Why Southeast Asia?

When I was first asked to go to Southeast Asia, my first thought was “WHAT?” About 30 seconds later my thoughts immediately switched to “Why God, why?” I genuinely was hoping to go back to Orlando for the Summer Orlando Project, and be in the comfort of last year. So after letting go my thoughts of Project, I decided to try to take in and understand why God might be calling me to go to Southeast Asia and spread the Gospel there.  So, I asked the question: Why does God call me (and us) to mission?

Here’s what the Bible says:

·         Mark 6:7-13 – Jesus sends the disciples out to preach the word as short term missionaries

·         Acts 1:8 – Jesus commands the apostles to do work in Jerusalem and to the ends of the earth.

o   What is Jerusalem? – Campbell?

o   Ends of the earth = the globe

·         2 Peter 3:9 – God wants all to hear the message of the Gospel, including unreached people groups

·         Ephesians 2:10 – God calls us each to a specific purpose, and wants us to glorify us through that purpose.

o   My skills: communication, photography, boldness

o   Those skill are very applicable to cross-cultural mission 

·         Matthew 5:14-15 – Light of the world. Glorify God through His work in the kingdom

·         Matthew 22:36-40 – Greatest commandments are call to love

o   How do we live out that love?

·         Matthew 28:18-20 – Great Commission is living out the love of the Savior. 

So, in conclusion:

Why do I want to go? Why should I go?

·        -   because I share God's heart for the lost

·        -  because I want to reach the lost for Jesus

 -     - because God wants me to follow his will

·         - because God wants me to trust Him

Having come to this conclusion, Spotify magically stepped in and began to play the song, “Somewhere in the Middle” by Casting Crowns. Here’s the chorus: 

“Fearless warriors in a picket fence, reckless abandon wrapped in common sense Deep water faith in the shallow end and we are caught in the middle
With eyes wide open to the differences, the God we want and the God who is
But will we trade our dreams for His or are we caught in the middle”

I think God is calling me to trade my dreams of financial security, of studying abroad, of having it easy in Orlando this summer, of keeping Him at an arm’s distance for His love, His will, and His peace in my life. I think God wants me to grow in my faith, and gain deep, robust, rebounding faith. I’m scared, so scared to try to do this. But I really think I need to try.  Please friends, pray for me in this journey!!