By Justin Chang
Justin Chang (FPC STM in Guogou and Dongshih) Feedback for VGM STM 8/21/08
It was a blessing having the opportunity to go to Guogou and Dongshih for missions this summer. Last year, I also had the opportunity to go and teach English at a one week camp, and last year my patience was tested. God grew in me perseverance and endurance as I struggled to get through each day. This year, the elementary school kids turned out to bring forth similar challenges that I was faced with last year, however, they proved to be even more energetic and mischievous than last year's kids. Again, God grew in me endurance and perseverance, but God did not stop at that. He also grew in me humility and love, revealing His wisdom on how to better care for and fulfill the needs of the children.
Initially, it was easy to come in with a self-confident mindset, thinking that the weeks in Taiwan would prove to be much easier because of the experience acquired from the previous year, but God further pushed me beyond my own abilities. I began to understand that merely persevering through the day and tolerating the kids' mischievous behavior was not enough, but that as the body of Christ, we were to come in love. We were to reach out to the kids that felt left out. We were to identify attitude problems or behavioral issues of the kids, and put forth our efforts in correcting these behaviors. Disciplining was important in correcting these actions, but merely correcting the outward action was not our main concern. Our main concern was to focus on the heart and incentive for the kids' actions. Merely correcting a behavioral issue would only temporarily solve the behavior, and the child would end up repeating the action as though no change took place. By talking it through with the kids and making sure they understood why their actions were wrong, they would then take on a purpose to love and get along with others.
God also grew in me humility through realizing the power of prayer. The Taiwanese coworkers' emphasis on praying over different issues (safety of traveling to school, caring for children's needs, the softening of their hearts, and receptivity of lessons prepared, sing & play, skits, etc.) and their testimonies really reflected the dependence that we should have on God and His providence. I finally began to understand that while we are given the task to plant and water seeds, ultimately, God is the one that grows them. I realized that the work does not begin with us or any other group of people coming to a land unexposed to the Gospel, but that it begins with God. God is already at work in this world, and the spreading of people across the world to proclaim His Good News is only a result of His sending us forth. He has also grown humility in me through morning devotionals with my fellow mission team. Through interacting with them, I have seen the convictions God has placed on their hearts, and it has been truly encouraging to see them share the lessons and items of significance they find in God's Word.
It was a blessing getting to know the Taiwanese coworkers and building on the relationships made. Being able to hang out and work together, as well as share with one another was truly awesome. Hearing the testimonies of others and being able to share our own personal testimonies allowed us to fellowship in ways that were only possible because of our common bond in Christ. I was touched on many occasions by my interactions with the kids. Seeing the children's eagerness and curiosity in learning more about words such as "baptism" and having the chance to talk to them about God was truly an awesome experience.
It was amazing seeing the power of God and His faithfulness in answering prayers. During the second week, one of the most rebellious kids I have ever seen often wrecked havoc during our large meetings and in classes that he was not a part of. Coming here to show compassion and pray for these kids was definitely tough with this child, for his loud, obnoxious manners led me to skepticism of this kid ever changing heart. It was much easier to desire to love and pray for children, who were well-behaved and loving, but through this child, God revealed how great and how sovereign He really is.
A fellow Taiwanese coworker in my class made the effort to reach out to this kid, loving Him and spending time with Him. Many of us had the opportunity to go to the kid's house to visit his family as well as to pray with them. When we prayed with him, he actually ended up giving his life up for Christ and we began to see changes in his attitude at school. While he still sought for attention for himself, he began to take on an intentional love with his interactions with other kids and even teachers. Initially, he would bad mouth others and refuse to cooperate, but throughout the course of the week, he became more and more consistent with a lifestyle of encouraging others, spurring others on during games and performances, saying phrases like "Jia you!" He devotes time each day for prayer and is placing his trust solely in God. To see such a young child, rebellious and obnoxious as he was, completely change and faithfully follow after God has truly revealed to me the power of God. I am only beginning to understand God's sovereignty and grace, slowly seeing more and more that God is way bigger than I make Him out to be. I am also only beginning to understand that those who are hardest to love are the ones that need it the most. God is working in this world, and with God all things are possible. We must not lose hope but continue to shine for rescue is coming, and God is with us.
