To my dear brother William (or Weiliang),
Hey man. It has been almost three weeks since our goodbye in Thailand. I wish I could tell you how it still filled my heart with joy every time I think about our journey. From Malaysia to Thailand; strangers to brothers, neither one of us have thought a trip to Penang would become a life changing experience. I praise God for this amazing, incredible, wonderful story which He wrote in the past couple months. I know you read my blog, so you must be familiar with the way I tell story of the people I met. As much as I want to tell this crazy story to the world, I feel like Holy Spirit asked me to write you a letter instead. Something more personal that you can read whenever you need a little reminder of how much Jesus loves you.
Remember the night when we first met? You began to talk to me while I was practicing guitar for my gig the next day. I was on my laptop, feeling stressed about the limited time I have to practice but you wouldn’t stop asking me questions! Eventually I had to close my laptop and said “OK! Let’s talk.” I love how you could just randomly start a conversation with a stranger and even asked some really good questions! God put this boldness and curiosity in your heart long before you realized it. I am 30 years old man who just started to be more intentional with people, but you are naturally good at that and you even got me understand that I should pay more attention to the person in front of me instead of my laptop. Don’t forget that! God is going to put a lot of people in your life where you will use your gift to connect with them like you did with me.
From “Red Inn Court” you began traveling with us. Monkey beach, hiking, breaking into canopy, getting stranded on the island, having meal after meal, going to PHOP, joining our team time, bible study, and worship……You follow everywhere we go no matter how boring or fun or crazy it is. You didn’t care if we went on an extremely intense hike or moving from different cities every other day with long bus ride. You always have this “Yes!” spirit. See this adventurous heart of yours? You will need it everyday as your new life with Jesus. You will follow Jesus like you did with us, you will not know where He takes you and what will happen. But Go! Just go! You may not always understand the reason behind His directions but if He bring you to it, He will bring you through it. I am excited for the next step/place God has for you.
As we were traveling, you often showed the great desire of seeking truth. You know how you are always hungry? I thought I eat a lot but you eat like 8 meals a day! The way you are hungry for food is the same way you are hungry for truth. You fearlessly asked us (and me a lot in Cantonese) some of the toughest questions about the gospel; you were always reading the Bible like 3 times (meals) a day wasn’t enough; we encouraged you to start by reading John but you had your mind set on reading the Old Testament; you even read our team book “God guides”! Your (Spiritual and physical) hunger shocked me every single day! Jesus said “I am the bread of life. Whoever comes to me will never go hungry, and whoever believes in me will never be thirsty” (John 6:35). William, stay hungry for God! Because He will and He can fill you more and more.
We both know how much you eat. However, I noticed whenever you ate, you would always share your food. Yet you didn’t ask anything in return or you would reject us when we wanted to bless you. We already talked about receiving the same way as you give on the beach so I won’t repeat it twice. But I want to tell you how much I admire your love for people and your generosity. That night you helped the blind man to cross the road before I even saw him. You are sensitive and quick to see the needs around you, and you don’t hesitate to help. “Truly I tell you, whatever you did for one the least of these brothers and sister of mine, you did for me”(Matthew 25:40). Jesus reminds us to not underestimate the small things we do for others because we do it for Jesus. I know you often feel like you haven’t done enough. While it is good that you don’t want to stop giving, remember this: “Not all of us can do great things. But we can do small things with great love.” as Mother Teresa once said. Your kind heart touched me and motivates me to pay closer attention to the needy around me. Remember that!
Now I am going to talk about your sensitive side. Don’t worry, I am not trying to embarrass you. It is absolutely God’s intention to put this emotional side in men. With everything we have been through, I honestly would say the most memorable moment (other than the night you accepted Jesus then got baptized) was that time we prayed and talked in tears at the beach. Oh man, I seriously haven’t cried like that in years! Yes, I do recall you said you didn’t know why you were crying. It doesn’t matter what was the reason really. You were real to us. You never hid your true feelings in front of us. You said things may change in this generation. I think the change not only implies to your belief but also to your vulnerability. Boys were taught they should not cry and be tough growing up. That’s false. While God is the one strengthening us, He is also the one who blessed us with emotions.“Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight” (Proverbs 3:5-6).
Frankly I could go on forever to tell you more or……I could just message you on Facebook. Well, I hope this will help you see how God has made you wonderfully with all the unique qualities and characteristics. You are one special young man! “People may think its is stupid with the way I seek truth but it is ok.” You once said. Brother, it is the coolest story the way you found His truth! A journey with our all loving Father is never an ordinary journey! Whenever you are discouraged or feeling defeated, read this. Remember all that God has done before you even met Him. Things will fail us in life but God is always faithful and He never fails us. If you think the fusion squad has showed you love, know that God loves you way way way more. I am so proud to call you my brother in Christ. See you soon!
Love,
Nat Lee
