I can’t believe that the time has come to a close for central Asia. Asia was one of the best surprises God had for me. I learned so much. God gave me a new set of eyes that I am so grateful for.
The freedom we have in America is often taken for granted. I couldn’t post most details due to safety issues. We can’t give out the names of the organizatioins or the people we met, such as leadeship. The people I have met are some remarkable individuals, that I cant thank enough for everything they did for our team.
In these countries, religion has restrictions, or is illegal. One big question I was faced with is whether I would still believe in God if the government said I couldn’t practice christianity? It scared me in the beginning because I was questioning my faith. It is so sad to think that believing in God could end your life. For many people this is their reality. That fear is from the enemy, I was so scared that I didn’t even bring a bible with me because of China. In reality there are more coutries that can cause issues just being in relation with religion. By trusting God, he makes a way for the impossible. When I think of what God has done in these countries, I instantly get emotional.
Three out of four countries were closed countries. China was completely closed, but the other two had more laws. Every church activity had to be done in the church. You weren’t allowed to say anything on the streets, or you could get deported. Even though it is some what acceptable to be Christian in these areas, the culture and families aren’t as accepting. I heard many times that they were scared to tell their parents because they will get shunned. If their parents disowned them, most likely the community would too. This makes it harder to continue your faith and can lead to suicide. So going to closed countries looks completely different. It was hard at times but to see God move was incredible. I felt like day to day we weren’t getting anything spirtual done due to the restriction, but at the end I could see how much God had moved in these areas. I loved hearing others testimonies and also finding other christians, especially in China. One lady sold homemade bookmarks with scriptures on them in the streets of China. One family loved what we were doing and bought our dinner. One of the hostel workers, would see us reading the book of Mark and he soon downloaded the bible app and we found him reading the book of Mark. I have so many more examples on what God did during my time in Central Asia.
Ministry for us, was working with different organizations teaching English. Due to the urgency to learn, we had the chance to meet a lot of college students. The school systems are a little different so college is ages is 15-18. After college, the students would have the oppurtunity to go to University. Teaching at these schools gave us the opportiunties to form relationships. After we established a relationship then we could share our personal stories and testimonies. That is the only way to share the gospel over here besides in the church. Just creating friendships opened up many doors and God could do his work. Each organization had their own academic center so that way there is more opportunities to learn, allowing these relationships to grow deeper. From one week of teaching English, 15 new students started going to their club. The clubs are so much fun and a safe place for these students. They still have a strategic way to spread the Gospel but having these clubs makes it so much easier to gain new students. We aren’t God, so everything that got accomplished was only God, even in the moments of success. One of my favorite programs I helped at was for special needs children from ages 5-40 years old. I loved it. When the children were playing games, singing and dancing to songs, and listening to the message, their moms had a chance to hangout with other moms. We got to talk to them, make crafts, drink tea and have desserts. The moms are so greatful for this program. In their culture, having a special needs child is considered punishment for all your sins and you have the choice to abort the baby if they have special needs. The fathers can leave without any consquences. This law was only passed less than 20 years ago, so in the community they are still treated differently and people will avoid walking pass them so they don’t get the “disease.” Also if the goverment sees a special need child in public that is over a certain age or size, they can take them to a psychiatric hospital. It broke my heart when I heard of this, but having a program like the one we helped at is beneficial to the child, the mother, and the community. It shows they are still God’s children. I pray that that the community continues to open their hearts and mind to these children.
One thing that is relieving is the last couple generations aren’t fully in the muslim religion. It’s more for the families tradition. The muslim religion is held with high respect in these places, yet the people don’t seem happy. Every mosque we saw just seemed to have so much darkness and I noticed even the flowers in the gardens are all very dead looking. It makes me think about how these people may be feeling inside. Glory to God, the younger generations are very open and curious to see what christinity has to offer, but we still need to pray for the other generations, as well as the younger ones. Thank God for the brave individuals that start these organization and keep them growing. I look up to these people in so many ways and can’t admire their courage and boldness enough. They are creating a christian community for all the new believers, raising them up as disciples. They are working with their own organizations or going to be missionaries in countries, where Americans can’t go to. Even if they do get shunned, they will have a community of support. I got to meet four ladies that moved away from their friends and families to a city to help spread the gospel. By listening to what God has told them to do, inspite of challenges of the unknown, they are helping change lives and communities. They are constantly needing help to keep the organizations open, so please keep them in your prayers to send people, resources, and encouragement into their countries. Not only the organizatioins I got work with but all the organizations.
Throughout my time in Asia, I found myself questioning why we have a world filled with poverty, other religions, and a lot of cruel people. How are we going to fix the problem? We aren’t going to, but God will. How powerful is that. It is a testimony itself to see God break religions and set the nations free. This month has taught me to lean on God’s understanding, not on my own. If I do lean on my own understanding, it only leads to a broken heart.
Not only am I saying goodbye to Central Asia but also to my team “Reckless.” We are forming new teams for the next three months before we head to Africa. With that being said, I just wanted to thank you girls for the last four months. From day one, I have seen each and every one of you grow so much and I can’t wait to see what is in store for the rest of the year. Thanks to you girls, you have helped me trust again, and comforted me through a season of healing. We have made friendships that will last forever. It’s not a goodbye, it’s a see you later.
I also want to thank all my friends and family, you have been a huge support system. I would like to ask that you keep my team in your prayers with all these changes. They say month five and six are usually the hardest. Home sickness gets real, especially with the Christmas quickly approaching. Thank you and I love you all. Here are some pictures of some of my memories.
