Over the past few years I felt a strong call from God to go to Southeast Asia. Ever since studying Intercultural Studies at my university and interning in Asia, I have had a strong pull on my heart to return and explore the possibility of long-term ministry. During my time overseas, I fell in love with the people and the culture I encountered and I have grown a deep-seeded desire to see this culture redeemed in light of the gospel (Christ's love made known to us). It is my desire to see Christ redeem this culture with His perfect and transformative love. My hope and desire is to be a vessel and an ambassador of Christ's love to this people group, looking to Christ's life as my example. Just as Christ has met me where I am at, so I also want to meet others where they are at, within their own cultural context, language, and struggles. 1 Corinthians 9:19-23 Paul says,
"[19] For though I am free from all, I have made myself a servant to all, that I might win more of them. [20] To the Jews I became as a Jew, in order to win Jews. To those under the law I became as one under the law (though not being myself under the law) that I might win those under the law. [21] To those outside the law I became as one outside the law (not being outside the law of God but under the law of Christ) that I might win those outside the law. [22] To the weak I became weak, that I might win the weak. I have become all things to all people, that by all means I might save some. [23] I do it all for the sake of the gospel, that I may share with them in its blessings." (ESV)
This is what I model my ministry and life after; doing whatever it takes to make the gospel known and to share with others in its blessings. I know for myself how beautiful and life-giving the gospel is, and I deeply desire for others to experience the joy and new life that it brings. I will be seeking to integrate myself within the community I will be serving in by teaching English or helping to start up a business as a means to spread the Good News. I am passionate about integrating myself into the local community to spread the gospel not only in a spiritual sense also in a tangible and physical sense. I'm excited to present opportunities for the local people to learn English or to have jobs with our business and be presented with Gospel.
I'm excited to embark on this journey and to see not only how God will transform others, but also how He will challenge, stretch, and grow me. I'm also excited to share with all of you how God is moving and working so that you too can share in the joys of what God is doing in Southeast Asia.