Mission Trip to South Asia: Embracing Resilience and Hope Across Continents
We recently embarked on a two-week mission with ASON International to Asia, a trip that balanced leadership team bonding with visits to our mother church and several rural village churches. Our aim was to uplift the local leaders, who've been dealing with challenges like persecution and safety concerns. As a new member of ASON International, it was essential for me to dive into this culture firsthand and connect deeply with the people we're here to support. For safety reasons, I'll keep our exact location under wraps - security by obscurity.
The travel to our destination was an adventure in itself, spanning a full 40 hours from door to door. My first experience in an Asian country, every part of the journey highlighted the stark contrasts of this nation. After landing at the region's largest airport, a six-hour car ride awaited us, taking us to the heart of our mission. The traffic was a whole new world compared to what I've seen in Europe or the U.S. A mix of motorbikes, rickshaws, tractor-trailers, and buses swirled around us, navigating the roads in a way that seemed chaotic yet strangely coordinated.
During a significant traffic jam, where progress slowed to a crawl, I found myself reflecting on the journey. Watching travelers in less comfortable situations, I felt a strong sense of gratitude. People crammed into buses or perched on tractor-trailers, all braving the heavy smog laden air to get home for a major holiday. It was a real eye-opener about the different lives people lead and the resilience they show.
The mission trip started with this lesson in perspective and gratitude, rooted in the experience of being stuck in traffic in a foreign country. Halfway through our drive, we stopped for a late dinner and our first taste of local tea. The cost of the meal, just $5 USD for three, was a reminder of the different economic conditions here. The second half of our drive was smoother, moving us away from the city's hustle.
Throughout the drive, I trusted our driver to navigate the busy roads and roundabouts, where traffic rules seemed more like suggestions. The constant honking, a stark contrast to what it would mean back home, was actually an integral part of how people communicated on the road here.
Our hotel was our base for visiting various churches in the area. Each church was at a different stage – some were home churches, others under construction, and some fully built. Meeting the local pastors and their families, hearing their stories of faith in the face of challenges, was humbling. Their dedication, despite risks and confrontations, was inspiring.
One thing that struck me was how Christians here greet each other. Despite risks, they use phrases like 'Jesus Messiah' or 'Praise the Lord' as a bold statement of faith. This greeting, filled with joy and brotherhood, was unlike anything I've seen in countries where Christianity is more common. It was a powerful display of their strong, sincere faith in difficult circumstances.
On our first Sunday, we made our way to a small rural village home church, a place that has blossomed into a vibrant congregation over the past year. Our approach was discreet, mindful of the village's dynamics and the safety of the church members post-visit. The sound of rhythmic drumming and joyful worship greeted us as we neared the gate. There, a shower of flower petals and the placement of fragrant floral leis around our necks welcomed us—a tradition steeped in warmth and honor. The patriarch, owner of the home that doubled as a church, radiated happiness at our arrival. It was evident from the outset that this church was not just surviving but thriving, a testament to the clear and consistent preaching of the gospel over the years.
The locals’ gesture of touching our shoes as a sign of respect was profoundly humbling. Their strength in faith was palpable, and I felt a deep sense of mutual respect. This simple yet powerful act was a reminder of the universal language of faith and reverence that transcends cultures and borders.
The following two days of our mission were filled with an infectious excitement, as we organized a conference for leaders from various outlying churches. The event took place at a local hotel, chosen specifically for safety reasons. The theme, 'Perseverance during Times of Struggle', resonated deeply with everyone, considering the challenges we all knew too well.
But the highlight of the conference was undoubtedly the ordination of four new pastors. This was a monumental moment for us – a testament to the growth and evolution of our ministry. What started as a humble mission had now blossomed into a diocese-like entity, with our local leader taking on a role akin to a bishop. This gave him the authority to ordain pastors, empowering them to officiate Christian marriages, a significant step in our ministry's journey.
Witnessing the ordination was a moment of pride and inspiration. It was a first for our local leader, and for us, it marked a pivotal point in our mission's journey. To be present at this turning point, where we could almost touch the palpable sense of exponential growth, was an experience that filled us with hope and anticipation for the future.
One of the most peaceful locations we visited was a remote outlying church, recently completed with housing for the pastor and his family. The sanctuary, in its simplicity, was a haven of tranquility. Here, we met a pastor whose life story was a remarkable testament to divine providence. Born to a mother who, in a time of dire poverty, attempted to abort him, his life began under precarious circumstances. He survived birth with paper-thin, burned-like skin, initially thought to be stillborn until he took his first breath upon the cutting of the umbilical cord. His journey through adulthood was marked by hardship and depression, but a turning point came when he met our head pastor. Embracing Christianity, he found a joy and purpose that transformed his life, leading him to become one of the four pastors ordained at our conference. Standing in his sanctuary, witnessing the peace and strength he had found, was an unforgettable and deeply moving experience.
Our evenings were often spent visiting the homes of various church members, where they welcomed us with open hearts, warmth, and generosity. These gatherings, filled with home-cooked meals and quality time, were a testament to the kind spirits of our hosts. After a brief retreat at a distant resort, we took the opportunity to allow our head pastor some much-deserved rest and relaxation with his children. This time also served as a chance to assist in translating theological training materials into the local language.
Returning for the final Sunday, we visited the mother church, joining the largest congregation yet. Our head pastor had selflessly prioritized funding the completion of several outlying churches, leaving the mother church and his own housing unfinished – yet the spirit of the congregation was unbreakable. They gathered every Sunday, steadfast in their resolve, rain or shine. The atmosphere was electric as we worshipped together and shared our message and prayers. Many came forward, seeking prayers for various health concerns and spiritual guidance.
As we conclude this mission trip, our hope and prayer are that we can complete the mother church before our return next year, and that the political and bureaucratic hurdles will be lifted to accelerate this process. Now back home in the U.S., amidst the stark contrast of different living standards and much smoother traffic, I sit at my desk, profoundly moved by what I have experienced. Each person I met, each story I heard, has been etched into my heart, forever changing my perspective on life and faith. May God bless them, and lift them up in their walk with Christ.
