Not the End...but Just the Beginning...

The journey for 17 Interns from all over Asia began on the 5th of August 2013 in Malang, Indonesia. As each was seeking God’s will in each of his / her own life over the past four weeks, many of the Interns are asking themselves the same question they were asked from the beginning of the Internship, “What does God want to do with my life?” Although we might have a general sense of what God wants us to be doing, many of us are actually still pretty unsure about His specific directions for our lives.

I like the analogy of GPS system (Thanks to Langdon for the inspiration). Every time we are on the road and if you’re like me, that is have the tendency to lose my ways, it will be very helpful to have a GPS to help us find where we are and where we are supposed to be headed. This little device will track our present location and then inform us which direction to take next, whether it is a take a left or a right in 200 m, go ahead for another 2 km or if we’re supposed to make a U-turn at the next bend possible. It helps to keep us on track so that eventually we will get to our final place of destination in the shortest time possible.

If we understand that the role of the Holy Spirit is to control and direct our life, then we can be rest-assured that God has His own GPS (God’s Positioning System) inbuilt in us!

Romans 8:9, 14 “But you are not living the life of the flesh, you are living the life of the Spirit, if the Holy Spirit of God really dwells within you (directs and controls you). But if anyone does not possess the Holy Spirit of Christ, he is none of His (he does not belong to Christ, is not truly a child of God)… For all who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God.” There are times when the guidance of God is not so clear, there might not be a clear ‘turn left’ or ‘turn right’ from God, in which case might mean a clear green light of ‘Go ahead’ or that we’re heading in the right direction. There are times when God will specifically tell us to turn to the left or to the right or even make a U-turn if we’ve gone way too far ahead of Him. No matter what, we know that if we are sons and daughters of God, we can be sure of His guidance in our lives. We do not have to worry about the journey and the destination because (v28-30) says that “We are assured and know that God being a partner in their labor all things work together and are fitting into a plan for good to and for those who love God and are called according to His design and purpose. ” and the reasons why God does this for us is “For those whom He foreknew (of whom He was aware and loved beforehand). He also destined from the beginning (foreordaining them) to be molded into the image of His Son (and share inwardly His likeness), that He might become the firstborn among many brethren. And those whom He thus foreordained, He also called; and those whom He called, He also justified (acquitted, made righteous, putting them into right standing with Himself). And those whom He justified, He also glorified (raising them to a heavenly dignity and condition or state of being).”

What a wonderful passage. We have been called and preordained by God from the beginning of age to become like Jesus in our characters and we have been called and justified to carry out His missions here on earth, all the way until we reach our final destination – eternal life He had promised to all those who have been faithful to Him where we will be glorified with heavenly dignity and condition / state of being.
As we complete the Internship, the question remains, "Where is God going to lead me to next?"
The answers may be different to each and every one of us, but may I urge all of us to take time to listen to the still small voice within, the Holy Spirit who will lead us into all truths and direct our ways. May He cause your ways to be fruitful in every way and let us join hands together to make His Mission works... we're called to fulfill the Great CO-Mission.... that is... He wants to CO-partner with us for His Mission!

All the interns had enjoyed a great 4 weeks of fellowship with one another, young people from various nations, languages and cultures. There were great moments to be remembered for a long time from the day the journey ended today. For many of us, there were even friends made for life. However, the greatest journeys lie ahead for each of us as we're not done here on earth doing His Mission. Taking a broad look at all the unreached people groups out there, the harvest field that is ripening, the millions upon millions of souls without purpose and without the saving knowledge of the only Savior, we are all brought to a humble realization that there still remain so many works to be done by the few who really care, still so many battles to be fought, so many souls to be won, OJTs to be conducted, so many trainees to be trained, Internship programs to be conducted. May this motto always ring loud in our heart and serve to encourage us when the journey ahead gets weary and the going gets tough, "Together We can Truly Change the World!" Amen.

Love and Regards,

Nelson (Indonesia)

Starting A New Journey!

You know who I am? 

The person who was crying all day. Yes I am .. (you know)

Last Friday (30.Aug.2013) was the final day of the internship.

We started the day with devotion as usual, and Inggried shared the story of Philippians 1:6.

"being confident of this, that he who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus."

As she shared, God never stop His good work until the day of Christ Jesus and... we all are going back to each of our place, but it's not the end but just the start of our brand new journey! This is the start of His good work in our lives. Aren't you excited? I am very excited!

You know I have very hard time writing English. It takes so much time for me to write just a sentence sometimes... 

So, the last day was for review of whole four weeks of internship. We had to think a lot looking back these four weeks what God had done for us and write over 5 pages IN ENGLISH!!!! It was so challenging for me and in fact I was writing WHOLE DAY. Writing, writing and writing.... and after finishing the review paper, I realized that I was put on the blog duty too!!!! It was just too much for me... sob, sob.......

Thanks to this reviewing time, I could look back what God has done for us over four weeks, what was big challenge for me, how I have been changed, and also what I can do after I go back to Japan. It was very nice time to think deeply and set everything in order in my head. 

I had many challenges throughout this internship. The biggest challenge for me is to admit that I need to read Bible and acquire His word deeply in me more and more. It was hard for me to admit it, but through seeing other interns who are very passionate in scriptures, it was challenging to keep up with them, but also I was very encouraged to move on to read Bible more and more in my daily life. 

Jesus says "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind"(Matt 22:37).

I noticed that I haven't tried hard to love the Lord with my mind so much. Bible also says that "Now this is eternal life: that they know you, the only true God, and Jesus Christ, whom you have sent" (John 17:3) Since I want to love God more, not only by my heart and soul but also by my mind, I want to know Him more through scripture. I want to try spend more time to read Bible to deeply experience His word. 

One of the things I learned in this internship is to be a witness, wherever I go and through whatever I do. Before I come here, I had an idea in the corner of my head that only someone who has specific calling can be a witness, but actually God already called everybody to be a witness. This was my huge turning point. I was expecting (and I believe many of us did)  that God will show me His specific calling through this internship, but actually God showed me that we all already have called by Him to be witnesses. 

I still do not know HOW I can be a witness specifically. However, I'm sure that God is calling me to be a witness through everything I do. Before I understood this, I denied everything I wanted to do, for instance, studying abroad, studying studying creation science, and even serving full time with EE, because I thought that I need to hear clear God's voice and I should not move on to other things before I hear it clearly. 

But I learned that given something means something is required through morning devotion (Matt 25; The Parable of the Bags of Gold). I thought that my desire is also given by God. It is not always true, but I noticed that I have to trust Him and step out!! Now my attitude towards God's calling is completely different. Now I want to try to be more responsible to His calling. I want to move on and make action. I believe that if my desire is not His calling, He will close that gate. Now I have clearer vision to be a witness. This internship changed me completely. 

I have to admit that I have been frustrated several times because of my English skills. I was frustrated because I felt that I was missing something very important and could not tell 100% what I wanted to say. Every time I face my weakness, God always encouraged me through other interns. By their kindness, encouragement and prayer. I could get up and look forward again.

"Now get up and stand on your feet. I have appeared to you to appoint you as a servant and as a witness of what you have seen and will see of me"

Acts 26:16 

Through all of these experiences I have learned and gained so much that now I have confidence to be a witness all the time. Now we are all going back home to different places to fulfill the task of witnesses which is sharing gospel. I want to see and hear that each one of us sharing gospel in each places. I am looking forward to hear report back from them again and also I want to give them my report.

I just want to say thank all the interns, leaders, local staffs, donors, and all of you, and more than anyone, my loving Lord! I thank God for leading me to this internship.

I gained a lot in this internship. I really recommend you to join or encourage someone to participate. It's going to be life changing experience.

Love you GILA family!

Miyuki (01.09.13 from Japan...)

NEW BATIK!!!!!!!!

Hi… This is Medi (again) from Bali Indonesia…

I am sad because tomorrow is last day of Asian Internship, it is hard for all of us to be separated after this four weeks together…

In this four weeks God changed me… Before I came here I think it will be a hard time for me to stay together with all new people that I have never met before. I suffered homesick in my first week. But all people here now make me don’t want to go back home. I feel home here. But actually I have to realize that God purpose in my life wouldn’t accomplish if I stay here and do not get back to my place.

I thank God for giving me this opportunity to be equipped in this Internship. I am proud to these young people (interns) in their strong willing to know God purpose in their life.

I pray God will give me clear perspective “what I am going to do in my life to accomplish His purpose?” From all the activities in this internship (quiet time, called and accountable, sessions with Rod Story and Harry Goodhew and all things that we have done) God give me a heart and willing to serve the youth (in the university I worked at and in my church youth fellowship but if God wants me to do for other youth then I will do it for God), but I don’t know how can I do it, in what way.. I pray if God wants me to do it then He will provide all things. I want to help young people to know Jesus by sharing the Gospel to them and help to equip them to share to others and they equip others, so that the multiplication will happen. I learned by practice to share and do the OJT to be more brave to share the gospel. I dream that there will be a movement in youth in which they will have heart of compassion for this world, I pray especially it will happen in Bali.

Today we started with called and accountable led by Rossane. There are two questions we discussed, they are “What would God say to you if He come today to “settle accounts”?” and “How your accountability to God is motivating you in fulfilling God’s call on your life?”

Then Langdon asked the interns to watch the video as the devotion in tittle “Taking Responsibility for Your Life” by Andy Stanley. I learned about several things from the parables that Jesus gave about Talents as follows:

·         Our irresponsibility comes when we think that Life should be even/fair.

·         Every person had to leverage what God has given to us with our maximum effort. Because the benefit is not just for ourselves but also for others. That’s why our irresponsibility will affect other people. So no reason to be arrogance, to excuse your life and comparing your life to other people’s life.

·         Every people get to give an account to their life.

·         To whom something is given, something is required.

We continued the day with MPD (Ministry Partner Development). We learned about raising fund to support our ministry. God remains me through this session to have a willing heart to support the ministry and how can I get the support for the ministry. The important thing I learned that God provides all things for both the supporter and the workers. Then, both of the supporter and workers must depend to God. We can do all things through Christ who strengthens us (Phillippians 4:13).

We got our new Batik…

At 5.30 pm we had dinner at the yard and attended the reunion of EE Local in Malang. Cecilia, Mary Ann and Shohei did the “Record Book of Sin” demonstration in their own languages. And again we sang “Amazing Grace” in five different languages.

We did the communication and sharing with John Sorensen (President of EE International). He encouraged us to take a part in Evangelism Explosion Ministry (EE). He gave us brief explanation about EE and the purpose of this ministry, also the story about James Kennedy. John prayed for us and Nelson on behalf of us prayed for John’s ministry and his family.

Interns had a photo session with Pak Lukas because tomorrow he will not be with us for doing his ministry in Jakarta.

Last but not least… I will miss and already miss you all interns, thank God I can be a part of this wonderful great young people that have a heart to find, seek and do God’s willing in their Life.

God bless and provides us to do His purpose in our life.

Warm Regards,
Medi-Bali Indonesia

We Just Finished XEE!

Hi, it's me again! Shohei from Japan! I noticed so many Indonesian friends have a hard time to pronounce my name! But anyway, this is my second time to blog.

My last blog was about the final session of Harry's exciting theology, and this time we've just successfully finished the last session of XEE!

I personally found XEE more interesting and applicable in the context of evangelism in Japan than the Classic EE. Because the main focus of the Classic is on eternal life where XEE focuses more on our present life. I like the question from XEE 'On a scale of 1 to 10, how fulfilling would you  think your life is?'.  I regularly evangelize in Japan and often ask the prospects 'How is your life? Good? Bad? Happy?', then they often answer me like 'I'm happy.' and they go. They don't want to get distracted so don't answer it honestly. However, this way of questioning people, I can imagine people really start to think where they are in happiness, and when they give me the number, it'll be also a good indication of their level of satisfaction with their life.  In a country like Japan where many claim to be an atheist, thinking about material things most times, they rarely think about eternal life or the significance of eternal life. So in that sense, XEE is more appealing to Japanese. 

Anyway, the part I liked the most was what would be potential objections we might get and how we would response to them. Langdon taught us two things: 1.Be a learner. 2.Think about what's behind the question or objection.

I think the latter is the key to evangelism. I've learned this after many evangelisms done by myself in Japan. People always cover up their true motives sometimes intentionally and other times unintentionally, and sometimes we end up hitting the bushes and not hitting the point. But when you love that person and that's what we do in evangelism, I think you put yourself in the person's shoe and many times you naturally come to know the person's motives so we can lead the person to the right answer without wasting our breath on some unnecessary topics.

After the class, we had great time with Rod on Skype! Everyone got from Rod two vital questions:

1. What has the internship changed about your life or thinking?

2. Has God's calling become clearer?

It was obvious everyone got more excited as they answered these questions! Many have really started thinking about their future with EE, others are not sure with EE organizations but going into full-time ministry. So all of us got fired up through this internship for sure! Thank you so much for your support and prayers! They have already started bearing fruits!

After all, we've got only 2 more days. I can tell many of them don't want to leave Malang ;> But we will look ahead and maximize the opportunities to evangelize back in our country for the harvest is plentiful but workers are few.

 

we start our X.E.E today!! what's new??

I am a little bit anxious, since today is 27^th of August, and yet it is not clearly for me that what God want me to do in my life. But really I had some good time with the other interns--- my brothers and sisters who are willing to know what God want them to do in their life. It is a great thing for me to live in this big family which let me feel acceptance, love, and support.

Today we have learned how to start a conversation with people intentionally which to lead them think about their own life that relate to the gospel since every one need God’s salvation. It is awesome that when you know there are some questions you can ask your friend/family which is about their life and relate to salvation, and make them think about their life and God seriously. I must practice when I go back China continually and I pray God will let me see the needs among the crowd of people that they need God and salvation since some time I don’t have passion to share gospel since I didn't see the needs. And I also pray that I could forever love and with a big concern toward the contacts who I am going to share gospel with….

There are some group discussions during the class session, I love this part as well as teaching. It led me to think about myself and know more about myself, and easier to solve it, make me more easier to share gospel. For example this question which we have been discussed: what makes you afraid to share your faith? I, have a fear when I sharing my faith. I afraid to see the messy when gospel challenging people’s value system, and when they really want to convert, they might need to suffer some pains because they might need to change their old life style. And once I identify what am I afraid of, I know there’s nothing I need to afraid about because the blessing/happiness gospel they are going to have will overwhelm them….Then, next time when I try to share gospel, I will not be afraid any more….

Thank Lord, it is a meaningful and blessed day.


Cecilia ( China )

Attentive-Listening God

               Good bye Bali! Hello Malang!

            Today, we were traveling from Bali and back to Malang. Before we go to airport, we visited Synod Office of Protestant Christian Church in Bali. We had a short devotion and sharing time with Pdt. I Nengah Suama M. Th (General Secretary of Protestant Christian Church in Bali) and Pdt. Made Budiarsha M. Th (Secretary of Witness & Development Department of Protestant Christian Church in Bali). Pdt. Made Budiarsha reminded us that MINISTRY is not just a task or job, but it is the calling from God, to be a mediator of God who brings good news to others. Pdt. I Nengah Suama shared about the history of Protestant Christian Church in Bali and how hard the gospel entered into Bali (from Blimbing Sari expand to every places in Bali).

“Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; 

knock and the door will be opened to you.”

(Matthew 7:7)

Before we go to Bali, I felt tense. Especially as I knew we will go to the street and beach and share gospel to the people, it makes me more stress and feel weak. I’m not use to share gospel in the public places. But, the fact is God makes me enjoy every gospel sharing in the street (just as I prayed to Him before I join internship that I could enjoy the internship and left with no regrets). Everytime as we were in the street, I will pray to God to give me a chance to share gospel, and God answered my prayers. I did felt tense everyday in Bali, but undeniably, God trained me to put mission in action. I always admire others can share gospel wherever they go but I never put it into practice. And I learn a lesson, as I ask God to give me a chance to share gospel, God will grant me that opportunity. It is depending on whether or not I seek to reach out to the people.

There are two incidents which I will never forget. First, one day we shared gospel at Kuta Beach with Pak Dewa, a taxi driver and leader of a Hindu Temple. Medi, Miyuki, Rahel and I saw a guy sat beside Pak Dewa and very interested on our conversation. At that time, I thought that after Pak Dewa, he will be our team’s next contact. But, later I found actually he was a missionary. As we sharing the gospel to Pak Dewa, he was praying for us. I always sang the song “Someone is Praying for You”, and that day God let me experience it. In fact, it gave me more courage to share the gospel because God revealed His promise (He will never leave me and nor forsake me) through a stranger’s intercession.

When I was in Blimbing Sari, I prayed and asked God to let me see any opportunity to serve people. God not only gave me a chance to share my testimony to believers in Blimbing Sari, He also gave me a chance to serve an elderly lady, Ibu Priyasti. Ibu Priyasti loves to sing. On Friday night, I heard her story. Ibu Priyasti blessed a lot of people in the past; no matter she was in good time or difficult time, she always shares God’s story to others. That night, Kheni and I prayed for her. But, when I went back to my guest house, I have a song in my heart that I felt I need to sing to her the next day when I meet her. But I had no chance to met her until before we leave Blimbing Sari. Kheni and I met her in Widhya Asih II (the orphanage in Blimbing Sari). Both of us sang the song “Tuhan Pasti Sanggup (God is Able)” to encourage her and strengthen her faith in God during this difficult time. Today, I was recalled that a month ago, I prayed and asked God to use my singing to serve the people, and my prayer is answered.

God not only answer my prayer, more importantly, He taught me how to do it. As I seek and pray to Him, I see every opportunity to serve Him. Our God is God who listens to our prayer attentively. Before we depart to Bali, Pak Lukas shared that we are all sinners, saved by grace. I thank God that He used my life to bless the people I met. In everything, give thanks!

Prayer Requests:

1. Continue to pray for Bali as most of the Balinese are Hindu believers and never heard about gospel.
2. The next two days we will learn XEE. Pray for our study and OJTs.
3. Kak Rio and Medi lost their luggages today. Their luggages are in Jakarta’s Airport now. Pray that they can get their luggages tomorrow. 
4. Pray for us as we continue to seek God’s will in our life.

~ by Paik Shing (Malaysia) ~

"PNIEL"

PNIEL – this means “Face to face with God”. This is the prayer of the people in Blimbing Sari, Bali. That everyone who visits the village will meet God face to face.

Right after I graduated college, I have planted myself beside the dream of the world – to be successful in my career. But somehow, after several years of working, I felt that I can do more. Despite the earnings and recognitions, there’s emptiness. I felt that something else is missing. At first I had no idea what it was or where to find it; I just knew it wasn’t something I could get in my current work.

It took me 1648 miles or 2651.63 Kilometers (Distance between Manila to Bali) to become aware of what was missing. – And it happened in Blimbing Sari. The only Christian Village in Bali, and it is obvious that the place carry the “Christian” aura from its road, to the houses and especially through its people.

My three days and two nights stay in Blimbing Sari had brought me to the simplicity of life. The stillness and peacefulness of the village allowed me to connect deeply and appreciate the beauty of life. The quiet street helped me to slow down and think about the ways of the Lord. The hospitality of the citizens reminded me of my family. The children at the orphanage conveyed me my childhood dream of becoming a teacher and doing social works.

Through these experiences, God tenderly let me see that I’ve been seeking the world – the temporary joy and fulfillment. Staying in the world, made me thirsty, dehydrated and if I stay in the world any longer, I will wither and eventually will die.

 God’s desire for me (and for everyone) is to be like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruits in season and whose leaf does not wither. Whatever he does prospers. (Psalm 1:3). This is the kind of success that I need to seek. –To plant my tree (life) beside the source of the living water – Jesus Christ so that I will never be thirsty. I will not fear when the heat comes, for my leaves remain green. I will not be anxious in the year of drought, for I will not cease to bear fruit. (Jeremiah 17:8)

As for me, PNIEL will be a living testimony. I’ve encountered God once more. And I pray that in whatever I do, I’ll be able to glorify God. - Mary Ann, the Philippines.