It is still a bit surreal to think that our 5 weeks in E. Asia have come and gone. We are so thankful to have experienced what we did this summer and for the relationships that we’ve built. Thanks to the internet, the relationships that we’ve built with some of our roommates and students are not over – ah, the awesomness of emails, gchats, and vchats. :)
There are many things that we give glory to God for – from lessons learned, paradigms shifted, new believers discipled, one of our roommates possibly being saved, a couple of our roommates baptized during the summer, relationships built, meeting amazing missionaries and hearing their stories, receiving and discovering spiritual gifts, experiencing spiritual battle but also the victory that comes from Christ as we warred with prayer, fasting, and worship, amongst many other blessings. Thank You, God. :)
Our takeaways are unique to each of us. Here they are:
Grace Shih
I’m really glad that I got to go this summer—it was a good transition trip for me because it taught me to live with the intentionality of the bigger picture, to think about G’s plan and not my own. So ideally I wanted to stay in NYC, but that’s not happening, and I’ve been totally grudging about having to stay in CT, but there must be a reason I had to come back—I just don’t see it yet. The Father’s got to have a plan, and so with the bigger picture in mind, I look forward to what He’s going to show me.
Joyce
It was amazing to see our father at work through the lives of everyone we met. I could really see that he gave joy to those who were downcast and families to those who had lost their families. His love was amazing in the lives of the teachers and students we met!
Matt
I think I learned how to rely on God more. When I don’t know what to pray or how to worship….to rely on God to give me the words. When I don’t know what to do or say in a given situation (like meeting up one on one with somebody)….to rely on God to guide me during that time. Also, I learned about how important the body of Christ is. Not only do we need to work together to best do God’s work, but we also need each other to stand firm against the attacks of the evil one; we NEED each other for our own spiritual survival. And one last thing is I learned how connected the global body of Christ is. How what one brother or sister is doing half way around the world is completely relevant and important to my own life here. It doesn’t matter how far apart we are physically, spiritually we are side by side striving for God.
Dahae
If anything, I’ve learnt of the groundings of my heart. For example, I knew I needed patience because my heart was full of impatience. God granted me a difficult co-teacher, presenting trying circumstances. I knew I needed humility. With the overflow of gifts, blessings, and the Holy Spirit’s annointing, I was constantly reminded that all ownership of creativity, talent and “spirituality” belonged solely to God alone. Leaving behind China, I realized, even more so the lessons God began overseas. Meeting new people fills my heart with joy. But, as I travel to new places, God tests me to a place of consideration. Where does my joy lie in? My circumstances, my finances, my friends, my surrounding may change, but will I still worship? Will I still be joyful? Does my joy lie in the Lord? I cared not of tithing. God showed me the importance of giving on a regular basis. I cared not of fasting. God showed me that strength comes to those who deny the enemy’s claims in the flesh. I did not care for many things and yet God grew my heart to accept what He desired for me- a servant fully equipped for the road ahead.
Sam
God is moving—everywhere—and He wants us to be a part of His work wherever we are. Witnessing at the university how God has and continues to use so many different people to advance His Kingdom gave me a greater sense of how big God is, and how totally sovereign He is. This has given me a renewed desire to live with a kingdom-mindset back here in the States.
Julia
My greatest takeaway is a lesson that I’m so thankful to have learned: that the battle is the LORD’s. Amidst the continual attacks of the enemy that seemed to be daunting, I was reminded that the Spirit of the Lord will raise a standard against him. We may be small in number and the enemy might raise a hoopla to daunt us, but we are on the winning side. I also learned that the key to spiritual warfare are : (1) prayer, (2) fasting, (3) worship… all in community (unity!) and love. We came out victorious because of Christ (yea-yuh).
I also realized that getting caught up in eternal, Kingdom labor is deeply satisfying. It is at the moment where we lose ourselves (i.e. our comforts, preferences, problems, etc) that we truly GAIN and that we truly LIVE. There ain’t nothing like it. :)
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Thanks SOOOO much for praying for us and for supporting us on this journey during the 5-6 weeks. We would love to share our stories with you, so if you see any of us at church, feel free to grab us to chat!
With love in Christ,
Asia 5-week Team
