In a recent newsletter, Dr. Steve Oliver (seminary professor and missionary in Taiwan) wrote, “Taiwan’s Stock Market rose to the 4th in value worldwide (after the U.S., China, and Japan). This is amazing considering that Taiwan takes up only 0.02% of the world’s land space and also considering that Chinese were among the poorest 150 years ago (when England, the U.S., Germany, France & the Netherlands were richest)!
“Why? High Tech, especially semiconductors. Taiwan is the stone the builders rejected (U.N. and most countries) that became the chief cornerstone of High Tech since everyone now depends on Taiwan for the most advanced semiconductors that are the heart of most high-tech stuff.
“I pray that Taiwanese believers will use this power, wealth, and influence to glorify God and bless people, and to spread the Gospel to the ends of the earth (Matthew 28:19-20)!
“I took the photo above of my students [at China Lutheran Seminary] singing in the choir during our morning chapel and realized that they are all high-tech Taiwanese engineers (two are PhDs), now turning that power into theological studies and ministry. Perhaps because these very smart men found a lack of fulfillment in the high competition materials world, they are now giving their lives to serve full-time in church for the Lord.
What a privilege and also responsibility as I help them transition from science and technology to theology, mission, and shepherding!”
Brynn is a senior at Concordia University Nebraska. She spent about nine weeks this summer serving as a short-term mission partner at Stronghold Cambodia in Kampot, Cambodia. Stronghold is a non-profit educational ministry where children hear about Jesus’s love in their own heart language of Khmer for the first time, and students (grades 3-12) who have never spoken English learn to communicate at a basic level.
You’ve served in Cambodia for two summers in a row now. What made you decide to go in summer 2025, and what made you decide to go back in 2026?
I had spent a summer teaching in Cambodia in 2023 with a different organization and grown a heart for Cambodia through that experience. I decided to serve with Stronghold specifically in 2025 because I had learned how Stronghold intentionally shares the Gospel in students’ native language on a daily basis. I was excited to serve alongside an established ministry that serves a people group who have a special place in my heart. I decided to go back in 2026 because of the students and staff at Stronghold. I truly believe that God used the relationships built in summer 2025 to call me back in 2026.
Describe the students at Stronghold Cambodia. How were you able to build relationships with them across language and cultural barriers?
The students at Stronghold have the biggest hearts and are eager to learn! Building relationships often looked like eating with the older students and bonding over activities with all of the students, such as UNO, volleyball, soccer, and dance. It is amazing how the language and cultural barriers come down when connecting with students through these activities.
What did an average day look like for you while you were in Cambodia?
An average day in Cambodia meant going into the office in the morning and preparing the lessons before students arrived at 11:15 for lunch. Classes were at 11:45, 12:50, and 5:15. The rest of the day was spent preparing lessons, running errands, and spending time with students. Sometimes after the evening class, I would go eat and sit by the riverside with the students as an opportunity to connect with them.
What was most challenging about your summer and how did God bring you through these challenges?
This summer was not without its challenges. The most challenging part was probably learning to balance the ministry and rest. Engaging in the ministry well requires proper rest and being poured into. I was challenged this summer to be intentional with the times that I chose rest or spending time with the students outside the classroom. God gave me opportunities for rest and unforgettable experiences with the students.
Where did you most clearly see God at work while you were in Cambodia?
It was amazing to see God at work within the students! The older students make up the praise team, teaching the younger students, and teaching their peers. They have become leaders in their community, and it is evident that God is working within and through them.
How did God grow you through this experience?
Through this experience, God grew my dependence on him and to trust him with all of the details. I knew what my role and responsibilities would be this summer, but I didn’t know what the summer would look like emotionally and mentally with being the only short-term volunteer. God provided me with community and fellowship at Stronghold in ways that I could never have imagined. It’s easy to know that we are to depend on and trust in God, but God grew me to lean on him more than I ever had.
What are you bringing back to the US with you?
I am bringing back the memories of this summer and the students’ faces. I am excited to share the stories of how God is working in and through the students. He is the one who is growing them in their relationships with him and in their leadership. I am also bringing back the full dependence on God and continuing to trust God in the details of this next chapter of my life.
What would you say to someone considering serving in Cambodia for the summer and wondering if they’re the right fit for this opportunity?
Go! The summer in Cambodia is a great opportunity to teach (even if you’ve never taught before), live in a new cultural context with support, and build relationships within an already established ministry. Serving with Stronghold is an opportunity to water the seeds that have already been planted. If you’re wondering if you’re a right fit, I would encourage you that having a heart for missions and an interest in serving cross-culturally are two of the most important things needed. Trust that God would continue to lead you towards this opportunity if you are the right fit!
Are you a church work student, gearing up for your internship? Have you ever considered doing your internship overseas? Hear from Jennifer Edwards about her experience as a DCE Intern in Slovakia and how that experience prepared her for ministry in the States.
Introduce Yourself:
I went to Concordia University Texas in Austin. I studied Religious Education in the Director of Christian Education (DCE) program. I am currently serving as a full-time DCE in northern Illinois overseeing the children’s and youth ministries at my church.
Why did you decide to do an international DCE internship?
While I was in high school, I had the opportunity to do a home-to-home exchange program through my German class. I spent six weeks in Germany one summer and fell in love with Europe. After that trip, I kept saying I wanted to go back. After a couple of international mission trips in college, I started talking about doing my internship overseas. I always thought I would end up back in Germany, but God had different plans, and I ended up in Slovakia.
Going into internship I wasn’t sure if I would come back to the States at the end of my internship, so I never really had many concerns about an international internship and then seeking a call in America. At that time all I wanted to do was live abroad. Now that I am back serving in America, I think my time in Slovakia has been a huge blessing on my ministry here, definitely not a hindrance.
How did your overseas experience shape your view of your role as a DCE?
Serving overseas had a huge impact on how I viewed the world and my faith. Recognizing there is a lot that is simply different about people, rather than believing some do it “right” while others have it “wrong,” has been a valuable viewpoint to have when talking to people and building relationships. It feels like America has become more polarized and being able to hear different perspectives and understand both is really important now. I don’t know if I would have developed that skill had I not served overseas.
What’s something you encountered on internship that you didn’t feel prepared for? How did God grow you through this?
There were a lot of things I encountered on internship that I didn’t feel prepared for. The transition from college (where you have your best friends and trusted professors all around you) to living on your own is tough. I also was living alone in a country I had never been to before moving there. I also am not the best person at asking for help, which probably didn’t help things . . . however, God definitely showed up!
He showed up in the people from the church I was serving at. He brought me friends and incredible support through those people. Even though I wasn’t great at asking for help, they knew I had never been to or lived in Slovakia, so they regularly were asking what I needed and what questions I had, and when I was brave enough to ask for help they were ready and eager to help me. One of the most beautiful parts of Slovak culture is how hospitable they are, and it goes beyond sharing a meal! I definitely shared a lot of meals with people there, but they also shared their time, their friendship, their prayers. Being someone who likes to do things on my own, God definitely challenged me to learn to lean on others and especially lean on him. He showed me what Christian community means!
How did your international internship prepare you for church ministry in the states?
From the outside it can be a challenge to see the similarities of international ministry and church ministry in America. They really are different in a lot of ways, but what is the same in ministry no matter where you are serving is relationships. Relationships are the foundation to a strong ministry and serving overseas only emphasized the value of getting to know people. Serving in a different culture also opened my eyes to the beauty of living life with people from all different walks of life. I currently serve in the Chicagoland area, which is a pretty diverse population culturally, economically, and religiously. Serving internationally challenges you to be more curious about people, and that has been an incredible gift that has supported my current ministry in America.
What advice would you give to a current church work student considering an international internship?
There are few experiences that will stretch you like serving internationally. While international ministry may look different than what you do or will do in America, I believe it has shaped me to be a better DCE than I could have been. My time in Slovakia broadened my worldview, challenged and strengthened my faith, and brought richness to my life. It is scary to leave the country you know, but if you have even a slight inkling toward this type of ministry, now is the time to explore it. I have never once regretted my choice to go to Slovakia, and it has continued to bless me and my ministry in ways I never could have imagined! So I say, go for it!
The Concordia Mission Institute (CMI) is a yearly missions training conference jointly hosted by Mission of Christ Network and Lutheran Bible Translators. People thinking about future mission service, called Mission Explorers, are invited to join the week-long training as guests of MCN.
It’s a rich and full week of fellowship and learning! Looking at comments from this year’s Mission Explorers, they talked about:
Here are 5 takeaways from the week:
1. Community is key.
As the word cloud above shows, mission explorer responses were full of words like “love,” “community,” and “family.” Relationships are at the heart of what MCN does, not just as we share the Gospel on the mission field but as an organization relating to each other. Being able to gather each year from across the world is a tremendous gift and a unique privilege for MCN missionaries.
“I was overwhelmed by the hospitality, kindness, friendliness, and openness of the mission partners and specialists.” – Nancy
Mission work is a team sport, and encouraging and being supported by a Christ-focused community is imperative for going and returning well.
“This is like a family reunion with people I never thought I knew.” – Matthew
Community is also key for discernment and decision making. When we interviewed a panel of MCN leadership during the conference about how they ended up in missions, a theme of their responses was that God put the right people in their path at the right time who gave good counsel and encouraged them in this direction. Mission Explorers felt the same.
“I feel as though God is giving me direction by the people that he sent my way to speak with.” – Stephen
2. “Don’t bother freaking out.”
Many mission explorers named the Missionary Panel as one of their favorite sessions of the conference, and perhaps no comment from this panel was as memorable as Naomi’s advice: “don’t bother freaking out!” After sharing honestly about how almost nothing she expected when she and her husband left Australia to do mission work in East Asia went the way she expected, she then reflected on how God has continued to provide for and direct them. Spoken not with glib indifference but with the confidence of one who has tested God’s promises and found them firm, Naomi repeated a couple of times, “Just don’t bother freaking out.”
As director John Mehl likes to say, “Missions happens where we are out of control.” And while nothing about this lack of control is easy or comfortable, the power of God and the faithfulness of God never fail.
“This is a community that is human, and for humans, discussing the raw realities of missions abroad and local missions in all their rawness out of love.” – Rebecca
3. A devoted life isn’t primarily about doing.
Monday’s Mission of God plenary from Dr. Leo Sanchez focused us on what it means to live a devoted life by the power of the Spirit. A key take away from this talk (perhaps especially important for service-oriented missionaries) was a reminder that “one can be Christ-like without being Christ-focused.” While being occupied with serving others is in many ways a Christ-like action, if this doing takes precedence over being in Jesus’s presence and focusing our worship on Him, we have lost the thread of what it means to be a Christ follower.
The ancient reminder of “ora et labora” (pray and work) was a beautiful way to start the conference week, reminding us to put the Word before work. When we remember that the Mission is God’s and only He can create faith, then we are free to proclaim the Gospel and say with Martin Luther, “I did nothing; the Word did everything.”
Describe CMI? “Truly transformative.” – Rebecca
4. “One Great Thing” is a myth.
Tuesday’s plenary session, led by Pastor Jeff Leininger touched on a number of characteristics of our plural vocations in life (based on his book Callings for Life). One of his first points addressed the myth of “the one great thing.” Reflecting on decades of campus ministry, he told the stories of students paralyzed by indecision when they looked toward graduation trying to discern the one great thing God wanted them to do – as well as the stories of older people looking back on their lives with regret, feeling they had missed the great thing they were made for.
Instead, Pastor Jeff encouraged us to focus on the faces (the who), the places (the where), and the spaces (the what) all around us so we might live faithfully in the many roles and relationships God has given us today.
For a group of mission explorers trying to discern if God is calling them to cross-cultural ministry, this talk gave permission and freedom to make choices for the future and follow passions and interests without the pressure of feeling like global missions must be (or not be) the one thing they are created to do.
“The opportunities to do mission work are varied. The option for differing locations and durations is appealing to many.” – David
5. Missions here and there have a lot in common.
Multiple times Mission Explorers remarked with a tone of surprise that much of what they were hearing and learning at CMI was applicable to life and ministry in the US, too. Building relationships and sharing the Gospel is at the heart of what it means to be Christ-followers no matter what place or culture we are living in. And we repeatedly told Mission Explorers that we want nothing more or less than for them to follow God’s lead and serve in His Mission wherever and however He calls.
At the same time, it is encouraging to know that serving as a cross-cultural missionary (while unique in its challenges and opportunities) is also in many ways an extension of Christian life in the US. One’s personality, hobbies and interests, and ways of building relationships are transferable to ministry in another culture. And in many ways the impact of these relationships can be multiplied by living in a place where few people know Jesus.
“Being encouraged by the stories and life experiences of both old and new friends at CMI has helped to remind me that God can truly use anyone to accomplish His will, and God isn’t done stretching us and guiding us to be the people He calls us to be.” – New Mission Partner, Katherine
If you are interested in joining CMI as a mission explorer next summer (July 11-17, 2027) or know someone who might be, reach out to Emily and Kayla at recruiting@missionofchrist.org. We’d love to connect!
Do I go or do I stay? Do I use my gifts here or there? Is this decision selfish or not selfish? Is this what God is really calling me to do or does He have something else for me? On and on the questions go.
As someone who has lived the process of discerning to serve overseas twice now, I get it. The space between the gentle pull of God’s call to go and the loud push of doubt. For me, these competing opposites looked like: A secure paycheck vs. fundraising. Achieving my own success metrics vs. total dependence on God, the only one who can create faith. A clear boundary between work life and personal life vs. it’s all missions.
Push and pull. Push and pull. You probably know that space of tension well and can insert your own pushes and pulls that toss you back and forth.
How do we overcome the inertia that pushes us away from saying yes to God’s invitation to GO? We need not look any further than God’s powerful Word and prayer. God meets us in His Word. We find in Scripture the Good Shepherd’s voice, a voice His sheep know, leading us.
As I wrestled against the loud voice of doubt in my own discernment process, God’s gentle voice found me. It wasn’t a neon sign pointing the way or a laid out map (which I so desired); it was in His Word. His Word that as it goes out, does not return empty. His Word that not only speaks into the details of our lives, but in the lives of those we share it with as well.
Trust in the Lord with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths. – Psalm 3:5-6
This was the verse that quieted my anxious heart, drowned out the doubts and led me to where God now has me. It was the verse that prompted me to ask, ‘What is my own understanding about this decision and is that true in light of who God is?’ I pray these words will be a trusty companion to you on your journey as they were for me.
Following God often doesn’t lead us where we thought we’d be . . . He leads us somewhere better.
May God grant you peace and clarity as He gently leads you to what He has prepared for you and may these Discernment Resources – full of Scripture, prayers, and questions to ponder – be a blessing to you as you spend time with your Heavenly Father.
Matthew 28:19 (“Therefore go and make disciples of all nations…”) is likely the most famous mission verse in the Bible – although it’s only one of the Great Commission verses. (See Mark 16:15, Luke 24:47, John 20:21, and Acts 1:8 for other iterations of this sending.)
God’s Mission, however, started long before Jesus’s resurrection and ascension and is in fact one of the central threads of Scripture – a theme running from Genesis to Revelation.
God is on a mission to get His lost children back.
Perhaps the first word of Gospel in the Scriptures is Genesis 3:9, “But the Lord God called to the man, ‘Where are you?’” God was not confused; Adam and Eve had not hidden from His presence so fully that He couldn’t find them.
Rather, God was seeking out his disobedient children. Even though they had broken their relationship with him – trading honor for shame, innocence for guilt, peace for fear – yet He sought them out. This same God is still today seeking the lost – the foreigners, the exiles, those far away and without hope (Eph 2:12) – and calling them to Himself with a word of grace. “Where are you?”
Mission comes from the Latin word for send (v. mittere or n. missio) and when we read Scripture with eyes open for this theme, we see on every page that God is a God of sending.
God sent prophets, judges, and kings to His people.
God told Moses, “Say this to the people of Israel: ‘I AM has sent me to you.’” Exodus 3:14
“And the Lord sent Jerubbaal and Barak and Jephthah and Samuel and delivered you out of the hand of your enemies on every side, and you lived in safety.” 1 Samuel 12:11
“And Samuel said to Saul, ‘The Lord sent me to anoint you king over his people Israel,’” 1 Samuel 15:1
God sent Christ to seek and to save the lost.
“But when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” Galatians 4:4-5
“And Jesus cried out and said, ‘Whoever believes in me, believes not in me but in him who sent me. And whoever sees me sees him who sent me.’” John 12:44-45
God sent the Holy Spirit to His Church, to indwell believers and to teach, comfort, remind, bear witness, and empower them for mission.
“But the Helper, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, he will teach you all things and bring to your remembrance all that I have said to you.” John 14:26
“Because you are sons, God has sent the Spirit of his Son into our hearts, crying, ‘Abba! Father!’” Galatians 4:6
And God sends the Church – every believer – to participate in His Mission.
“Jesus said to them again, ‘Peace be with you. As the Father has sent me, even so I am sending you.’” John 20:21
“After this the Lord appointed seventy-two others and sent them on ahead of him, two by two, into every town and place where he himself was about to go. And he said to them, ‘The harvest is plentiful, but the laborers are few. Therefore pray earnestly to the Lord of the harvest to send out laborers into his harvest.’” Luke 10:1-2
From the moment Adam and Eve sinned, God has been seeking the lost and sending people to participate in this mission with Him. God desires all people to be saved (1 Timothy 2:4), and he desires people of every nation, tribe, people, and language to come into the family of God by faith (Revelation 7:9).
So what does all this mean for you? Today?
From the Garden of Eden, God has been on a mission to bring people back to Himself. This is still his mission for you and for all the peoples of the world.
Scripture is the story of this mission. Reading with an eye for mission throughout the Scriptures (not just after Jesus’s ascension) gives a more complete picture of who God is and what He is about.
You have a part in this mission. No matter who you are or what your gifts or career, you are one sent by God to bring people back to Himself. Ask Him to show you where and how He is sending you today (and in the future) and to give you courage to follow!
As you go, know that you are sent as part of a long story of sending. You don’t go alone. Jesus is still on mission (Acts 1:1). God has sent you the Holy Spirit to dwell in you. And you are sent together with the Church – the cloud of witnesses that have gone before you and the saints who live now across the world.
A conversation with Rex and Linda who served as dorm parents with MCN in Central Asia, a place where MCN is looking for retired couples to serve 3 month terms:
Why did you decide to serve as dorm parents? The dorm project had been a vision for around five years prior to it becoming a reality. The intent of the project – to help college students grow in their Christian faith and life – persuaded us to be a part of this ministry. God puts in His people’s hearts where he wants them to be. It is totally the work of the Holy Spirit. You’ll know when God calls you to go. Psalm 96:3 “Declare His glory among the nations, His marvelous works among all peoples.”
What is a ‘typical’ day like as dorm parents? Your typical day begins with whatever your normal routine usually is. The student’s schedules and responsibilities vary. The goal is to treat them like the adults they are and to be kind, loving, truthful supportive imitators of Jesus. Flexibility and a good sense of humor are always in season. Introduce the students to whatever talents and gifts you love and combine them with English conversation. Your gift may be teaching English, baking, painting, any form of art, singing, playing an instrument, writing, or anything else. A pizza night with ice cream is always appreciated.
Monday through Thursday nights, volunteer led devotions are held for half an hour with the students. An important part of the volunteer’s assignment is to offer support and encouragement to the local pastors and their wives. You can do this by spending time together, as allowed, by praying and eating together.
How did you see God at work in the dormitory? Forgiveness, mercy, and love for one another were evident. On rare occasions, when a misunderstanding arose, which is a normal thing in life, there was Christ-like conflict resolution. God works powerfully with the students through the ministries of the local pastors and their families.
One thing you loved about your host-culture: People’s warmth, hospitality, and willingness to be helpful. Drinking milk tea.
How were you able to build relationships with students across language and cultural barriers? By taking time to get to know the students’ names right away and be intentional about developing a relationship with them. There’s no short cut for this. Can anyone say English conversation, hugs, pizza, ice cream, devotions, genuine smiles, talking with your hands, food and photos? Google translate is helpful.
What encouragement would you give to someone thinking about serving as a dorm parent? Even though initially you may feel uncomfortable in this situation, you’ll discover almost immediately the kindness and love of the students & dorm supervisor for you. Your love and kindness for them will come very easily.
What is something you’ll take with you from this experience as God calls you into newadventures? Whenever you’re working and serving in other cultures, the fact that we’re all followers of Jesus unites and bonds us immediately as brothers and sisters in Christ. Even though the language may be a barrier, knowing that you’re with fellow believers will encourage you and make you feel welcome and accepted.
“Being out of control is not something that most people embrace—apart from enjoying a few rides at the carnival. As we look at how God’s Church is engaged in His mission (His sending) we see that our desire to control is often a prominent feature of the activities that comprise church life. We want to be engaged in God’s mission, but on our terms . . .
Control usually takes the form of the church turning inward. We look to programs that can be accomplished on the property. Worship services are carefully scripted and often with strict limits to ensure a timely beginning of the next event. We like to see a return on investment (ROI) and pulling control levers that produce an outcome we can point to. This is done best on one’s home turf and for those who already know Jesus.
The church is about helping people have right relationships with God. This certainly happens in a church building, but it also needs to happen outside the walls. Church attendance cannot be the only goal . . .
This reality of the world’s reaction to Christianity should not make us yearn for the “good old days” nor to circle the wagons around our churches. This is a time for the church to get off campus and engage as never before. The world needs a Christian people that serve it. It needs the love of God in all its forms. We live in an America where only 45 percent of the population attends church monthly or more and 40 percent of millennials have ticked the “none” box. When Jesus “saw the crowds, he had compassion for them, because they were harassed and helpless, like sheep without a shepherd” (Mt 9:36). We pray for the Spirit to move us with the same compassion.
In foreign, cross-cultural ministries, Christians are forced to let go of control. This isn’t simply because one goes to a foreign country and cannot figure out how to get the normal morning latte or how to make the internet work. The feeling of not being able to manage situations is often the result of not knowing the rules and underlying values of the host culture . . .
If we want to make tight plans and pull control levers to fulfill tasks as planned, this is done best at home for those who already know Jesus. But God’s mission is more. He sends us into the awkward as we step over the church property line and engage the world on its terms. In the world we find God working His mission in amazing ways and we have the privilege of being His instruments to accomplish it.
Luther says, ‘For whatever remains of your life, live as those sent by Christ. It is the office of everyone to instruct his neighbor, etc. And this power is given not to the clergy alone (though [here it is] spoken to the apostles) but to all believers. When you have performed this highest work, seek to become Christ’s apostle, to serve all people, so that they may come unto God as you have.’
So, serve we shall . . . giving up control to be a part of God’s mission.”
(From Melissa, former MCN mission partner to Hungary and Ethiopia)
“I really first knew I was going to be a missionary when I was in college and returning home from my first short-term trip, and I had the thought, ‘If I don’t tell these people that they’re saved through Jesus, then who will?’ I knew the number of people who had any kind of active faith was limited, leaving a gap between the people who really needed this message and those who even had the ability to share it, and I felt so deeply that these people needed this message because it’s the message that literally makes the difference between life and death. And who else was there to tell them?
“What if I’m the closest chance this person ever has to meet Jesus? It’s when I keep that thought in mind that it makes it more clear about what I’m doing here, why and how I need to live my life. There’s a sense of urgency in that.
“As an ambassador of Christ, we represent Him, we follow His direction for us, and that means living our lives in a way that may cause questions among those around us because it’s against the cultural norms. And that’s challenging, it’s uncomfortable, it’s even painful. As a missionary abroad, I feel this all the time, knowing that I’m constantly making some sort of faux pas that I didn’t even realize was a thing, and it’s so often in these moments that I’m reminded that this place isn’t my home.
“We have to engage the world around us. Wherever it is doesn’t matter because ultimately this world is not our home. Having faith in Jesus automatically signs us up for a ‘leaving home assignment.’ God has appointed us to bring His message to the world, and if not us, who else is going to do it?”
(This story comes from an MCN mission partner in Central Asia)
Last month, I asked in my newsletter for prayer for more spiritual conversations with local people. This month, I reconnected with my friend, A, who speaks English well. After having tea at my place, we went on a walk to his home, and he invited me inside for dinner.
I gladly accepted his invitation, but when we stepped inside, I saw that almost all the food wouldn’t be good for me to eat (I avoid eating gluten and restricted my diet even more after a recent illness). Yet I immediately thought I should “eat what is set before me” (Luke 10), and face the consequences later —the chance to connect with A was precious, and I wanted to share the Truth with this searching young man.
While we ate, it started to rain, and A suggested that I spend the night. That wasn’t in my plans, but I felt like it was in God’s! After a great time talking and playing games, A showed me my room for the night. He gave me a glass of water but covered it with a small plate, “to keep the evil spirits from poisoning your drink.” Umm, ok… I assured him I didn’t need it.
Over breakfast (with more gluten) the next morning, I observed the unfolded napkin loosely covering a pile of fruit on the table, and I asked A, “How you think a napkin protects your food from evil spirits?” Praise God, this question cut through groggy morning small-talk and launched us into an hour-long conversation about spiritual powers, God’s plan for the world, human choices and sinfulness, and the Way to God. I’d never had a conversation like this before, and it was amazing!
As A walked me out after breakfast, he thanked me for sharing about my “interesting religion.” I said that every religion is about what people need to do to get to God, and A eagerly agreed. I continued, “What I’ve shared with you this morning is about what God has done. I wouldn’t say I have a religion—I have a relationship.” This really blew A’s mind!
As we kept walking together, A told me he wants to read other religious texts before reading God’s true Word. He was certainly intrigued by our conversation, though. I am grateful God guided the entire time and gave me words to share with A. Oh—and God protected me from all that food I shouldn’t have eaten! God is so awesome!
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