We’ve been in training a couple weeks now and it has been both encouraging and stretching. Some of the topics we have covered include Kingdom Growth, Promises of God, Spiritual Warfare, and Shalom. All of these topics have been necessary preparation, but I envisioned our training being mostly focused on professional development. Instead, we have been focusing on our own spiritual growth, and I see now that this is the most important and helpful training there could be.
When the plane lands and we begin working and living out our faith in SE Asia I will need to depend on my Father more than any other time in my life. Drawing close to Him, clinging to His perfect grace, and relying on His strength is what will carry me through. He is the One who called me to this--and He is the One who will be with me every step of the way.
These words from training keep echoing in my mind: “Whether you are in times of joy or hardship, remember that this--all of life--is simply an adventure with Jesus.” It’s easy to think that adventure only comes when you do something crazy (like moving to SE Asia...), but all of life is a wonderful, beautiful adventure with our Savior!
Remember the song by Delirious, "Did you Feel the Mountains Tremble?" It came on the other day while I was praying and God led me to replace the words with the city we will be living in. Our hope during these next couple years is not only to see people find hope in Jesus Christ, but that we would see Kingdom Growth as we "dance upon injustice" by addressing poverty! Try doing it for your city as well--it is really powerful.
Did you feel the mountains tremble
Did you hear the oceans roar
When (Southeast Asia) rose to sing of
Jesus Christ the risen one
Did you feel the people tremble
Did you hear the singers roar
When the lost began to sing of
Jesus Christ, the saving one
And we can see that, God, You're moving
A mighty river through the nations
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide, you heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord
Open up the doors and let the music play
Let the streets resound with singing
Songs that bring Your hope
Songs that bring Your joy
Dancers who dance upon injustice
And here we see that, God, You're moving
A time of jubilee is coming
When young and old return to Jesus
Fling wide, you heavenly gates
Prepare the way of the risen Lord!