Thursday, July 15, 2004
Back from East Asia. No matter how much I write, I would not do the trip justice. So everyone who's never been on short term missions, I strongly suggest that you experience it for yourself. I can't wait to go on my next trip. I definitely received a lot more than I gave. You may ask, so how do you feel about that? Well, God works in miraculous ways, Jesus said, "No one who has left home or brothers or sisters or mother or father or children or fields for me and the gospel will fail to receive a hundred times as much in this present age and in the age to come, eternal life." Mark 10:29-30
Prior to the trip, I was wandering how God can use me. In the 2 weeks there, God opened up opportunities and I shared my testimony 7 times. Praise God. It is a humbling experience.
Few things I learned:
* During the first few days, I was disappointed to learn that this was not the trip I envisioned. I wanted to hike up steep mountains, walk through muddy rivers, sit in bumpy bus rides and take cold showers. I wanted to do more work so that I can come back and tell all my supporters how much we endured. However, God used Jamie to remind me that I missed the big picture. A big part of going on mission and our everyday life is to enjoy God and to thank Him for it. Since I was so intense, I was blind to see God's grace, mercy and the amazing things that God's been doing.
* On one of our days off, I went to the local christian bookstore just to buy some gifts. However, it so happened that there was a small gathering there and God used me when I least expected to share my testimony to a non-believer.
* I had a really tough time coming back to work after 3 weeks of being away. It was so miserable to a point where I felt like quitting and walking out. But during lunch, God encouraged me and lifted me up and made me see one of the purpose why He placed me where I am. I worked with my boss for 7 years, and I never felt comfortable talking about religion with him. He is much wiser and more knowledgeable than me. But that day, because of the East Asia trip, I was able to share with him about my faith and the conversation just flowed so naturally. Another coworker (who happened to be christian as well) joined me and was able to plant a little seed.
Here's some pictures.
Prior to the trip, I was wandering how God can use me. In the 2 weeks there, God opened up opportunities and I shared my testimony 7 times. Praise God. It is a humbling experience.
Few things I learned:
* During the first few days, I was disappointed to learn that this was not the trip I envisioned. I wanted to hike up steep mountains, walk through muddy rivers, sit in bumpy bus rides and take cold showers. I wanted to do more work so that I can come back and tell all my supporters how much we endured. However, God used Jamie to remind me that I missed the big picture. A big part of going on mission and our everyday life is to enjoy God and to thank Him for it. Since I was so intense, I was blind to see God's grace, mercy and the amazing things that God's been doing.
* On one of our days off, I went to the local christian bookstore just to buy some gifts. However, it so happened that there was a small gathering there and God used me when I least expected to share my testimony to a non-believer.
* I had a really tough time coming back to work after 3 weeks of being away. It was so miserable to a point where I felt like quitting and walking out. But during lunch, God encouraged me and lifted me up and made me see one of the purpose why He placed me where I am. I worked with my boss for 7 years, and I never felt comfortable talking about religion with him. He is much wiser and more knowledgeable than me. But that day, because of the East Asia trip, I was able to share with him about my faith and the conversation just flowed so naturally. Another coworker (who happened to be christian as well) joined me and was able to plant a little seed.
Here's some pictures.
