Hello friends & family!
I am so happy to be sending you a little update on my recent adventures and future plans! I hope that all of you have had a wonderful Christmas and New Year! I was privileged to spend the 2011/2012 holiday season in Taiwan and other parts of southeast Asia this year. Here are a few of the highlights...
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| Ministry at a military school in Taiwan (we performed dramas centered on Jesus, preached the Gospel, played games, and got to know them) Our wonderful team of 5 girl students, along with my co-leader, Jimmy, and I headed to Taiwan at the beginning of December. Taiwan is, religiously-speaking, a very open country. We were able to visit many different elementary, middle, and high school classes, a university, a military school, among various churches and youth groups. During these visits we performed different dances, skits, and dramas centered on the origin of Christmas. We also preached the Good News of how much Jesus loves each and every one of them. We met many young people who chose to give their lives to Jesus, and others who were touched - and sometimes surprised - to hear the true meaning behind why we celebrate Christmas. Our entire team grew closer with each other, grew close with our Taiwanese contacts & friends, and continued to be amazed at the wonderful things the Lord was doing all around us. We had so much fun! |
After celebrating the beginning of 2012 in Taiwan, we headed to another country for the next 7 weeks of our missions outreach. Because of security concerns (and being unable to email our contacts regarding specific ministries), we were unsure as to what type of ministry we would be able to do. To our surprise and excitement, God gave us wonderful contacts who had set up plenty of different ministries for us to take part in. We were set up to help out at a local elementary school during the week, running english conversation times in a cafe on the weekends, and a Bible study for older folks at a local restaurant every Thursday. These were all weekly planned events. But, what we weren’t expecting was all of the doors to open in front of us! On a couple occasions, we found ourselves able to worship Jesus - guitar, voices, and all - in the middle of the city! Considering that the country we were in is a religiously-closed nation, this is not typically a safe thing to do. But, the city we stayed in is a little less strict (plus we were singing mainly unknown worship songs to the Lord, which helps). In addition to worshiping our Jesus in the open, we were also able to help the long-term missionaries there form new relationships and connections with a local government church branch. This country allows government churches, but they are very strict in the regulations, and typically the attendants, though believing in Jesus, are not necessarily walking in depth of relationship with Him. Our team were the first foreigners to be invited to run a Bible study in one of the church branches, and perform dances, dramas, and preach in the main church. This was a huge honor for our team, but an even more amazing open door for the long-term missionaries here. God is so clever! We were even able to run a three-day Winter English Camp for Korean missionary kids to this country. It was not easy, but the Lord taught our team so much about His great love for his children. What a blessing!
We had been hoping to visit a village at some point in these three months. But, due to high costs, it was looking like we would not be able to. Well, with God all things are possible! (Mark 10:27) The woman we had connected with to help run the Bible study on Thursdays, really took to our team. :) Long story short, she felt led to pay for our team to visit a few villages in the countryside. She even provided all of the costs of the trip; transportation, food, etc. We were able to see a new part of the country, and were especially excited at the opportunity to love on and witness to the two translators with us who did not know Jesus. We visited a few villages in the area, praying everywhere we went, and even worshiping publicly on one occasion. God paved the path, and we just got to walk in it!
I have never seen more unplanned doors opening on an outreach before. My heart truly is to spur on the long-term missionaries everywhere I go. Three months is still a short-term mission, as far as I am concerned. And, being able to help open new doors for our long-term contacts is one of my greatest privileges.
At the beginning of this quarter & outreach, the Lord told me that this was going to be a FUN outreach! It was difficult for me to imagine. But, knowing that my God is faithful to fulfill His promises always, I clung to that word, reminding myself of it multiple times while on outreach. And, I can confidently say that this was the most FUN I have had on an outreach. I love watching God move and love in other countries! It causes me to look forward to the day when all of those who choose Jesus will worship God together! All nations, tribes, and tongues. What a beautiful sound! What a wonderful day! It’s coming!!
So, thank you again to all of you who supported me in this particular outreach. Your financial and prayer support makes all the difference. And, God used it! Thank you for partnering with me. :)
And, Lord, I love you! Thank you for an incredible outreach. Thank you for teaching me more and more about your love for ALL people and the wonderful ways You love to fulfill Your promises. I love my life with you, Lord! I am privileged to be loved by You, to love You back, and to love others in Your name. :)
~Megan
