Couple months ago, a friend told me about an evangelism mission trip to Taiwan and North Vietnam and invited me to go. Though it sounded exciting, but in my head I already said no for many reasons. Money for the trip was out of the question. Work had been very slow and I wasn’t sure how long the company would last. And spiritually, I wasn’t sure if I was ready for this. My friend encouraged me to pray about it

So, I spent time in prayer with God that week, finding what God wanted to speak to me about. It was strange because the whole time I was thinking it must be about the people over there and what I could do. But it seemed God was saying to me that it is about my relationship with Him that He wanted me to develop through the experience. If you ask me how I know, I don’t, but that was what I felt praying with Him. Why not here local? Why a mission trip? I don’t know. God asked me if I accept it, and I answered Him that I strongly desire for Him and I want the relationship with Him to grow. If the mission trip is the place, then let it be, but He would have to provide the way because right now I don’t see how it is possible for me to go.

That was it. All God needed was an ‘yes’ from me, and He took charge and set wheels in motions. At the time, we were going to use our saving to refinance the house and were looking into different options. But God lead us to the right people to contact, the right program that would reduced our rate almost 2 points, half the loan term, half the closing cost, and little change to the monthly mortgage payment. So He took care the airfare. I then got a ‘go’ after talking to my boss about taking off for few weeks. After discussed and prayed, my wife also OK’ed. Deciding on using our little emergency money for the trip was risky and scary; it would be considered a stupid move really. It’s totally not like me at all, but somehow there’s peace in it. We were holding tight on God’s promise. Or so I thought..

Then came the test. My company was about to shutting down. I was about to finalize the ticket purchase, but then debating whether I should proceed or drop the whole thing. How can I make mortgage payment? How to pay for insurance? How to feed the children? Certainly I have thought of backing out of the promise, but God provided ways to let us know He is in control. Thanks God during this trial, my wife was my strong support. We prayed together each night, and she told me that even with the uncertain of future, she felt great peace. Women could sense problem long before it exist, they say, so what my wife said to me brought me peace as well. It really was God’s way of telling me He’s there, amidst the storm. In fact, He was. There were also many people who prayed for me, and I am so grateful for all. You all are powerful warriors who helped me through, holding my faith, and trust in God. It seemed God constantly reminded me to cast my fear and worries upon Him. He would take care of them as He promise, and I just need to do my part that I had said ‘yes’ to Him. Indeed He did. So last week, I started my new job. The amazing thing is this job I selected by narrowing down company that had no problem with I’m being gone for the mission trip. God is truly amazing.

I am looking forward to this mission trip, deepening the relationship with God. I don’t know what challenge, what’s await ahead but I am excited. I can’t share much detail about the upcoming trip and what to expect, but I will share the experience with you as soon as I can. I am thankful and appreciate for your prayers and thoughts.

My heart is now singing with Chris Tomlin, “I Will Follow”

Where you go, I’ll go
Where you stay, I’ll stay
When you move, I’ll move
I will follow you
Who you love, I’ll love
How you serve I’ll serve
If this life I lose, I will follow you
I will follow you

YouTube - I Will Follow - Chris Tomlin