“Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit.” Eph 5:18

As usual, the meal began with a round of drinks for everyone.  Even before the rice was served, the empty bowls were filled with rice wine.  Village life is hard. Drinking is one of the Zhuang's simple pleasures.  Drinking together is a sign of friendship and solidarity.  To not drink with ones host would make the host “lose face”.  It also plays an important part in business contracts.

As the host reached their foreign guests' bowl he politely declined with a comment, “No thank you, your wine is too strong for me.”  He knew the reputation the area had for being able to drink, but one story after another came to mind: a friend whose father died of illnesses related to alcohol addiction; another friend's relative that died in a motorcycle accident where alcohol was a factor;  someone else's husband that drank himself to death, leaving a wife with two children.  How does one build meaningful relationships in this culture without getting drunk?  The host was prepared, he produced a bottle of red wine and the foreign guest met him half way with one glass to bridge the gap between them. 

Praise:
1.    For some men that have chosen to avoid alcohol whenever possible.
2.    For Zhuang men that have already come to faith, despite cultural barriers.

Pray:
1.      That the widow, her sons, and her village would come to know Christ.
2.      That many Zhuang men would be set free from bondage to alcohol.
3.      That those who bring the good news of Jesus Christ would find creative ways to relate to Zhuang men without the need to drink.
4.      Pray also for those who are suffering as a result of the damage caused by alcohol.