Trusting Him

I received the following email this week and was so impressed with what Father can do (in a very short amount of time) if we trust Him with our lives. In 2009, this young lady first visited East Asia with her college group during the Christmas season. After graduation, she returned to East Asia to serve for six months. Then, after her six month term ended, she returned (on her own dime) to teach at a local university. Here are her words:

The first time I came to this country was in December 2009. I came out on a two week trip with my college having no idea what I was really getting into. I’d never had any interest in this place whatsoever. It wasn’t one of those situations where I felt this huge burden for this place or people. I just knew I was supposed to come. When it came time to go I was excited, nervous, and feeling incredibly inadequate. We spent our time in different classrooms meeting students and sharing as much as possible. On our last day in that city one of the workers said, “There is such a need out here for C teachers. We have so few. Who knows, maybe someday He will call some of you to come back out here and teach.” I remember that so clearly because at that moment I started to wonder if it was possible that He might call me.

From that time on, I began seeking whether or not that was a call for me. Now, exactly 2 years later, I have my own classroom into which a team (who is on the very same trip I was on in 09) came in last month and shared with my students. One of the girls on that team asked me how I got here, and as I shared my story we were amazed at how similar our stories are. She is asking for direction about possibly returning here as a teacher.

I think so often we don’t realize what kind of awesome plans are waiting if we’ll take that first step of obedience! It is so very easy for us to have a self-focus. I know that because I am the world’s worst. But we are made for so much more than warming a pew, collecting mountains of stuff, eating until we feel sick, and then realizing that no matter what we do we are still just enduring life. I don’t know about you, but I want abundant life. I want joy. I want passion for the things that matter. I want to be emptied of my ugly self and filled by the Sp! I am seeking these things for my life. I want to encourage you that if you’ve never truly asked him what it is He has for you to do, then now is the time.

So many people say they aren’t called to “go” when in reality we all are. I’m not about to say that every C is meant to move overseas. But I am absolutely saying that every C should ask, “Where do you want me to go?”, and then obey. It may very well be that what He has for you is right where you are. But we should never just assume that is the case when we have never asked! It is just as possible that He's calling us to leave what we know and love.

The question is, will we do it? For every excuse we have about why we can't do this or go there, He has the grace, the provision, and the plans to blow them out of the water. Whatever He tells you to do, whether at home or far away, He will provide for and He will equip you for. He delights in using the weak and foolish things so that others will know without a doubt that it’s Him and not us! In the midst of my planning to come here I was having a time of serious doubt about the practical aspects of what I was about to do, and He impressed on my heart so clearly this question, “Can you trust me too much?”

Year of the Dragon

The Chinese Lunar New Year is the ultimate holiday for Chinese worldwide. In East Asia it is the one time of the year when businesses and factories close. The world’s largest annual migration unfolds as millions return to their family home, filling every seat on airplanes, and packing themselves into overflowing trains, buses and cars. Red envelopes filled with cash are exchanged and fireworks light up the night skies as families and friends are reunited, sharing meals that include dumplings, sticky rice and many other culinary treats.

This year, the Chinese New Year will fall on January 23. It provides a perfect opportunity to build friendships with Chinese people in your community.

我 願意 (I am Willing!!)

What a way to begin 2012!! This afternoon, at our BIG English and National Clubhouse, we attended a "dunking" party. Twenty-two people participated. Each one was asked, "Are you willing to follow and serve HIM forever?" Each replied: "我 願意." "I am willing!" Two of the participants were 100 years old and 92 years old. You should have heard them shout out with great gusto, "I am willing!"

One of the participants, Bill, is from our Thursday night Home BOOK Study group. Bill teaches in a local junior high school. Some of you have met him, and others of you have been "yarping" for him for quite a while. Thanks again for all of your support!!