The Lord has been faithful from the beginning and He will be faithful until the end. For starters, I’ve seen countless prayers be answered in the past month…
I’ve encountered Buddhist monks, atheist tourists and agnostic students, all of which have been kind people and good friends. Just in past week or so, I had the chance to hangout with a very spiritual Buddhist who talked about making payments to karma in order to receive an inheritance in the next life. I was able to share about how Jesus made the final payment and wants to freely give us an inheritance. Praying that he would have supernatural encounters with God. Another day, I was in a coffee shop where I met a Canadian my age traveling alone. She was so fun to talk to, we went to the beach and had a really interesting conversation about the creation of the world. I was reading “Knowing God” by Tim Keller and gave her the book to hopefully have some questions answered. Praying she finds satisfaction in the Father. Then Lianne and I made a friend from English club. She wants to open a coffee shop but her parents are making her go to university. Praying that she would not be able to escape the Lords love for her.
As the Lord has shown me His love for me in new ways, my love for His people has grown tremendously. “What new ways?” you ask, so glad you asked! I’ve found a new kind of security in His embrace. He has breathed new life into the words that I’ve read before in the Bible. My life has been a response to His love, instead of an effort to earn His love. He is such a freely loving Father, who just wants the hearts of His children. There is so much freedom in His grace!
I’m praying that I will remain walking in the freedom of His grace as we enter into a country where there are many unfamiliar cultural customs. Like not using your left hand or pointing your feet towards someone. It’s a shame and honor culture so it’s relationally minded over our justice minded culture. We are currently on the bus to Cambodia. Our 17 hr bus ride, turned into a well… we’re on 27 hrs and only in Ho Chi Minh. Let’s just say we had some issues at the border. But hopefully our visas will be renewed and we will be on our way in a few days.
But I couldn’t be more grateful for the encounters I’ve had that have revealed more of His character. I’m so grateful for Vision English Center for facilitating a space to talk with the locals and meet so many new people. I’m confident that the Lord will continue to soften the hearts of the people in Da Nang.
