Going into China I asked to be humbled and for trials. God granted my request.
Pulling up to the orphanage by way of bus, my team and I were met by countless children with huge smiles on their faces and hands waving continuously in a hi-motion. I could not help but smile and feel excited for what was to come. The next 5 days went by in a blur. Biking to the town for ice cream, playing basketball, teaching the Macarena, helping with countless arts and crafts, decorating the cafeteria, singing praise songs, participating in morning exercise, reading my books, and just spending time with all the children.
Then it happened suddenly. Numerous team members began getting sick, the children began getting sick, and we learned that one of the visiting members from China had tested positive for the H1N1 virus. Immediately we were quarantined and sent off to the country to a hotel controlled by the Chinese provincial government. Isolated 1 to a room, we were given ample time to reflect on what had just happened and why were being disciplined. Most of the time I spent my time on my bed listening to sermons on my computer and reading my Bible seeking answers. After one prayer session, I had confirmation. I must be as King David and be a man after God's heart. Instead of worrying about what is next (Do not boast about tomorrow for you do not know what a day may bring forth, Provers 27), I am to be confident in uncertainty because of my trust in God's sovereignty. I prayed for trials, but selfishly I asked for complete physical safety. God revealed to me that I have no power over him and he does not operate according to my demands. Instead, I am to revere and fear my Lord for he is sovereign. My inability to rely on any of my abilities to control the situation resulted in a complete reliance on God. As a result, there was never any panic or anxiety; instead, a unexplainable peace inundated within me. What a rebuke...I was being cared and supplied for by unbelievers (nice room, A/C, bathroom, food, TV, exercise time, and more)...I have no right to complain of my situation. God allowed for empathy to enter my heart as my focus in prayer became the children and their health.
Missions became a much more serious issue. Missions is not about having fun and using God's blessings inefficiently. It is about discipling and training people in order to glorify and further God's kingdom.
Stick to my strong convictions.
There is so so so much I left out, but these couple of paragraphs should suffice for now.
Some of the main themes:
Romans 8:28
Proverbs 3:5
Mathew 5:43-47
As of now, I am in Korea about to begin my training program to teach in an elementary school in the countryside.
Until next time,
Cheers
3 comments:
mmm indeed the Lord is sovereign over any situation at any time. amen to that brutha :D
man seriously, trials come to purge us, mold us, and shape us into Christ's likeness... SO AWESOME! I'm glad your time in China was awesome. I can't wait to hear more when you come back. :]
I hope things are coo in korea! :D let me know how i can pray for ya! :D
DANG
that sounds crazzeeeeeeey
i'm glad you're aite now and that you were able to reflect. you godly stud beast.
praying for you man - have fun training in korea. man your students are going to be so lucky to have the best teacher ever
too awesome man [: I'm glad the testing of your faith is developing your steadfast love for God! I spent the last week with very little technology (pretty much light and stage sound gear), and it was too awesome!!! miss you dude! time flies by so fast that we'll gather again in no time [: much love, bro!
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