What God Taught Me Through Short-Term Missions

In the summer of 2024, I had the privilege to go to Southeast Asia and serve with Avant to help teach English. I taught for two weeks and was able to connect with the people quite a bit. One of the reasons I decided to go with Avant to Southeast Asia was because I wanted to actually help the ministry of the people I would visit. It is always a balance with short-term trips between being a help and hinderance to the ministry. Even though I wanted to be in ministry, I also realized my limitations in not speaking a second language and how I would be coming new into the culture. I am very thankful to the Avant team in Southeast Asia for allowing me to visit and present a conversational English course. I am confident that God used me to, at the very least, help my students hear the Truth just once.

During my trip, I heard stories of intentionally sharing the gospel with two women who had hardened their hearts to Christ. For seven years the believers poured Truth into the lives of these women with no encouragement that either wanted to know more of Christ. In both cases, God chose to soften their hearts during the Covid-19 lockdown. For one, being separated from the believers allowed her to confirm the Truth of the gospel for herself. For the other unbeliever, the isolation was despairing. During that dark time, she started to remember the Truth she had heard from the believers. She wanted to know if what they had said was true, so she prayed and eventually found a Bible and read the Truth for herself. In both cases, I am awe-inspired by the work of the believers. It took many years of constant ministry. By the convictions of the Holy Spirit, these two women were saved. That is such a testimony to every believer in any ministry.

God taught me countless lessons through my trip. I am just a college student from the Midwest, yet God planted a passion for cross-cultural ministry in my heart. During my ministry overseas, I faced a lot of obstacles, both physical and spiritual. I watched as the Avant team navigated different difficult situations. As I got to know my students and grew to care for them more, I saw how deeply embedded lies and false doctrine can be in the lives of some. Despite the difficult ministry situations, my desire to go into cross-cultural ministry was not impeded. I am grateful I was able to experience difficult ministry to prepare me for the future; I am more determined to go overseas for ministry than ever before. Yes, difficulties will always be present. In some places, difficulties will be greater, but the people’s need for Jesus will always remain the same. I am just so glad God is allowing me to help bring the Truth to people of other cultures.