Saturday, December 1, 2012

Departure


“We give thanks to you, O God; we give thanks, for your name is near. We recount your wondrous deeds. Let heaven and earth praise him, the seas and everything that moves in them.” As this time in Southeast Asia has now come to a close I am greatly reminded that this life is but a blink of an eye in the eyes of our Father. As He is the holder of time it is but a breath that we exist on this earth; may it be used for His glory. As recently stated by a wonderful friend, our hope is that “Glimmer of light will dawn in the darkness.” As the only way to the Father, our desire is for the name of the Son to be made known. Filling the mountains, rice fields and shorelines of Southeast Asia exist numerous kinds of people with many different systems of belief. I have been honored to proclaim Truth among these that had never heard before. In addition, I rejoice to have experienced a glimpse of eternity as numerous tongues bowed their knees together before the One True King.

I struggle to fully put into words those things in which I have seen and learned in this place. As I reflect and consider the past six months, I can’t help but notice that great differences exist between the society in 
which I have come from and the 
one I have recently lived in. These differences not only exist spiritually but rather incorporate one’s entire way of life. Buildings are different, landscape if different. Food is different and people are different. This past week, lining the streets of our city for hours were motorcycles and vehicles. Hoping that gas would come to the gas station, people napped on the side of the road until the lines moved forward by only a few meters. The same day the shortage of gas broke out, a citywide power outage occurred. As we were in the middle of our church service, we continued by flashlights. But yet the believers weren’t moved by such an inconvenience. However, the power outage created chaos through intersections as traffic lights no longer worked. It became a free for all game to make it through traffic. Even seeing with my own eyes the trials that come with such circumstances it is inconceivable that a society can operate under such conditions. 
It truly is the Son that makes the greatest difference in one’s life. These issues are minimal in comparison to the veiled souls that are present here and therefore I am reminded of the following verse, “Who have I in heaven but you? And there is nothing on earth that I desire besides you. My flesh and my heart may fail, but He is the strength of my heart and my portion forever.” Paul teaches that we are to help the poor and the poor is what has been made visible to me while in Southeast Asia. What I consider to be my worth has been challenged in this place. I am grateful for these many opportunities that have caused me to rely on Him in ways I would otherwise choose not to.

As we finish our last days here we will celebrate our time in Southeast Asia alongside our friends at the KITA English Club as well as with our weekly home gathering. As they have prepared going away gatherings for us, I ask that you remember these moments, as they could be furthered opportunities to proclaim good news. Please also remember the workers that are remaining after our departure. They are continuing efforts that are only possible through the petitions offered by those of like-mind.

I thank you for your continued support for Rebekah and I. I can truly say that we have coveted your prayers and are forever grateful for those intercessions made on our behalf. During our time here I have learned much with the greatest lesson being revealed truth regarding the character of the Son. I look forward to the next phase of opportunity the Father has prepared for me. However, as we now transition back to the U.S.A., I look forward to hearing of the events that have taken place in the lives of those back home. Thank you for your love and support.