“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.
