When I first considered joining the Inland mission’s team, I was disappointed because I had other plans for that week. However, as the time drew near and the need for more English speaking members arose, God seemed to change my heart and plans. So when I showed interest in joining the team I was warmly welcomed.
Our time of preparation was both rewarding and challenging. It was rewarding because I got to meet several new people from within NHM, and I got to learn about both the heart for those in Hapcheon and the need that was there. But it was also challenging because I was also preparing for my mission’s trip to Japan, which was really capturing my heart as well. So over time it became increasingly more difficult to put all of my efforts into the Inland mission. Then, when I came back from Japan, it was hard to refocus myself on the Inland mission because both my heart and mind remained in Japan. I expressed this difficulty to several close friends who included it in their prayers (which helped), however I still felt somewhat guilty of not being as dedicated to the Inland mission as the other team members.
As we arrived in Hapcheon, I continued to pray that God would soften my heart towards the people of Hapcheon. I also prayed that even though I felt inadequate and slightly displaced, that He would be at work both in and through me.
Overall, I felt that the mission’s trip ran more or less smoothly, and that the Spirit of God was at work in the lives of those at camp. It was encouraging to see how the children warmed up to us and truly appreciated what we had to offer.
Though I was uncertain of how God was going to use me and what he was going to teach me through this mission’s trip, he was faithful. As I was obedient and relied upon Him, when I felt like I had nothing more to give, He worked in and through me. So He challenged me yet again to trust that He knows best. He also really showed me that all of the children of this world are His and just how much He loves and cares for them regardless of where they’ve come from or where they are today. As Christians, we are to love God and others; we are to do our best to be reflectors of God’s love to the world. I was also both challenged and blessed by the cultural experience which took place in Hapcheon, having been a very Korean environment.
No comments:
Post a Comment