Learning and Loving Beyond Borders

Isaiah 55:8-9 tells us that God’s thoughts and ways are not those of ours; they are infinitely higher as the heavens are so over the earth. We keep learning this timeless truth even in our Mission experiences.
Our Lord Jesus’ final injunction for mission before His ascension reflects God’s way for mission procedure and advancement: “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth.” (Acts 1:8)

As we prayerfully rely on the Lord for His Spirit’s filling to empower us to be His faithful witnesses we learn that He does lead us to bear faithful witness for Him from near to far – at home, abroad to neighbouring regions and further beyond borders to reach out to the lost and needy.

Hence, having led family members and workplace contacts through various means of grace, one by one, over many years, to come to Christ for salvation, we were led to leave our home country to be equipped for more challenging tasks of evangelistic outreach beyond borders.

After having been engaged with a ‘creative access nation’ for over 20 years in discipling, mentoring and counselling ministries, we were given a needed break when COVID-19 hit our planet. In the rhythm of life this hiatus in 2020 was a significant time for spiritual refreshment with intensified vigilance (watchful prayer) while resting and reflecting on God’s prophetic word. We took note of His sovereign grace, guidance and governance over all global events, and reaffirmed His unmistakable calling for us in mission ministries as specified by our Lord in His Great Commission in Matthew 28:18-20.

The missional reality remain unchanged: the harvest is still plentiful but labourers few (Matthew 9:35-38). The sovereign initiative of God was evident once more as He opened the door to online teaching of His vital end-time message in the Book of Revelation. Teaching online allowed us to reach beyond borders to those who hunger for God’s truth in these tumultuous times plagued with fake news and numerous false teachings! In Christ’s love, God prepared a technical team who worked with us to learn together to bring God’s Word to online attendants. Thus the crucial lessons from Christ’s last word to His church were broadcasted with love to folks near and far beyond borders! Many were greatly blessed, we learned. Our hearts are filled with thanksgiving to our great God!

Through social media, lost contacts were recovered and old friendships renewed across borders. Thus, my ex-students of over half a century ago invited me to share in their church which they are pastoring. Hence, when travel lines were opened, mission trips resumed. The first was to our neighbouring country to help a small struggling church both spiritually and practically, and then to South Asia to encourage a Brethren mission organisation by practically supporting their 28 extensive ministries to reach out to the many who were down and out, poor and needy, marginalised, desperate, sick and helpless.

All in all, love was rekindled and much was learnt as lessons were taken to heart to walk more closely with our precious Lord Jesus to plant our feet in His footprints! To God be the glory forever and ever! Amen!

 By sister Leong King Teng