D-1

Yes, I’m ready to go.

I will be departing tomorrow 6am. Some of you will receive my email on the first opportunity that I have the internet access somehow. Please be aware not to use any believer’s jargons in the email for the safety reason. I will use the different email address christine.lee@gbaships.org  Pls don’t throw it in the spam box.

I’d like to thank everyone who supported and encouraged me for this trip. My lovely sheeps, you were my joy and fruits of my labor, may the Lord multiply you and bless many lives through you. Sisi my dear friend, I still owe you a birthday meal when you come back. We won’t say “thank you Lord for the Dinner we are about to drink”.  Mr Mong, your caring and genuine heart is second to none, give your life for the Lord and be all you can be! err, and Safe driving. Ray who supported me all the way, thank you, I am deeply impressed at how phenomenal men of God you are! Joy my dear shepherd, I thank God for your patience and understanding. Wenan, You are the best pastor ever! yes I will try to behave myself better next year. Ps WL and LL, thank you for an encouraging card, without you I’m not here.

Daniels, Daniels.. So many cards and pictures, encouraging words and prayers- you are my inspiration. Many of you have financially supported this trip as well, how precious are your loving heart!I’ve always received more than what I could give.  D2 JGs what a wonderful and joyous bunch, u r my favorite people. Daniels has been the best part of my life, and My heart will go on and on for you all.  And last but not least, Lord Jesus you are my King, all I could ever sacrifice is worth for you.

Think of it, it’s like a miracle how the deemest idea has came into shape, and finally come to pass as a reality. What a worthwhile journey of the preperation! I have no regeret no matter what may happen during the trip.

Now, Farewell, my sweet.

From the master bedroom to the floor

It’s my 3rd night Iwill be sleeping on the couch in the living room. You may wonder, what on earth has happened to the owner of this apartment? Here is the story..

At the beginning of this year, someone asked whether I would be willing to share my master bedroom with someone. Without hesitation I answered then, ” NO WAY!! I am the only one who pays for this house. And after the long days work, I want a place where I can just unwind and be by myself. I think at least I DESERVE that much! Sharing my room would be the last thing on my head!”

Towards the middle of the year when the idea of mission trip has popped up, things were begin to change. I realised, with only by spending less I won’t be able to save up the amount of fund I needed. I had to CREATE more income. – SHARING ROOM. I sighed. Anything for you Lord..  I headed to the Ikea and got a desk and a bunk bed. Within couple of months, I had three different roommates in my room. Sunny, Sara, then finally Apple moved in.  

As Josh is planning to move out with Judah friends next year, I planned to move in to Josh’s room next year. So I advertised a room for someone who would share the master bedroom with Apple. Soon I got a lovely korean girl name Mi-ha. She had to move in right away due to her contract ending, and I had to vacant my space for her. Now, my bro’s room has his stuff and my stuff literally E.V.E.R.Y.W.H.E.R.E! And of course I get to sleep outside because Josh usually sleeps late thus gets up late. We doesn’t want a half naked man lying on the floor in the morning!

Last night, curled up in the sleeping bag, I thought of what I said when someone asked about the idea of sharing a room. Did I shouted that I DESERVE what? I’ve just wrote to a sister in Singapore and said I am happy if someone could just provide me a piece of floor and a roof to sleep under. And I meant it.

 God is an expert in humbling me. Jesus never had a place to rest his head anyway. And he sure is sharing a taste of it with me, and I am greatful for that. I am learning more about the beauty of living a simple life. Truth is, the more we have, the harder it gets to let go. Psalmist surely knew the secret of the contentment.

   Give me neither poverty nor riches,
       but give me only my daily bread.

   Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
       and say, ‘Who is the LORD ?’
       Or I may become poor and steal,
       and so dishonor the name of my God.

Psalm 30:8-9

10/40 Window

While preparing for this mission, Lord has opened my eyes to the needs of the world out there, the people who have nothing to do with me personally. I don’t know what happened but the urgency and sense of responsibility is almost overwhelming.

I’ve shared about the 10/40 window during the group shepherding with my sheeps. This is something always mentioned during mission presentation.

10/40 window

This is the regions of the eastern hemisphere located between 10 and 40 degrees north of the equator. These area eye popping factors about this boxed area.

• Center of population: Two-thirds of the world’s population — more than 3.2 billion people — live in the 10/40 Window.
• Unreached and unevangelized: 95% of the people living in the 10/40 Window have never heard the Gospel message even once. There are either no Christians or a Christian movement to do any kind of evangelism. Islam, Buddhism and Hinduism are centered within the 10/40 Window.
• Poverty: 85% percent of those living in the 10/40 window are the poorest of the world.

When I was applying for this mission trip, I didn’t know that we would go to the Middle East. Initially the itinerary was to be around the Thailand, Indonesia and India. But apparently we will sail for 15 days straight to go towards the Middle East.

This is the place christians are being killed for admitting they are christian. Their friends will disown them and even attack their own family members for claim the christianity. Jokingly I said ‘I hope I will come back in one piece’ , but there are people who lives there to share the gospel in simple obedience to the Lord!

How much should one love the Lord wto be ready to throw one’s own lives for the sake of the people they have nothing to do with? It’s  basic desires of the human to be safe, accepted, comfortable and entertained. Yet they forsake all, in sure hope of Heaven and love for the lost soul!

I am totally ashamed for my selfish christian life, wanting all the blessing and protection only for my sake. I don’t know what the Lord would have for me through this trip. Honestly I’m afraid to know.

But, I know of this one thing.

I will never be the same.