Missionary

by Matt

Even though ministry here is packed, I’m actually enjoying it very much. Life and Ministry here is like a mission trip in a mission trip. Its like for me, I’m based in Kathmandu but I go out to the villages for weeks at a stretch. After that its back to Kathmandu then go out some where else again. Much time is spent on traveling, teaching, preaching. I love it! The (unclean?) food, the bumpy rides on top of buses, the uphill downhill hikes, watching stars lying on top of hay, the people; I love them all!

When I evaluate my gifting and the way I was brought up, I was surprised to figure out that I am made for such missional living. Even the village people and my translator were surprised that I can take whatever they give me. I thanked God that when I was young my mom forced me to eat everything (except chili). On top of that, somehow I have no travel sickness (in fact, I love the curvy bumpy roads), my stomach is strong enough to eat and drink their things, I can preach in moment’s notice, I blend-in fast, and I can join the dots to figure out what people are thinking and saying in Nepali. My translators told me many times that I am built for Nepal.

I guess God’s purpose of bringing me here is accomplished. He has shown me what He wants me to do in the future and he has opened a door for me. I have always been wondering where God would place me after I graduate since there was never a connection of belonging in the Grace office. No matter how I square myself I do not seem to fit their work culture and ministry nature. I actually find me dumbing myself down when working with some people in the office. It is not the that anything is wrong with the office. I do not think people there actually mean malice. I guess the culture is something unconsciously created. I guess I am not their type either. The most amazing thing is that when I told the missionaries here in Nepal what I just wrote prior, they understand me totally and ditto-ed. Coolz! I’m not alone. I thought I was the only weird problem-ed one when I was in Singapore.

Anyways after I came back from five days of village life in Dolakha, I met Ps. Matthew Wai and his wife Lydia in Kathmandu. They are here for a teaching trip and I am to assist Ps. Matthew in teaching. So when we met, they chatted with me during dinner. I was so surprised at the topics raised they raised.

1) “Is this what you want to do? If yes, then I would be able to work out something for you. I will talk with you soon.” Ps. Matthew Wai

2) “It is very important for a Minister to be married; if you do, your wife is your protection. Do you have a girlfriend?” Lydia Wai

Oh mans, I almost fainted at the questions. But then those were the top two issues that I have been thinking about lately too. So I took time to ask Lydia why she chose Ps. Matthew in the beginning… and I asked Ps. Shu Eng how she manages her marriage and family when she herself is out of the house on teaching / supervisory trips all of the time. These are the things I needed to know and I guess God has put me in the right place at the right time for all of them to be answered.

God has still not put in my heart any specific country, but now I am clear without a shadow of doubt of what I want and about my choices. At least now I know where to drive my energy with regards to ministry focus and hmm… love life? Ha.