The What, How and Why about Hospitality

What attracted me to enrol into Biblical Hospitality in Ministry course? To be truthful, it was when I saw that one of the Course Module Requirement “Participate in Two Shared Meals” with your classmate and yet will still be graded. It is the easiest mark scoring assignment for my type of character and therefore, I signed up without much thought. On the other hand, I do not want to short change myself with just eating and stop short of adding new ideas, knowledge and some practical skill when the course ended. So I started my reading, did my pre-course reflection, on-site visiting followed by report writing and was ready a week before the course started. All of us prayed for our lecturer Sis Davina, our classmates and ourselves asking God to add upon us His wisdom, His strength, His love, a teachable and learner’s heart to be added to every classmate. While writing the blog, I just realised that our prayer for one another is also a practise of hospitality too.

From the books written by Henri J.M. Nouwen and Parker J. Palmer where “space” was mentioned. In this class, I am very much into this space where the teacher and students entered into a fearless communication. Sis Davina fearlessly share her weaknesses and I, being a newbie, also fearlessly shared some of my simple thoughts and seek clarification when needed. On the other hand, we stayed within the boundaries where we followed as closely as possible the instructions and rules that were clearly spelled out verbally and on written instructions. Needless to say, in this Hospitality class, all of us are of very different personality but that does not stop us from receiving each other including our struggles, sharing our own viewpoint with openness, respect and care. There is a lot of laughter in this class because a handful of the classmates crack a joke once a while.

I am so blessed to be able to look into how hospitality was practise over a good few centuries within an hour or so by the thoughtful arrangement of Sis Davina. The few centuries that catches my attention most was firstly, the 4^th Century where Hospitality was taught not to be extravagant to the extent of drunkenness so that funds and resources can be wisely used to assist the poor and needy. Secondly, the 16^th Century (John Calvin) where a Christian is seen as a steward of God and whatever they have or own are from God and how true hospitality is been practise. They are bounded to take care and love their fellow brothers and sisters. Not just towards Christians but also to others. They show love and practise hospitality not for selfish ambition but because the image of God is in the stranger/other. Seeking only blessing from God and not to seek gain from human. The third and also last century I would like to share is the 18^th Century where John Wesley restored hospitality at home. This was where small group ministry was recovered with love feast and communions at home were restarted. He also started homes for homeless women, orphanage and also to the needy. What I take home from these three Centuries are:- need not be extravagant when we practise hospitality to an extent where it does not glory God, do good to others out of love and not to have selfish ambition and gain from them because the image of God is in them and not to expect reciprocation from them . We can start hospitality in small step and or practise hospitality within a small group at home. We do not need to wait for a big amount of funds before practising hospitality to strangers or others.

The most practical point that I have picked up is the part is “send on one’s way”. Many a time being in the position as a host, receiving guests (from other countries) into our house we will try to understand their health condition so that we may provide them the need like what a mum would do to their child. Thinking I’ve shown care and love enough. When the last day for the guest to leave for their country, I just see them off or at most sent them to Airport, Bus Terminal. In this lesson, I realised that I have omitted on the point “propempō” with meant to send with good wishes. Now, I know that it is our duty to see that the guest is provided with what he needed to take him to reach his next destination. It ranges from Ticket for Air flight, Ferry or other means of transport, food and any other needs like medication if necessary as well as a prayer for journey mercy and blessing.

What is most challenging to me is not the point where we are to be hospitable to strangers and others, neither is the fear of unpleasant unforeseen circumstances arises that will hold me back from being hospitable. My biggest concern is what will bring harm to my immediate family members or disagreement that may lead to argument and dispute. Therefore without full agreement, blessing and support from everyone, I will not extend my assistance to strangers/others. In time of crisis, we can put our thought and ideas together to resolve it as a team. The bottom line is I WILL NOT scarify the harmony and safety of my family for a stranger. The only solution I can think of is to serve it as a team where “hospitality is a risky business” is a concern.

Bible has clearly revealed to us, God being the host and we being the guests on earth. Being a stranger to this land, it is impossible that we will never need to depend on others. I “may be” to an extend gracious in giving or blessing others, but will I still be graciously receiving assistance or support when I am down and out? Will my pride and ego become an obstacle when being host by someone when in need? Are not both the host and guest a created of God? Throughout our life, we have been a beneficiary of His love, grace and mercy. Now I have learned that whoever hosts me in time of my need is sent by Him. Just give thanks the Him and the host. All glory to God and may all host be blessed abundantly.

Thank you Sis Dav and cheers to all readers of this blog.