STM Guatemala Sharing

Anna Ling

And the LORD, He is the One who goes before you. He will be with you, He will not leave you nor forsake you; do not fear nor be dismayed. (Deuteronomy 31:8, NKJV)

In all my years as a Christian, among the A-E (Adoring, Becoming, Connecting, Discovery & Evangelizing), E has always been my weakest link. I am ineloquent, lack people skills and am not a people person. Conveying the Good News to the non-believers I know is considerably difficult, let alone reaching out to strangers I don't know. This was also what's in many people mind when I told them I was going to a short-term mission.

When I signed up for the trip, I knew it was He who told me to go. He told me that I have been procrastinating for too long and none of my excuses were valid. He has greatly blessed me throughout the years and it's just not fair if I keep the blessings all to myself. I know it is His will for me to go, yet it doesn't mean I was not scared.

My sense of insecurity started showing up the week before our trip. Nightmares of going to an unknown city facing a crowd of strangers haunted me. I got nervous, kept losing track of my thoughts and tears dropped down uncontrollably. Noticing my problems, a sister in Christ reminded me to put my trust in God. Relax and let Him do the job. The whole thing isn't about me doing anything but me experiencing God and seeing His greatness.

The time we spent in the camp helped us to bond not only with the children but all the brothers and sisters who joined the retreat. We were warmly welcomed and quickly included in their big family. Because of Christ, we were not strangers but brothers and sisters. Through casual chats we learnt a lot of the hardships the local Chinese are facing: robberies, kidnappings, hijacking, just to name a few. Almost everyone has been a victim of some sort of crimes. Hearing their stories reminded me how blessed I am to grow up in a healthy loving family, able to finish my study, get an engineering job and live a decent life in a safe area. Everything we take for granted may actually be something people have been striving for in their whole life, yet not able to reach. We can never be thankful enough for everything God has granted us.

Life may be difficult, but hardship isn't able to rob the joy from the Christians in Guatemala City. Brothers and sisters can openly joke about a kidnapping experience because they know it was God who had kept them safe. Cancer survivors live their lives to the fullness because they understand that life is a gift of God. Trials may drag people down and even trap some in self-pity, but trials may also brings people closer to God as we see in these brothers and sisters: no matter how bad the situation is, God is there with us carrying us through. We should not be feared or dismayed because we are never alone. He will make a way even when there seems to be no way out.

Great thing in STM/G (2): Recognition by the local church

Our visitations started two days after the camp. I was very excited, yet extremely nervous. Talking to strangers is always a very stressful event to me. Not knowing what to say or how to response can always leave me speechless and make the situation very awkward. I kept praying to God to open my mouth and guide my speech, tell me what to say and show me what to do. I'm weak and He is my only strength. Knowing my weaknesses, God prepared our way and kept me in company. We thought we were serving the Church when we took care of the kids at the retreat. In fact it was the opportunity God gave us in bonding with the kids and connect to their non-believing parents outside the camp. The common interest - the well being of their children - greatly opened up the communication channels. The Holy Spirit worked through us and taught us to speak the right words at the right moment.  We were so glad that we could share the joy of witnessing a person accepting Christ. We know that it wasn't our work but the work of the Holy Spirit and a lot of brothers and sisters who relentlessly sowed the seeds and watered the plants. Without God preparing the way for us, we wouldn't be able to see the success. We were reaping the harvest and sharing the joy with all who work together to spread His words.

Great thing in STM/G (1): Ice-cream indulgence after the Easter retreat camp

Going on a short-term mission trip is great. It opens our eyes to a new world and the wonderful work of God. I wish all of you could share the same experience and the joy of being used by God. May He continue to work through us and use us to spread the Gospel to people around us. We may feel uneasy stepping out of our comfort zone, but God will sure be there with us, guiding us all the way through.

God will make a way when there seems to be no way

He works in ways we cannot see, He will make a way for me.
He will be my guide, hold me closely to His side.
With love and strength for each new day, He will make a way. He will make a way.