Filed under: Missions and Miscellaneous
Hello again world! It has definitely been a while since I’ve posted. But nonetheless I am back for the moment so here goes:
My dear friends and family,
Hope this letter finds you well! I have honestly just found the time to sit down, collect my thoughts and let you know just what I will be doing this winter break after what seemed to be a hectic but extremely fulfilling summer. As some of you might already be aware, I will be serving in Nepal and India this coming winter from December 21, 2010 to January 7, 2011 with my home church, Chinese Church in Christ, and as such I would love to let you in on why I have decided to go, what I will be doing there and of course, how you can support me through all of this
When I first learned of what the missions trip entailed, I was immediately intrigued as children and youth ministries would be the main foci, both of which I have enjoyed serving through my own church and in past missions trips that I have been blessed to be a part of. After seeing pictures from previous teams that have served there, I was almost certain I wanted to join, although I must confess that it was not as swift of a decision process as I had anticipated. It was certainly a struggle deciding whether to stay at home with friends and family during my Winter break or to serve abroad, although God has convicted me time and time again since then of His calling and reminded me that His will should supersede my personal desires and preferences. And given the countless blessings God has poured out upon me over the years, so His love prompts me to reach out to the children and youth in Nepal, that God may use me to love and care for them during my stay there. It is for this very reason that I have decided to be part of this year’s Nepal and India team.
Once we arrive in Nepal, the team will spend the first few days visiting various orphanages in Katmandu, Nepal’s capital. The visits will be brief; as these are not the main orphanages we will be working with, although condensed VBS programs, bible studies, skits and songs will be presented as with our other visits later on. The latter two weeks thus will be focused on two particular children’s homes: one in Parshadhap just south of the Nepal-India border in Northern India and another in Bardia in Western Nepal. I personally will be in charge of leading small group for the youth at the children’s homes along with two of my teammates, preparing different studies that will reach out to the youth who do not yet know Christ and to strengthen and encourage those who have already committed their lives to God. Of course that is not all that I will be doing, as the entire team will be helping out in all the other ministries besides the one they are leading. We are, however, in the process of planning and putting together these bible studies now, so please be praying for us that God will provide us with the proper passages and guidance as we compile the studies.
Once we arrive in Nepal, the team will spend the first few days visiting various orphanages in Katmandu, Nepal’s capital. The visits will be brief; as these are not the main orphanages we will be working with, although condensed VBS programs, bible studies, skits and songs will be presented as with our other visits later on. The latter two weeks thus will be focused on two particular children’s homes: one in Parshadhap just south of the Nepal-India border in Northern India and another in Bardia in Western Nepal. I personally will be in charge of leading small group for the youth at the children’s homes along with two of my teammates, preparing different studies that will reach out to the youth who do not yet know Christ and to strengthen and encourage those who have already committed their lives to God. Of course that is not all that I will be doing, as the entire team will be helping out in all the other ministries besides the one they are leading. We are, however, in the process of planning and putting together these bible studies now, so please be praying for us that God will provide us with the proper passages and guidance as we compile the studies.
So how exactly do you fit into this? Well, as you might be aware, this trip is going to require two very important resources, one being prayers and the other money. The trip is going to cost approximately $3150, and as much as I would like to pay for it myself, I realize how important it is for the church to be the ones supporting me, that we might all be reaching out to bless the children in Nepal and India. Having your support would also mean that I am going as a representative of all of you, and that being said it will definitely keep me more focused and be reminded of my role as I serve in Nepal and India. Of course, I definitely understand if for one reason or another it might be difficult for you to support me, so please do not take this as an obligation. Aside from financial support, however, my team and I will be in constant need of prayer both as we prepare for and when we embark on our trip. I would appreciate it so much if you could please pray for the following items:
1. Heart Attitude. I must confess that unlike other Missions trips in the past, I am certainly not feeling as excited about this one because it is during winter break. God has certainly reminded me again and again that He should be first, but it has definitely been a struggle for me to really believe that. Please be praying for my heart and attitude towards this trip, that whatever distractions will be removed and that my sole focus is to serve Him.
2. Wisdom and Discernment. Two of my team members and I, as mentioned earlier, will be putting together the bible studies for the youth in Nepal and India in the coming months. Pray that God will give us guidance as to the questions that should be asked and the main themes and lessons to be taken from the passages.
3. For the Children and Youth. My heart breaks for them and I am excited to be able to share with them how God has impacted my life. Pray that they would have open hearts and minds that will be accepting of what we have to say as we minister to them and for the Spirit to develop thoughts and questions within them about Jesus.
4. For Bob and Bobbie and the servants there. I know we are probably more in their way than helping out, but I also understand that we are often encouragement to them and to their ministry, so please pray for the workers at the orphanage (Bob and Bobbie are the missionaries we’ll be working with) that we may be there to support, encourage and assist them in any way possible. Pray that their passion for God will burn ceaselessly and that they will not feel exhausted or tired in their ministry.
Finally, here is the link if you would like to support me on this Missions trip: Click to Donate and be part of my Missions Trip! Whatever amount God has set upon your heart will be good, and a big thank you in advance on behalf of the children and youth I will have the opportunity to minister to in a few short months. I will keep you guys updated on what’s going on as the time draws near, but for now, feel free to visit http://team-nepal.blogspot.com/ to meet the rest of the team and to get some further information. Thank you again so much for all of your support and love!
P.S. If you don’t want to donate via PayPal or you’d like a receipt for future tax deductions, please email me and I will let you know where to send the funds to! Thanks!
God Bless,
Kristian
