It took a while to get to China and our ministry site. Ok make that a super long time! 15 hour plane ride, spent about 13 hours in Beijing, and a 19 hour train ride to Harbin where we will be doing ministry for the month. I don’t think I have been so sleep deprived in all my life. Didn’t realize it was so hard to sleep on a train that is full of people. It brought back memories from sleeping on the bus from training camp. If you want to get to know people on your squad well, this is the place to do it. With all this said…I HAVE MADE IT TO FREAKING CHINA!!! (A few weeks ago…that is)
We have spent the first weekend here resting and exploring the city. People and food here are amazing!! Crossing traffic is fun when they don’t stop for you; almost died a few times, (kidding just felt like it, with how close they come.) It has taken time getting used to the new journey that has started just a mere three weeks ago from launch. Fighting off jet lag, tasting new things, getting to know my teammates and squad mates as well.
Ministry has yet to begin but will be starting soon. We were encouraged to do as we explore the ginormous city is pray that the Lord will come in power, and for the Spirit to lead and guide us to someone or make new friends on English corner. I have not been there yet but will tomorrow when we start ministry.
Instead of going to church on our first Sunday here, we did our own service in the courtyard behind the Hostel we are staying at. No one gave a sermon we tuned into the Spirit for what he has for us and what he wants us to tell others. Music was being played in the background and followed by a few worship songs. Where was the music coming from you may ask; well, it was coming from me, (squad leaders asked if I play music.) I just led my whole squad in worship in freaking China!!! The Spirit of the Lord was ever present while I played and watching all these Chinese people gather around. I am not sure if they knew what we were singing; I’m sure they felt something new they never felt before. Seeing them light up in curiosity with what were doing is a small taste of what the Lord will do this month here in China.
I was getting super excited to see how the Lord was going to use me this month. Praying and hoping to meet many eager Chinese people who wanting to hear the Gospel. Does God sometimes answer prayers in a way you did not expect? Of course! Did he do that? Yes! When I prayed this prayer I did not meet many eager Chinese people, I met some. To be honest this month felt like vacation; I did not want it to be, it was where we were going for ministry. The Lord had something different in store for me, it just took a while to realize what it was.
Part 3 and video blog coming soon…
