peers. He says it is a real struggle for him to resist the temptation of going against his moral standards and give into certain sins that are commonplace in Austrian culture such as using bad language. His life during his time living at the shelter was hard for him. He considers beginning to go to Church to be very helpful through that difficult time. Because people in Austria are very private people, they are not quick to listen to the gospel, so it is difficult to evangelize here. I know that Michael and his friends from church are doing a wonderful job ministering to the people around them, whether they know it or not. Christians are known by their love, and Michael certainly shows that. It is nice to know that despite oppositions, our young brothers and sisters in Austria are still trying to spread the Word and make a difference to those around them.

Mass at St. Peter's

I just got back from Italy! It was so great. The view was beautiful as well as the history. The most interesting thing to me in Italy was, of course, Rome! Growing up in the church, it sparked my interest to see Rome, the place where the gospel was spread and Christians were persecuted. I got to see Mamertime prison, a place where both Peter and Paul were imprisoned. There is a pillar that still stands where Peter was chained to. Also, an alter/monument thing is there with an upside down cross commemorating Peter's death. He chose to be crucified upside down because he thought himself unworthy of dying the same way his savior did.
I went to Mass at St. Peter's Basilica on Sunday! What a great experience! It was really fancy and traditional. The church was beautiful. I was kind of confused at the service though. It was very different from my typical Church of Christ service. First of all, it was in a different language, secondly, there were so many rituals that I didn't understand. Luckily, I got to talk to a member of the church after the service and he explained some things to me. They have these smoke things that they swing around throughout the service. He said it is to symbolize your prayers going up to God in Heaven. That is a neat idea i suppose. I am thankful that I know God hears me when I pray. I did learn a lot about the Catholic church from him. He was a nice man. I hope to attend other masses in the future!