In the days leading up to our departure to China, my anxiety was extremely high. My team was so excited to go, while I was the only one not thrilled. I wanted to go but again my safety and security felt at risk. Thoughts were racing in my head about the expectations I had for God. I had the expectation to feel and see him at all times. I expected him to be with me wherever I go. That’s when he told me that he has never left me. My mind keeps questioning my trust in Him. It feels like I keep losing and then gaining trust throughout this journey. It seems as though I give it over to him but then take it back, in a repeated process.
I knew ahead of time that I was going to China. God had already told me to pack my bags but I was trying to find a way around it. I thought the visa process was going to take a couple of weeks, but my team was the quickest out of my squad. It took us two days to receive ours. So I packed my bags and decided to really trust God’s plan.
In my head I had already came up with an idea of how it was going to be crossing the border and going through customs. To my surprise, it was the complete opposite. We had so many people willing to help us out with the whole process including getting to our apartment which was over ten hours away. After my first step off of the train, my anxiety was completely gone and has been ever since. When I look back at that day I can see how God’s hand was in every moment of it. I knew the rest of our time here would be just as rewarding as it was that day.
Once I crossed the border all I could see was China’s flag. The flag was massive in size and it stood out the most it ever has. I realized how big this “red flag” was and that it was everywhere around us. I have never seen that many flags before. I think that it stood out so much because when we were passing the flag at the border I could hear the loudest cry for help, for the people of China. The population of China is 1.42 billion people. This nation is suffering because they are trying to do everything possible to eliminate religion, especially christianity. The defintion of a red flag is a warning of danger. In this case I could not ignore the red flag, but I can do my part in helping. It is a closed country but God placed a sense of urgency in me. Every relationship or interaction I had with people had to count. People say don’t put that pressure on yourself because you’re only one person. For these people it is life or death. This country is in a crisis right now. These are our brothers and sisters and they’re chained in strongholds and bondage.
Over the course of one month many relationships were formed and many seeds were planted. Loving people like Jesus did gives off a light that people are attracted to and that opens so many doors. I cry looking back at how God’s plan played out without realizing. The language barrier was extremely difficult but it never ceased to amaze me the amount of people who spoke English. When my teammates went to go get train tickets a pastor helped with the translation. The hotels we were near were so kind in helping us set up transportation even if we weren’t staying there. The government has a tight hold of control in China. Almost everything is done through an app, including the buying of food and taxis. Several people we have met have helped us with purchasing food. We have gotten to meet so many different people from all over the world. I’m sad to leave a country that treated us so well because I am aware that there is still a lot of work to be done in China. I pray that the hearts in China are opening up and can receive the love and freedom one can only get from God. It is an experience they deserve and need.
Red flags aren’t only in China but they are also back home. They are in our neighborhoods, families, and even can be yourself. In our society, it is normal to ignore the signs until is too late. I encourage everyone to pray for those around you and do as much as you can to help them. The people behind a “red flag” are usually the kindest people. They may just need some help getting through some deep rooted issues. Even though we have the freedom to practice religion, that doesn’t mean that we don’t have people suffering.
This month I learned how to trust God deeper than ever. My eyes were opened to see so much more. Bad things can happen but amazing things can happen, too. Being able to see and be apart of the amazing things was an advantanage of trusting God. I thank God for China and all that I have learned. I can only imgine what is in store for the next 9 months. Here are some pictures of the beautiful people of China.
