Jesusluvsall's Blog

Reading through the gospels something that stands out to me is the Jesus met people where they were. Jesus sought out people by visiting them in their homes and being at celebrations. In fact the first miracle by Jesus that we read is when he turned water into wine at a wedding feast. Visiting people from other cultures in their homes or joining them in their celebrations is one of the most enjoyable parts of my ministry and work.

My home city Lincoln has the largest number of Yazidi people in North America. I love spending time with my Yazidi friends. I have found them to be friendly and very hospitable. They have suffered terribly not just in recent years, but for centuries. The Yazidi people and Christians in places like Iraq have helped each other over the centuries during times of oppression.

This past week was the Yazidi New Year. On Sunday I went to their celebration in a park. I also went last year and had a blast. Last year I also visited my friend Rojgar and his family in their home. The food was plentiful and delicious. The friendships are meaningful. There is a lot of laughter when I visit Rojgar and his family. The picture is from before I found out I have Celiacs so my vanity makes me want to say it is before my weight loss. 🙂

This year their celebration was at a park, Holmes Lake, in the late afternoon/early evening. It was great to see my friends and many of my former and current students there. I joined their large circle dance for one time around. I don’t think anyone would accuse me of being graceful 🙂

My desire is for my Yazidi friends to feel welcome because they have not felt welcome where they came from, and of course because I want to show the love of God. So I learned how to say hi, how are you in their language. In the evenings where I teach I walk around the small lobby area and greet my Yazidi friends in the their language.

Some years ago the WWJD, What Would Jesus Do, expression was popular. That has been my thought for a long time as I interact with other cultures. I am certain about what Jesus would do if he lived in my city, a place that has the most Yazidis in all of North America. He would spend time with them, eating with them, celebrating with them, and  loving them. I am grateful God has given me the opportunity to do just that, spend time with them, eat with them, and celebrate with them and love them. Sunday afternoon was another fun time to do all four. 🙂