How I Was Called to the Mission Field

 

It began many years ago when I purchased a backpack without knowing its purpose or its journey.  Yet, throughout these years of sitting in my closet, it contained my hopes and dreams of one day being a useful vessel.  That day has arrived at last.

 

Adventure: Since middle school, my educational and career aspirations have guided my next steps.  After two years at Asian Human Services (www.ahschicago.org), I became increasingly restless and eagerly anticipated the next steps.  To that end, I applied and got accepted into a graduate program in Clinical Psychology, which would further my career and challenge me clinically and educationally.   At the same time, I was encouraged by several of my friends to explore other options before committing to my career.  Despite my plans to go to graduate school, I still felt unsettled, like I was missing something.  This feeling of restlessness unnerved me.  I began to search for domestic missions opportunities for August between resignation from work and before school began.  I came across the World Race, but didn’t think much at the time, since I was heading to graduate school.  I sent Nathan, my brother, an e-mail sharing how exciting an opportunity this looked and went to bed that night not thinking that much about it.  The next morning, I awoke, thinking about it and the adventure bug had bit! Jeremiah 29:11 “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the Lord…”  Even when I do not know what His plans are for me, I pray that He will continue to align mine with His.”

 

Service:  God’s call to His disciples is to love the world He created, His people, and His purposes.  Psalm 140:12 ” I know that the Lord secures justice for the poor and upholds the cause of the needy.”  Hebrews 13:2-3 “Do not forget to entertain strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.  Remember those in prison as if you were their fellow prisoners, and those who are mistreated as if you yourselves were suffering.”  While growing up in the United States has given me many advantages, it is with a humble spirit that I go, not to change the world, but to experience their strength, their resilience, and their hope, while sharing with them mine.  I go knowing that while I may touch their lives with a smile or a helping hand, they will inevitably and indelibly change mine. 

 

Community:  For several years in Chicago, I searched for a church home, a community of believers who supported each other, speaking truth in love to each other.  Throughout college, I was served, worshipped, and fellowshipped with Intervarsity Christian Fellowship, Multi-ethnic chapter.  During graduate school and my first couple years of working, I attended a multi-campus mega church outside of Chicago, where I served and worshipped, but lacked fellowship.  Because of my work schedule and the distance from my church, I was unable to find a small group that fits my needs.  In September, I began seeking a new church home where I may experience Christian community in the vast city of Chicago.  While I found an amazing small group at Park Community Church, I desire to continue to discover what true Christian community looks like through the good and the bad. 

 

The World Race is a once in a lifetime opportunity to love God’s people and challenge myself to grow and to learn. 

Stay posted for my next blog of expectations for my trip…