Kelly Clark’s presentation at Calvin College January 6, 2011 as a part of the annual January Series combined many varying and colorful elements such as his humor, passion, and vision for the People’s Republic of China.
During Mr. Clark’s lecture I was surprised to learn that the general perception of religious persecution in China is flawed. Growing up in Western Christianity I was introduced to the subject of the “Underground Church” in China on a number of occasions, each giving me the impression that the lives and statuses of the members of these underground house churches were greatly threatened. Clark conceded that many Chinese Christians that are a part of this house church movement experience persecution; however, their treatment is not quite as severe as my personal image assumed.
I was greatly encouraged by Kelly Clark’s passionate exploration of Chinese culture and philosophy during his mid-life. As an undergraduate faced with the looming task of choosing a career path after graduation, Clark’s deviation from the status quo of his career provides comfort that I can always pursue interests later on in life. Often it feels as if one’s learning ends when a career begins, but I have realized that this is an erroneous and dangerous assumption. All stages of life should be approached as opportunities and adventures, both to grow personally and to affect change in the world. Mr. Clark’s journey and presentation opened my eyes to this truth, and encouraged me tremendously in my faith journey. God’s plan for my life and this world is a continual, renewing process, and I take great comfort in that reality.
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