After breakfast and worship, Jesse taught a class that gave us an introduction to Buddhism. This was good preparation for our afternoon visit to a Buddhist temple, and gave us a basic framework to go with questions.
The class was followed with a question and response panel discussion. The panelists were long-term ministry staff. Our group had given them questions about many aspects of ministry, Anabaptism, and following Jesus in real life. The panelists gave gracious, thoughtful, experienced responses, and the hour passed very quickly.
After lunch, we walked 20 minutes to a Buddhist temple. On the top floor, we sat on the floor and talked with one of the monks who lives there. He was very friendly and gracious, and he talked about pursuing peace and simplicity. Afterward, he asked to take a group picture with us.
Back at the center, Seth gave a class on “Go Make Disciples” to inspire us to incorporate discipleship and outreach wherever we are.
The two interns led the way to the subway that took us to Flushing, the real, not-touristy Chinatown. We all enjoyed finding various dumplings and noodles in an enormous food court then found delicious bubble tea.
From Flushing, the group took the subway to Manhattan and a ferry to see the golden city lights from the Hudson River.
