In Their Own Words

our short-term team members. Posted on 29 May 2009.

 "The time at the orphanage was tough in several ways. Yet God had clearly called me and provided for me to come on the team. When I saw things happen that I didn't like and seemed wrong, He reminded me again that whatever loss of comforts and whatever challenges I experienced and didn't like, it was nothing compared to the sacrifice Jesus made when He left the glory and joy of Heaven to come to earth and live an uncomfortable life and die an excruciatingly painful death for me. Recognizing again this basic fact gave me a new love for Him and for these children whom He has made and loves dearly. God told me that in spite of what sometimes seems slow or even no progress, He IS working and He DOES want us to keep on going to fulfil His purposes of bringing His love and purposes to these children. Bringing God's love to those children even for just a week is worthwhile and imperative, and our going there IS making a positive and lasting difference to their lives. When we follow Him, our labour is NOT in vain. His ways are amazing." - Mercy team member

"I give thanks to God for allowing me to see things through His eyes and listen to those we visited through His Heart. God showed me the needs of the land and the cry of the young generation in China. What impacted me was the need for more people to serve in the field." - Pastors' team member

"It was truly a wonderful trip. We broke bread every day and prayed for the work and for protection. Each day we went to another area to pray and enjoy the sights. We broke bread in the middle of a Buddhist Temple and the city square, at the top of mountains and in places where the name of the Lord Jesus is not known. I understand that some will think that it's foolish to spend a lot of money to go to China to pray, when I could do that very well at home. But only if you heed the call to go will you ever know why we go. In a strange way, Scripture becomes more alive in the dark places of the world. In places where the Word is not known, it is a joy to read it and praise the Lord. To pray in the homeland of a dark satanic power gives a feeling of the true power of our God and the great grace that He has shown us. Will I be going back if the Lord wants me to? It is a very positive YES." - Intercession team member

"The course on leadership was well-received. They were so hungry and thirsty for God and to partner with Him in His Kingdom's work. Early one morning, we were at a Sunday service in a church member's home. The place was basic and crammed. The congregation overflowed outside the "sanctuary", which was the bedroom! ‘J' shared on how to raise Godly, disciplined children. And in that humble place, the Holy Spirit moved so powerfully. At the second place, I saw God greatly at work. An uneducated lady couldn't read road signs, but she was able to read the Bible! A vision-impaired diabetic young lady was so fervent in prayer, praising and worshipping. I have a lot to learn from these less privileged brothers and sisters in Christ." - GIFT team member

"We successfully made four drops to some very grateful people and we visited five cities - some below freezing and some pleasantly warm at 25 degrees C! China is a land of contrasts - spiritually and materially. Even in mid winter the countryside outside the train windows is beautiful and varied. The believers we met generally reported that the security forces were making things tight for them. All were sure of the great needs of their immediate neighbours for salvation and sanctification, and were absolutely sure that the Bibles and books we carried to them would have a lasting effect for good." - Courier team member