MDTS: the 411

Starting next week I will be embarking on an exciting 5-month mission trip with Compassions Discipleship Training School (CDTS), hosted by Youth With a Mission (YWAM).  I will be spending time deepening my own discipleship, and exploring how I can use my skills and career in the mission field.   In the past several months, God opened my eyes to how His compassionate heart and my future career in social work can intertwine.  

For the past seven years, God has been shaping my passion for both these areas.  I have had the privilege of ministering to international students while in college , as well as work with high school students here at my own church.  I have also had opportunities to serve overseas short-term in mainland China and Taiwan.  

Furthermore, God has allowed me the wonderful chance to study social work these past two years.  Social justice—feeding the hungry, giving water to the thirsty, and caring for orphans, widows, and foreigners—this is all part of Jesus’ calling!  I have learned that the gospel is not just a message, but the loving actions that reflect the heart and compassion of Jesus.  The Lord says, “Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with your God.” (Micah 6:8). 

The Compassion DTS is a training and missions program geared specifically toward mercy ministries, combining social work and God’s mission.  I will be undergoing evangelism and discipleship training for 3 months in Hong Kong.  After that, our team will spend 2 months doing outreach missions work.

When I had first applied to this program, I had chosen to train in Hong Kong because of their long-term work in Asia.  I felt that this would be a perfect opportunity to continue visioning about whether God might call me into full-time ministry in Asia in the future. But God’s plans seem to be bigger and higher than my own.  Our Compassion DTS team has been called by God to go to southern Africa.   

These are places I have never dreamed of going to, but have so many needs for Jesus to heal and provide for.  Following God is never safe or easy, but always joyful and life-transforming.  I cannot wait to share what I will be learning from being in both Asia and Africa!  

I'll be trying to post updates and personal sharings on my blog.  Thanks for following/reading; please feel free to drop a line/email/comment/give a 10-second prayer on my behalf, I'd be so grateful!  :)